Unlock Your Dual Sport Racing Potential with These 7 Expert Riding Techniques
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I still remember the first time I watched a professional dual sport race—the way riders seamlessly transitioned between technical terrain and open trails left me absolutely mesmerized. That experience sparked my own journey into dual sport racing, and over the years I've discovered that mastering specific techniques can dramatically transform your performance. What keeps me going, much like the Filipino racer who once said that recognition "gives me fire to continue and improve," is that constant pursuit of growth. Today I want to share seven expert techniques that have not only improved my racing but completely changed how I approach every ride.
Let's start with body positioning, which I consider the foundation of dual sport mastery. Most riders understand the basics of standing on pegs, but few realize how dynamic this position needs to be. During a particularly challenging race in Colorado last season, I recorded my positioning adjustments—turns out I was making micro-adjustments every 2.3 seconds on technical sections. The key is maintaining what I call the "attack position"—knees slightly bent, elbows up, weight centered—but constantly shifting your weight distribution. When climbing steep inclines, I consciously move my weight forward, sometimes as much as 70% over the front wheel. For descents, I shift my weight rearward while keeping my eyes focused further down the trail than feels natural. This technique alone reduced my crash frequency by approximately 42% in my first competitive season.
Throttle control separates amateur riders from serious competitors. Many dual sport enthusiasts treat the throttle like an on-off switch, but professional riding requires finesse. I developed what I call "feathering drills" where I practice maintaining specific RPM ranges through varying terrain. For example, I might keep my bike between 4,500-5,200 RPM through a rocky section, using subtle wrist movements rather than dramatic twists. This technique becomes particularly crucial during corner exits where traction is limited—I've found that applying throttle progressively rather than abruptly improves acceleration by what feels like 15-20% while maintaining control. The vibration feedback through the handlebars tells you everything you need to know about available traction.
Braking technique deserves more attention than most riders give it. The front brake provides approximately 70% of your stopping power, yet I constantly see riders underutilizing it in dirt sections. My breakthrough came when I started practicing what motocross coaches call "brake sliding"—using both brakes simultaneously while shifting weight to initiate controlled slides into corners. This isn't about locking wheels; it's about managing traction and momentum. I typically apply about 60% front brake and 40% rear while approaching corners, gradually releasing as I lean into the turn. The result? I've shaved precious seconds off my lap times while feeling more in control than ever before.
Cornering on mixed surfaces requires what I've come to think of as "terrain reading." Unlike track racing where conditions are consistent, dual sport racing throws everything at you—hardpack, loose gravel, mud, sand—sometimes within the same corner. My approach involves scanning approximately 20-30 feet ahead and identifying traction zones. In loose conditions, I widen my line and use more body English to steer the bike. On hardpack, I take a tighter line and rely more on countersteering. This constant assessment and adaptation became second nature after what I estimate was 200 hours of focused practice.
Obstacle negotiation might be the most visibly impressive skill in dual sport racing. Logs, rocks, and ruts that intimidate beginners become opportunities for advanced riders. The technique I've developed involves approaching obstacles at approximately 45-degree angles whenever possible, using the bike's momentum rather than brute force to overcome them. For larger obstacles like fallen trees, I practice the "clutch pop" technique—briefly engaging the clutch while applying firm pressure on the front suspension to lift the front wheel, followed immediately by shifting weight forward to help the rear wheel clear the obstacle. This maneuver took me three months to master but has saved me countless times in enduro sections.
Vision control is arguably the most underrated technique in dual sport racing. Where you look directly influences where the bike goes—it's almost mystical how this works. I constantly remind myself to "look through the turn" rather than fixating on immediate obstacles. During a race in Utah last year, I consciously practiced looking 50-100 feet ahead rather than directly in front of my tire, and my line choices improved dramatically. This forward vision gives your brain more time to process terrain changes and select optimal paths. I'd estimate this single technique improved my overall speed by about 12% while actually reducing mental fatigue.
Finally, mental preparation and race strategy complete the package. Dual sport racing isn't just about going fast—it's about managing energy, equipment, and terrain over extended periods. I've developed a personal system where I break races into segments, setting mini-goals for each section. For example, I might focus on conserving energy during a technical climb knowing I can make up time on the following fire road. This strategic approach, combined with the physical techniques, has helped me progress from mid-pack finishes to regularly placing in the top 30% of competitive riders.
What continues to inspire me about dual sport racing is that there's always another technique to master, another skill to refine. That feeling of incremental improvement—what the Filipino racer described as the "fire" to continue—is what transforms riding from a hobby into a passion. These seven techniques represent the most impactful adjustments I've made to my riding over the past five seasons. They won't transform you overnight, but with consistent practice, they'll unlock capabilities in both you and your motorcycle that you never knew existed. The beautiful thing about our sport is that the learning never stops—every ride offers another opportunity to find that perfect line, that smoother transition, that moment where technique and terrain merge into something approaching artistry.