MX Lessons, are they worth it?

5/18/2020 6:36am
Depends by who i guess, i got some lessons a decade ago by 2x world champ John vd Berk at local sand track that that was really cool and learned allot. He hired the whole track and cut it up into sections etc. One thing i remember is that my clutch and brake lever position was really shitty and he grabbed tools and corrected them for me while out on track lol!!
1
kkawboy14
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5/18/2020 6:53am
Depends by who i guess, i got some lessons a decade ago by 2x world champ John vd Berk at local sand track that that was...
Depends by who i guess, i got some lessons a decade ago by 2x world champ John vd Berk at local sand track that that was really cool and learned allot. He hired the whole track and cut it up into sections etc. One thing i remember is that my clutch and brake lever position was really shitty and he grabbed tools and corrected them for me while out on track lol!!
For a beginner, anybody that teaches will help him!
1
5/18/2020 6:56am
Fundamentals sometimes are hard to pick up without someone watching you. Gary semics posts videos of him doing slow fundamental drills with beginner riders, I’ve seen a couple Riders on social media he’s training over Just a weekend and it’s night and day difference.

Then if you take a hiatus from the sport for a long time too probably isn’t a bad idea to get back into classes to help you get back into it.
GODZILLA
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5/18/2020 7:21am Edited Date/Time 5/18/2020 7:43am
Depends by who i guess, i got some lessons a decade ago by 2x world champ John vd Berk at local sand track that that was...
Depends by who i guess, i got some lessons a decade ago by 2x world champ John vd Berk at local sand track that that was really cool and learned allot. He hired the whole track and cut it up into sections etc. One thing i remember is that my clutch and brake lever position was really shitty and he grabbed tools and corrected them for me while out on track lol!!
Top pilots aren't always the best teachers...
And most of them have such natural abilities, plus tons of work on top of it, that they show you things they make look so incredibly easy... until you try.
And then you go for it and realize how much you suck, lol...

3

The Shop

FuseMX21
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5/18/2020 7:40am
I would like to thank everyone for taking their time & react on this topic!
Really, i have decided to take a lesson for sure, with a well known teacher in the area & give it another try.

I really really really want to ride MX, even tho i suck so hard. but everytime i see somoene ride, i just wanna do it too!
So all of this advice gave me motivation & i'll be keeping you all up to date if requested!

Thanks!
4
FLmxer
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5/18/2020 7:48am
There is no negative to taking a moto class. It will always help especially for beginners. I took every class I could even when I was at my best. It was such an advantage. Saturday schools before Sunday Gold cups, winter ams, FL series etc was awesome. There was so many little tricks about the track that you would of never thought of with lines and breaking points. Huge huge advantage. Find some trails to become one with your bike. It takes seat time. Most importantly have fun and remember no one cares about how fast or slow you are. There is no pressure except what you put on yourself. When you fully know this to be true moto is so much easier. Best of luck.
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Cortami79
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5/18/2020 7:54am
Cortami79 wrote:
Learn technique and speed comes with time. If the trainer is a former Pro or close to it with knowledge, yes it could be worth it...
Learn technique and speed comes with time. If the trainer is a former Pro or close to it with knowledge, yes it could be worth it. Seems like you are Dutch as well, you need some technique to attack these sand tracksSmile
FuseMX21 wrote:
Yep dutch, went to vlissingen this weekend, didn't turn out great..
Seems like you are living close to me then. There are quite a few good guys around here coaching and stuff. You can contact me on FB for some recommendations if you would like, Tom Cortvriendt
1
Question
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5/18/2020 9:03am Edited Date/Time 5/18/2020 9:10am
The first laps on a real track always feel sketchy. Don't worry. The more experience and speed you will build, the easier it will be.

That said, maybe the track was not for a beginner. I mean you live in Holland, maybe try to find a hard pack track to begin with, and what you need is to ride a lot your first months to get really confortable (probably a good 100 hours where you should not rush it). I remember my first time on a real track at almost 9 on a 80CR, it was a technical wet sand track in germany with lots of fast riders (national and good regionals, like nothing is better than a prepd and pinned 500 KX blasting you), with gigantic waves, ruts until the pegs, huge uphills and dowhills, I made it because i was riding a ton of minis since i was 3 but it was hectic. It could have easily scared me. 5 months later, riding 3 times a week, i still have the video and i was hauling, it comes quickly you will see.

