Getting in and out of tight turns aboard today's big-bore four-strokes is easier ever since Yamaha, KTM and Honda have produced lighter and more powerful machinery. However, flicking the bike around can still pose some challenges when competing against lighter two-stroke fliers. Because supercross boasts some of the tightest turns, we headed to Lake Elsinore's supercross facility. We turned to Team Subway rider Ted Campbell for some insight since he's piloting a Honda CRF450R during the 2003 supercross and Outdoor seasons.
Campbell stated the key to getting a four-stroke in and out of a corner fast lies in the approach and allowing the bike to settle into the turn before letting her have it. He enters the corner hard on the brakes with his body weight thrown over the tank to keep the front wheel biting into the corner. The idea is not to slide in and slam into the rut, but rather to flow into and through the turn. If a rider goes in too hot, there is a greater chance the bike will stand up in the turn and possibly even high-side.
As Campbell enters he starts to set the bike in the turn by centering his weight while still putting enough drive on the front wheel to keep the bike tracking. Right before the apex a rider can make or break a turn. If the gas is applied too soon, the bike wants to stand up and it takes a lot of energy and clutch slippage to make a correction. If the rider attempts to cut the turn early, the front wheel knifes under, throwing off the flow of the turn.
With the bike firmly settled, Campbell is centered on the bike, his inside leg extended and slightly lofted above the dirt to avoid snagging. Now the rider starts the transition to get back on the gas. Again, flow is important; this is why a full load of throttle doesn't always mean go fast. On a big four-stroke, the idea is to apply a smooth delivery of power to the rear wheel. We still witness a slew of local pro riders stabbing the throttle way too hard, the result a violently spinning rear tire and clutch abuse. Traction is your friend, especially on a four-stroke although a rider should still always have a finger or two on the clutch lever to regulate the power to the rear wheel if necessary.
As the exit approaches, Campbell knows a small jump looms ahead. Even with the posing obstacle, it doesn't stop him from gaining momentum upon exiting the turn. The idea behind this jump was to roll the top and stay on the ground to allow enough room to drive toward an impending long, low-level supercross-style double. With a good drive out of the corner, Campbell holds his composure and keeps his body centered on the bike while the rear wheel continues the drive forward. If a rider stands the bike up too soon or grabs too much throttle, the bike has a natural tendency to start to drift outward.
Tight turns on big thumpers don't have to be avoided. Perfecting the operation and execution at half speed propels a rider to the next level. With the proper technique and enough practice, speed is a natural progression.