The Physics Of Motocross Jumps – When it comes to pushing the limits of what is achievable on two wheels, motocross riders are the epitome of creativity, athleticism and innovation. Their stunts are a testament to extreme mental and physical strength and we believe they are the definition of what it means to ‘Go Rogue’.
So, in an effort to pay tribute, we’ve compiled a list of what we think are some of the coolest and most ceiling-heavy motocross tricks of the last decade.
The Physics Of Motocross Jumps
The basic trick in motocross is the superman seat grab. Born from the classic Superman aerial pose, this maneuver goes beyond mimicking America’s favorite superhero and layers in an individualistic mid-air seat grab. While not the most advanced trick on this list, it does require quite a bit of control. For intermediate riders looking to expand their repertoire, this is sometimes a breakthrough piece.
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Perhaps one of the more visually appealing motocross tricks is the corpse backflip. This daring and almost physics-defying stunt involves riders placing themselves parallel to the ground or “flat” on the saddle while performing a backflip. Successfully landing this somewhat awkward position pushes several boundaries in creativity and innovation, and to say that this trick requires dedication and training would be an understatement.
Speaking of demand and difficulty, enter the ruler backflip. A cousin of the Tsunami, this advanced and aesthetically pleasing move requires the rider to maneuver into a mid-air “ruler” position and perform a daunting back somersault again. Like many other tricks on this list, the ruler is not to be taken lightly and requires quite a bit of skill, precision and control.
Both the solid and the holy grapple are very distinctive moves in motocross. While one starts with a superman pose and the other with a double grip, both require the rider to drop the bike and finish with a flawless remount. Both are extremely dangerous and require just as much if not more skill than the others on this list. For some amateurs, these can also be breakthrough maneuvers.
One of our personal favorites, the cordova involves tucking your feet back under the handlebars. Imagine an upside-down pretzel or a human origami wheel. It’s another visually stunning yet bold pose that’s really meant for the pros. What it actually looks like:
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We realize some of you may be disappointed not to see the kiss of death, but there’s just something about a cliffhanger that’s so irresistibly unique, exciting, and fulfilling. That said, the cliffhanger or cliffhanger backflip is a classic move that involves riders lifting their feet to the handlebars midflip with their arms outstretched. Side note landing on a cliffhanger with no hands is commonly called a basejumper. When done right, cliffhangers are known to move a crowd. What it actually looks like:
A relatively new motocross maneuver, the double front flip is no easy feat. As described, riders perform two front flips while maintaining as much control of their bike as possible. It sounds boring, but it’s actually incredibly physically and mentally demanding, and again, it’s only for the most skilled and experienced riders. It looks something like this:
First introduced in 2006, the double backflip is one of the most iconic tricks in motocross history. It defies gravity when the rider completes two complete backflips with one jump in the air. Its initial success was a pivotal moment for the sport, and the signature move has since seen many variations and adaptations.
Last but not least is the triple backflip. The triple backflip is a maneuver that requires perfect timing, control and precision. It is said to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding feats that shake the nerves of even the most seasoned professionals.
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However, the description of the movement is as straightforward as it sounds. It involves the rider completing three full backflips in one jump. This means that successfully completing this trick/jump is an extraordinary achievement; one that belongs to only a handful of riders.
Stunts like the cliffhanger, superman seat grab and triple backflip have left a lasting mark on the motocross community and are a true testament to the level of athleticism and mental toughness the sport requires on a daily basis. Not only are they fun to watch, but they showcase the courage, dedication and fearlessness of today’s professional riders. At Rogue, we understand what it means to relentlessly strive for the same level of excellence through our unwavering commitment to creating only the best nicotine products available. So whether you’re attempting your first superman or just checking out the local action, be sure to go Rogue with our long-lasting, flavor-packed nicotine pouches.
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Why do I have to provide this information? In order to receive updates from us, we need to verify that you are at least 21 years old. What goes up must also come down. How high it climbs and how fast it descends is left up to the rider’s skill level, or lack thereof.
When I watch Supercross on TV, I’m amazed at how the riders can drop the front end in the air so that it lands perfectly on the landing ramp. How is this achieved since there is nothing to push against and both rider and bike are virtually weightless at the top of the arc?
You can thank Sir Isaac Newton who was the team manager of the 1703 British Motocross des Nations team. Newton’s famous advice to his riders was, “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” In the case of changing the angle of pitch or descent of the wheel in flight, Newton proposed that the stored energy of the spinning rear wheel could be used to do work on the frame of the wheel. For example, touching the brake stops the rear wheel from spinning (that’s the “action” part of Newton’s equation), and that action causes a reaction to the part of the motorcycle attached to the rear wheel (the frame). If the rear wheel stops spinning, the motorcycle frame will react in the opposite direction. So applying the rear brake in the air causes the front of the wheel to spin down. Remember that the bike and rider are essentially weightless, so little force is needed to move the motorcycle chassis when both wheels are not pinned to the ground.
What if the front of the bike is too low? Can Newton’s law save riders from endoing? Yes. The same rule of physics (for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction) causes the front end to spin up when you twist the throttle in the air. Spinning the rear wheel faster (action) will cause the rest of your bike to respond by spinning so that the front end lifts. The harder the acceleration, the greater the reaction force – and the faster your front end will lift. In motocross jargon, this is called a “panic roar.”
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The key to successfully changing the angle of your race bike is acceleration and its co-conspirator, deceleration. It’s not wheel spin that causes the frame to tilt up or down; it is the rapid change in acceleration or deceleration that produces the response. It all has to do with that Newtonian “equal and opposite reaction” thing. Equal means that the harder you step on the brake or the faster you turn the throttle, the more responsive the frame will be. The rate at which you decelerate or accelerate the rear wheel is what determines the equation. Gently tap the brake to gently lower the front of the bike. Applying the brake immediately lowers the front of the wheel.
One caveat: If the wheel has stopped spinning in the air, applying the rear brake will accomplish nothing. Conversely, once you hit the rev limiter, your front end will no longer spin up, no matter how long you leave the engine pinned.
There are downsides to taking Isaac Newton’s advice. For example, if you want to jump in reverse by stepping on the rear brake, you risk killing the engine and the drill inside. The worst mistake a beginner can make is forgetting to depress the clutch when stepping on the brake. For the same reason, it is counterproductive to hold the bike while turning the engine to lift the front wheel. With the clutch engaged, the rear wheel does not turn. So all your panics will be for naught.
The ability to change the position of your motorcycle on the fly is valuable and a life saver. To master this skill, you need to learn to keep the rear wheel revs in the mid-range of the gear you’re jumping into. Once you dial this in, you will be able to land the front wheel down on the back of the tables and the front