It is sometimes better to learn how to really control the bike outside of a real track, like a field, a forest, trails, godzilla gave you a good tip with the 8.

As a beginner, I would also suggest to walk the track entirely if possible with a riding friend. You will know where it is sketchy and where to go before riding on it.

2 laps? It is normal, you tend to tense at the beginning but it takes a lot of focus, but maybe your conditioning is not great either. You will build it on the bike for sure, you will learn how to get more relax, but train outside the bike too, at least 2 times 1 hour a week especially the cardio. MX is really hard and if you find yourself in the red zone, you can't be 100% alert which increases a lot the probabilities to crash and to get injured.

Then, the lessons. A few ones will help you to ride safer if someone close to you can't teach you. The biggest issue with beginners is they want to sit all the time. Stand up all the time! When you will feel more in control, you could even remove your seat, that is what coaches do (it is not confortable and you can't grip the bike with your knees, but you get the image). Unless you are a pro looking for that extra traction, the only time you should really sit is exactly between the middle to the exit of the corner, for 1 to 2 seconds. Standing will help you a lot to have more control. The second thing with beginners is they want to rush it like pros, especially on jumps: don't rush it, it takes years to be safe, go progressively on small tabletops for a year before you try anything bigger or any jump with big ruts. Good luck, and don't worry you will have a blast !
GODZILLA
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5/18/2020 9:18am
Back when I began, I remember very well being "condemned" to many, many laps with no seat and no rear brake...
Laughing
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Motoxdoc
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5/18/2020 9:26am
Just like any other lessons, it depends on who’s teaching and how much you’re paying attention. The best info from the best teacher is meaningless if you don’t comprehend it (I can understand keeping your elbows up, but what does lock your hips mean....or are they supposed to be unlocked?Huh ) On the other hand, if you are studious you can learn things from a beginner. Other factors to be considered...How much extra money do you have? How much extra time do you have? How much do you desire to be better?
sandtrack315
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5/18/2020 10:42am
The cheapest thing to do that has the highest payoff is have your friend record you in a fews turns, and have him or her record some fast guys go through those turns as well. You will realize very quickly what you need to change. A lot of shitty riding technique is just people not realizing what they look like. We watch fast people and know what it should look like, but many people have a hard time understanding what they are doing on the track. You will see if you sit down too early, for example, immediately. This is hard to judge when you're riding alone and can't see video of yourself.

After that, get someone who is doing it in small groups and can watch you and give you immediate feedback.

I think it's worth it no matter what your age or goals are, as having better technique is going to keep you safer.
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FWYT
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5/18/2020 10:47am
Yes, absolutely. Best money I've spent on riding was on a few lessons.

On one hand, I am very grateful we got into bikes for the pure reasons - just riding around
in a field for hours on an XR-75. But it sure would have been nice to have developed some
proper technique from the beginning instead of trying to unlearn a 30 year habit.
mark_swart
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5/18/2020 10:48am
A trainer and/or clinics are definitely a good option, but something else to think about is maybe you can find someone who is faster to take you under their wing. Moto is a lot more fun with friends anyway. I know not everyone is like this, but I really enjoy helping beginners figure things out, even though I'm not a trainer by any means. I'm sure there are others out there who also enjoy it though.
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5/18/2020 11:33am Edited Date/Time 5/18/2020 11:34am
yz133rider wrote:
Watch all of his videos front to back and really pay attention. Ive been riding for years and learned a ton watching these videos. https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC3nvMUOYZOi6wQTvc0mUEEQ/playlists
Watch all of his videos front to back and really pay attention.

Ive been riding for years and learned a ton watching these videos.

