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We never had grates, but I wonder how you clean out build up.
You'd have to lift each one individually and scrape under it.
I think I'll take a couple of passes with the skid steer any day.
They are called dirt bikes because we ride them on the dirt. The tires are designed for dirt. Most riders only have access to dirt to practice starts as not everyone has the money or place to put concrete or metal start grates. This is the equivalent of Moto GP bikes having to start on dirt when they are clearly designed for pavement.
They should be allowed for shorter riders with some rules.
No spikes or anything that ties them to the ground or start grates. They should only be a few inches tall, maybe determined by rider height or inseam. Their only purpose should be for shorter riders to be able to sit stabely on the bike.
It seems that the way they are now, they attach firmly to the grate, with grip on the top as well, allowing riders to "push off" for added advantage.
SMX had 10 riders on each gate starting in opposite directions...
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How about making the starts straight as well. The inside gates should not be directed to right at any track.
Well said.
But if they’re not anchored down, and not very long, they can be whatever height and still have no push-off advantage, they’ll just flop over. Maybe an 8x8” base with a smooth bottom?
Not that the AMA would ever do anything..
I don’t think you can push off them whether tied down or not. Having them tied down just keeps you from accidentally kicking it under your bike, and in front of rear tire.
If they’re anchored to the ground, why couldn’t they be pushed off?
I’ve seen photos of wildly tall starting blocks, used by riders who don’t have a problem reaching the ground. I’m pretty sure they do that for some reason..
The amount of pushing off is negligible, it's more about getting your feet on the pegs as soon as possible after the gate starts dropping. Some of those blocks are so tall their feet are practically already on the pegs.
start blocks are ridiculous. So someone is too short to effectively start? Someone taller is better? Well, isn't that what professional sports is about - everyone has an even playing field and may the best win. And those with more/better attributes for the sport will generally excel.
They arent pushing off of them. The bike is moving too fast for them to be of any value for pushing off of. They anchor them down so they do move when they do take off. The tall ones are so you dont have to move your feet to the pegs as much.
Yup, you guys are right. No push, but feet on the pegs before the gate drops in some cases.
Now I want to try this!
Dead engine starts at select rounds just to switch it up a bit.
Make dirt starts great again! Indoors and out! We shouldn’t be doing what the lousy FIM is doing. Starts, sound or fuel.
Getting traction and reducing spinning is probably the most important for the first 2 feet of a start, when starting from no forward momentum.
A small push off is an advantage.
Well said
"Start blocks".... just more pu**y gimmicks that turn MX into lawn bowls for the young.
If you can't reach the ground on a 250 or 450, go ride the PW50 class ya poof! .
Metal grates, start devices, traction control , lean angle sensors, ABS,....now the iPhone generation mouthbreathers want radio comms between riders and pits so they have more bitch gossip to argue about.....
I'm hearing motos will be 12 minutes long next season.
Left hand on the helmet too! And maybe my old favorite, straddle the front wheel and the start flag behind the starting line!
Pit Row
Are you a Kenny hater?
Yep. Make qualifying times have even more meaning. Not only do you want the best line in front of the gate but then you need the best start rut behind the gate too.
YES…..please!
And or no start devices
I got better jumps on the start on a kickstart YZ250 than I did on a e-start KTM.
Kenny might have a big advantage!
You wanna make qualifying times more meaningful? Start on a staggered grid like MotoGP.
If Carmichael figured out the start without start blocks, then any dwarf can.
Post a reply to: 2027 MX - No More Grates?