Starting Technique

Edited Date/Time 10/29/2015 7:16am
Both feet on the ground?

Left foot on the shifter?

Left leg in front of the shifter?

3rd gear no shift?

Let's hear it. What works for you?
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colintrax
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4695
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Taylorsville, GA US
10/27/2015 8:32pm
2nd gear, both feet on the ground. I get terrible starts so don't do what I do lol
10/27/2015 8:39pm
2nd gear both feet down and use a little bit of a roll up to the gate and I holeshot 85% of the time
disbanded
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Evergreen, CO US
10/27/2015 9:03pm
Dump it
10/27/2015 9:08pm
Put a little bit of pressure on your front brake to prevent yourself from rolling because you should have the clutch already let out part of the way to take up the slack in your chain. This also gives you more control when you dump the clutch. Don't get too close to the gate and dump it and floor it in the same motion as soon as that gate flinches. Use second gear.

If you can get any amount of momentum built up before itdrops then you have a huge advantage, even though it is kind of frowned upon.

I saw one rider actually have a friend spin his tire a little bit to get it dug into the ground. That looked like a good idea.

The Shop

rmzrider91
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Tipton, IN US
10/27/2015 9:16pm
I pack my gate good and if the gate is down I will put some dirt up around it to try to lessen the impact of going over the gate. If i have someone with me I will have him spin the dirt out from under my tire. Dont think that really does anything though. Both feet on the ground, 2nd gear hold front brake and load up the clutch. Forward on the seat shoulders over bars. Grip bike with inner legs. As soon as that gate flinches let off brake, pin it and control bike using the clutch.

I may not be very fast speed wise but I get the holeshot 95% of the time.
10/27/2015 9:35pm
rmzrider91 wrote:
I pack my gate good and if the gate is down I will put some dirt up around it to try to lessen the impact of...
I pack my gate good and if the gate is down I will put some dirt up around it to try to lessen the impact of going over the gate. If i have someone with me I will have him spin the dirt out from under my tire. Dont think that really does anything though. Both feet on the ground, 2nd gear hold front brake and load up the clutch. Forward on the seat shoulders over bars. Grip bike with inner legs. As soon as that gate flinches let off brake, pin it and control bike using the clutch.

I may not be very fast speed wise but I get the holeshot 95% of the time.
I am at the same point in my motocross career. I know I'm not going to win but I will do everything within my power to get the holeshot. Haha
moto455va
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Smithfield, VA US
10/27/2015 10:31pm
watch the pin that holds up the gate, not the gate.
Radical
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San Diego, CA US
10/27/2015 11:32pm
I break all the rules and get great starts on my YZ125.

I start in first gear with my left foot down, right foot on the peg.
I power shift all the way (don't cut the throttle between gears).

When starting on a cement starting pad I put a bit of dirt under and in front of my back tire so that I don't wheelie off the the line.

Works for me Smile
Prntscrn
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SE
10/28/2015 2:29am Edited Date/Time 10/28/2015 2:32am
I used to had the left foot on the peg up untill the big bikes, tried it for a while but had trouble keping it straight the first couple of meters so i changed to both feet on the ground.

Both feet on the ground
2nd gear
Clutch let out to the point I feel the bike want to go away
Both feet infront of the pegs to keep the bike at its place and tiny pressure on the front break
Look to the gate next to me since it's easier to se movement from the side. Have also tried look at that little thing that looks like a T that holds the gate up on som gates but never really liked it.
Good reactions Cool
mxrider971
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Francestown, NH US
10/28/2015 6:23am
Both feet on the ground in front of the pegs.
2nd gear.
Let the clutch out until it wants to pull and apply pressure to front brake.
Have your body in a forward position.
1/2 to 3/4 throttle.
When the gate drops, release clutch and open up the throttle!
Be sure to squeeze the bike with your legs to help keep it straight.

Other things to note: As you probably know, this is for dirt or high-traction concrete, smooth concrete is completely different. Pack your gate well. A holeshot device helps a lot. I always look at the first corner a few races before and find the best line then pick my gate to set me up for that. Each track is different but I usually go on the very inside so I am the one to push everyone out. In the end, it really is what works best for you. Good luck!
Paw Paw 271
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Benton, LA US
10/28/2015 6:27am
Put it in 3rd gear, let idle and twist the throttle when the gate pin moves. That's with a Rekluse. I loose about half a bike length right out of the gate, but more than make it back up when everyone else shifts and spins.