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC3nvMUOYZOi6wQTvc0mUEEQ/playlists
I second this as I've seen them all. Also watch the MX Factory.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOZm6Utdkljzi8ykk6zndgA/videos

Ive been riding moto for 2 years and have only gotten some guidance from a friend with a private track for a couple hours but I am by and large self taught. When I go ride I always focus on something and it's paid off.
3
zookrider62!
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5/18/2020 12:04pm
Not taking lessons is a regret of mine. I had 2 friends that both rode their entire lives, but did not race. We did our first 2 races when we were on 80s and my friends were terrible, like, lapped in a 5 lap beginner race terrible. 3rd time racing comes around, and they are flying past me, and I have no clue why. Turns out, they took lessons, and it made a world of a difference.
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jmo443
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5/18/2020 12:08pm
jmo443 wrote:
Depending on the price is where I’d go and how reputable the trainer is. It’s a good investment for sure. Ask people who he’s trained before...
Depending on the price is where I’d go and how reputable the trainer is. It’s a good investment for sure. Ask people who he’s trained before how they liked the school and consider how you’d benefit from it. Everyone can learn from beginner to pro. Better money spent than some mods you don’t need. Good luck and enjoy!
FuseMX21 wrote:
His pricing is acceptable, he is trusted by alot of riders, including my younger brother in law. He is very kind, patient & understandable. my biggest...
His pricing is acceptable, he is trusted by alot of riders, including my younger brother in law.
He is very kind, patient & understandable. my biggest question is, if it could help for me.
Maybe i just don't have the skillset to do MX, but i really want to!
You have the wrong attitude. You’re the easiest person to help man. If you are the skill level you say you are working with someone for a day will be huge.
1
Mossy
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5/18/2020 12:20pm
Anyone know of anyone that does lessons in Virginia? I think some lessons would really benefit me. I hit most doubles and stuff like that, and every now and then I’ll do decent in a corner, but majority the time I’m slow through them and dab my foot lol.

I also have some bad form habits that have caused me a couple dumb crashes Tongue

I’m 6’3 as well. Been riding for about 6/7 months
Falcon
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5/18/2020 12:56pm
Absolutely worth it. As for not feeling like you have the skillset, don't worry. Nobody is born with mx skills; you have to learn them!
Motodave15
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5/18/2020 1:20pm
Nobody has said or asked it.

What is your background in regards to bikes in general any MTB or BMX in the past?

As for your two laps of hell... It makes sense, I would never ever recommend a rookie rider show up at a track and ride a main track, period even if you're with a friend who can watch you. Go to a hill and or freeride area, and learn the basic's brakes/throttle control, shifting and rev's<--- this is paramount to riding a track safely and having fun..

Also going forward. Do any tracks near you have a VET Track?.....Generally speaking vet tracks are great to learn on for full sized bikes.. Way better than learning on the pee-wee tracks becasue you may be worried about running over a little tyke.

I believe lessons at 22/23 will work wonders for you. In regards to getting the bike more comfortable, look at higher rise handlebars and taller seats
ACBraap
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5/18/2020 1:42pm
IMO, lessons are worth what you put into them. Any focus on improvement of technique is helpful. Having someone video you and honestly critiquing yourself is very helpful (way, way back in the day, Paul Thede of Race Tech had a great video and workbook for doing this called 'the mental edge'). Having someone knowledgeable coach you and offer suggestions is a great way to jump start your skills, but without constant focus going forward I wouldn't expect much permanent change.
skypig
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5/18/2020 4:07pm
My experience.

I’ve been riding since I was a little kid. Club A grade champion on a YZ80 (NOT 85! So a long time ago)
Now I’m old.

I paid for some MX training, some time ago, (and in New Zealand).
It was a small group. It was worthless.

Recently, I paid for some MTB lessons.
I was dubious. Have been riding push bikes off road since I was a little kid. (Plus I still race “Old Mans MX”)

The lessons are 1 on 1, with the best trainer I have ever come across.
They have changed the way I ride in a number of positive ways.
Unbelievable video feedback. This includes “on the trail, between runs”, and later, edited videos with lines drawn on to highlight body position etc.

I have taught (and obviously learned) Hang Gliding, Motorcycle riding, Car driving, Helicopter flying. I have been involved in “Training, the trainers”.
This MTB training is “next level”. Apparently the course is developed from Snowboarding training.

If someone was offering MX lessons at this level, I’d sign up straight away.

If you pay for training, for anything, compare it to this model:

1. Define “expert performance” (“This is what we want to do, how we do it, watch me do it.” Eg Clear the double
2. Ascertain “current performance” (From “You can do it”, to “Can’t do it at all”)
3. The “Training Gap” is identified.
4. Close the gap in achievable “chunks”. (Using demonstration, Instruction, feedback/critique. Eg start with a tabletop)

Video is now so “easy” and developed.
Any sports training that doesn’t utilise it is suspect in my eyes.
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5/19/2020 4:19am Edited Date/Time 5/19/2020 4:23am
For a beginner rider, a guy like Donnie Hansen is worth every penny. He will teach you basic fundamentals, form and technique that would take months or years to figure out.