Paw Paw
KMC440
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US
10/28/2015 6:45am
$10 to the starter works every time....

10/28/2015 6:49am
both feet down, third gear, line up outside, away from everyone. good gate prep, good reaction time, cut hard to the inside and cut-off as many people as I can on the first straight. I also line up a 12-18 inches behind the gate and roll into it. I know it's a good start if i round the first turn, look back at the first straight and see a stack of bikes.
10/28/2015 7:07am
theres a technique to starts these days? i thought the skill came from no holeshot devices because now a days you hold your bike wide open, sit in the middle of the seat, when the gate drops, you pin it. thats why everybody gets to the corner at the same time....damn I'm smart
10/28/2015 7:51am
TriRacer27 wrote:
Both feet on the ground? Left foot on the shifter? Left leg in front of the shifter? 3rd gear no shift? Let's hear it. What works...
Both feet on the ground?

Left foot on the shifter?

Left leg in front of the shifter?

3rd gear no shift?

Let's hear it. What works for you?
We would suggest this technique at the Ricky Carmichael University. Starts have always been taught by Jeff Emig at the RCUs and Ricky believes in Fro's theories on starts... Both were pretty good starters during their respective careers Wink

Here is a video link to Ricky's starting technique that Fox Racing did a while back as part of their RCU series.
Prntscrn
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10/28/2015 8:08am Edited Date/Time 10/28/2015 8:08am
We would suggest this technique at the Ricky Carmichael University. Starts have always been taught by Jeff Emig at the RCUs and Ricky believes in Fro's...
We would suggest this technique at the Ricky Carmichael University. Starts have always been taught by Jeff Emig at the RCUs and Ricky believes in Fro's theories on starts... Both were pretty good starters during their respective careers Wink

Here is a video link to Ricky's starting technique that Fox Racing did a while back as part of their RCU series.
Pretty much agree with everything except that I don't like to look at the gate infront of you. I prefer the pin that holds the gate or the gate next to you. Never used the technique to shift up with your heal neither, never really thought it was necessary for me, plus it can be kind of tricky(But maybe that's because I only have tried it a couple of times, never put any real effort into it)
Roscoe33
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London CA
10/28/2015 8:20am
7 sets of clutch plates, 7 tanks of fuel, 7 hours of practice.
ML512
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Wildomar, CA US
Fantasy
10/28/2015 8:29am
Roscoe33 wrote:
7 sets of clutch plates, 7 tanks of fuel, 7 hours of practice.
Per week. Laughing
Titan1
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Lehi, UT US
10/28/2015 8:57am Edited Date/Time 10/28/2015 8:58am
I roll my bike back and forth to make sure there is no load on the clutch...right before the banner goes up pull in the clutch and rev the motor then hit the kill switch while the motor is still revved, and never let out the clutch (this makes sure the clutch plates are all loose). While the banner is up, I make sure I'm at top dead center, with my right foot on the kick starter, and my left foot on the ground (I usually try and find a rock or bush I can stand on for a little extra leverage)

When the banner drops, I push forward with my left leg to get the bike moving, while I simultaneously kick start the bike. Then dump the clutch and hold it wide open all the way down the bomb.

In a perfect scenario the bike starts first kick, and I get clean air all the way down the bomb. If not, then I'm riding in blinding dust all the way down the bomb.

(Oh, you were talking motocross starts? my bad. Laughing Tongue Cool )
fpandjic
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HR
10/28/2015 10:19am
Left feet on the peg and under the shifter so I could shift immediately after the gates. Right foot on the ground and in front of the peg to hold my bike not to go forward.

My body is neutral and relaxed, but after the gate drops, I squeeze the bike with my legs and lean forward. The most important thing is to play with your clutch and listen to the bike, so the engine is always in perfect powerband. No luck with over-reving. Since the multiple champion of my country learned me this, I've been getting great starts lately.
IWreckALot
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Fort Worth, TX US
10/28/2015 11:16am
both feet down, third gear, line up outside, away from everyone. good gate prep, good reaction time, cut hard to the inside and cut-off as many...
both feet down, third gear, line up outside, away from everyone. good gate prep, good reaction time, cut hard to the inside and cut-off as many people as I can on the first straight. I also line up a 12-18 inches behind the gate and roll into it. I know it's a good start if i round the first turn, look back at the first straight and see a stack of bikes.
They call that the old Emig fade.
Phillip_Lamb
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ORANGEVALE, CA US
10/28/2015 11:25am
TriRacer27 wrote:
Both feet on the ground? Left foot on the shifter? Left leg in front of the shifter? 3rd gear no shift? Let's hear it. What works...
Both feet on the ground?

Left foot on the shifter?

Left leg in front of the shifter?

3rd gear no shift?

Let's hear it. What works for you?
Ive always had left foot up, helps get that first shift

holding the clutch to where it starts to grab and the front brake so i dont creep

on dirt leaning forward on concrete sitting straight
DTHA70
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336
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Location
Surprise, AZ US
10/28/2015 4:32pm
dirt get 3rd on the limiter with a holeshot device, hopefully keeping it from looping out with the left hand. concrete gets 3rd about 60% throttle, spine in line with the pegs and ease it on out. Im heavy so I seem to hook up really well on concrete. Im also riding a completely modified 450 that is capable of 5th gear starts so YMMV
d394
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102
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2/27/2015
Location
Middletown, NY US
10/28/2015 6:58pm
Start on either side next to the dog house. Watch the guy kick the lever... it literally works every time,
moscrop940
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1077
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Location
Temecula, CA US
10/28/2015 8:26pm
Really the only thing I have always been good at.

Both feet down, second gear, warm the tire, and I keep my brake and clutch engaged almost to the same degree, and let them both out simultaneously.

And you would be shocked what not pussing out will do...good for 2 or 3 spots every time
jock
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Postmans Ridge, QLD AU
Fantasy
10/28/2015 8:33pm
Put it in 3rd gear, let idle and twist the throttle when the gate pin moves. That's with a Rekluse. I loose about half a bike...
Put it in 3rd gear, let idle and twist the throttle when the gate pin moves. That's with a Rekluse. I loose about half a bike length right out of the gate, but more than make it back up when everyone else shifts and spins.

Paw Paw
I do exactly the same Paw Paw.
BobPA
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8330
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10/31/2013
Location
PA US
10/28/2015 9:09pm
mxrider971 wrote:
Both feet on the ground in front of the pegs. 2nd gear. Let the clutch out until it wants to pull and apply pressure to front...
Both feet on the ground in front of the pegs.
2nd gear.
Let the clutch out until it wants to pull and apply pressure to front brake.
Have your body in a forward position.
1/2 to 3/4 throttle.
When the gate drops, release clutch and open up the throttle!
Be sure to squeeze the bike with your legs to help keep it straight.

Other things to note: As you probably know, this is for dirt or high-traction concrete, smooth concrete is completely different. Pack your gate well. A holeshot device helps a lot. I always look at the first corner a few races before and find the best line then pick my gate to set me up for that. Each track is different but I usually go on the very inside so I am the one to push everyone out. In the end, it really is what works best for you. Good luck!
X2 on everything here
10/28/2015 9:19pm Edited Date/Time 10/28/2015 9:21pm
Concrete is tricky. If it's broom finished you should be slightly forward over the pegs, and you can be a little aggressive when the gate drops. If it's not broom finished you should be over the pegs and just lackadaisically creep off it until you hit the dirt. otherwise you just spin. And don't pick a gate next to a yoyo that seems to think concrete starts are the same as dirt. Otherwise he just spins sideways and t-bones you by the time you hit the dirt to get away from him.

Dirt: 2nd gear, Two feet down, get way up on tank, squeeze bike. 3/4 throttle when card goes sideways full when it drops. Smooth shift points, power down and the best man gets to the corner first.
10/29/2015 7:16am
both feet down, third gear, line up outside, away from everyone. good gate prep, good reaction time, cut hard to the inside and cut-off as many...
both feet down, third gear, line up outside, away from everyone. good gate prep, good reaction time, cut hard to the inside and cut-off as many people as I can on the first straight. I also line up a 12-18 inches behind the gate and roll into it. I know it's a good start if i round the first turn, look back at the first straight and see a stack of bikes.
IWreckALot wrote:
They call that the old Emig fade.
Cairoli is the king of that move, minus the fade. The kid is ruthless, will make eye-contact with someone before he does it too.

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