Remember, not every trainer is good For beginners and not every pro can teach.
BobbyM
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5/19/2020 7:56am
FuseMX21 wrote:
So, after my first post of going for the first time on a MX track. Yesterday i went to the track, it was a pretty good...
So, after my first post of going for the first time on a MX track.
Yesterday i went to the track, it was a pretty good beginner track, but it didnt go really well, i felt really insecure, didn't feel like i had any control of my bike & most of the times i did alot of panic movement.
I kept doing what i thought i was doing right, but it didn't work out.
i had to quit riding after 2 full laps, because it felt really unsafe.

So here comes my question: is it worth taking a 1 on 1 lesson with a certified trainer?
The trainer is well known & also trained my younger brother in law & multiple other good riders.

I'm a bit in a brainstorm about it, because i don't wanna spend money for nothing, cause i don't know if i actually have the skillset to do MX, well i survived the 2 laps (fell once), but it was really really sketchy for me, maybe lessons will make me feel more comfortable?

P.S. i'm 23 years old

Your opinions about this are well appreciated.
🎏⛳🏀
5/19/2020 7:11pm
Not sure where your from but short answer is absolutely!

If your anywhere in the NE let me know. Lots of good guys around here I fully trust
Johnny Depp
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5/19/2020 8:07pm
I second this as I've seen them all. Also watch the MX Factory. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOZm6Utdkljzi8ykk6zndgA/videos Ive been riding moto for 2 years and have only gotten some...
I second this as I've seen them all. Also watch the MX Factory.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOZm6Utdkljzi8ykk6zndgA/videos

Ive been riding moto for 2 years and have only gotten some guidance from a friend with a private track for a couple hours but I am by and large self taught. When I go ride I always focus on something and it's paid off.
The MX Factory has a huge library of free videos on different subjects. They do classes at Spoaks Motopark where I volunteer and most of the recent videos were filmed there.

wwdiii
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5/20/2020 12:03pm
Fundamentals sometimes are hard to pick up without someone watching you. Gary semics posts videos of him doing slow fundamental drills with beginner riders, I’ve seen...
Fundamentals sometimes are hard to pick up without someone watching you. Gary semics posts videos of him doing slow fundamental drills with beginner riders, I’ve seen a couple Riders on social media he’s training over Just a weekend and it’s night and day difference.

Then if you take a hiatus from the sport for a long time too probably isn’t a bad idea to get back into classes to help you get back into it.
I’ve been away for more years then I want to comment. I don’t care how much I raced back in the day. I may take some lessons to get back on the track.
2
wildbill
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Christmas Valley, OR, USA
5/20/2020 9:12pm
wildbill wrote:
Yes, get help soon. Practice trail riding too, if possible. This is suppose to be fun and it sounds like your 2 laps were anything but...
Yes, get help soon. Practice trail riding too, if possible. This is suppose to be fun and it sounds like your 2 laps were anything but. Find friends who you can ride with. Live, eat, and sleep motocross and don't push the learning curve too quickly, just get comfortable on the bike utilizing its basic functions safely and eventually, effectively.
FuseMX21 wrote:
Those 2 laps weren't fun at all indeed, i always go riding with my younger brother in law, sadly there are no trails available where i...
Those 2 laps weren't fun at all indeed, i always go riding with my younger brother in law, sadly there are no trails available where i live, only tracks & most of those tracks are really "fast".
The one i went to this weekend was the 2nd slowest, theres still 1 better for beginners & thats where the guy teaches.
So i will always have to go on a track with several people, but that doesnt scare me, the thing that scares me the most is the uncontrollable bike & the high jumps (even though these we'rent even that high).

I also need to set the bike more to my personal prefference, the shifter pedal is way to low, i got big feet (size 12).
i'm 6'3, so the bike isn't really made for me lmao.
Concerning your height, is your weight above 200 lbs? If so, you might get your suspension springs and valving set up a bit higher/stiffer, in due time of course. In the meantime, practice standing up everywhere in the corners. You can sit in the apex later when you are ready for more speed.

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