Trialmotor hoppen
Bron: Trials Australia.Hopping the Wheel Sideways
The use of the hop will enable you to turn your bike in confined spaces and negotiate turns that are not possible using conventional methods. Before you attempt to learn to hop you must be able to use the brakes, clutch and throttle of your bike with precision. Moving the bike sideways is basically a coordination of movements. If your coordination is out, this manouevre will be difficult to perform satisfactorily. By the same token, if your suspension is not set up correctly you will also find it hard to perform the move. When riding a trial you should only use hops when they are necessary because they zap your energy. It is also very easy to lose your balance and therefore lose points.
To hop you need to:
Adopt a balanced stationary position, engine running, engaged in gear and clutch in. Front and rear brakes applied.
The rear brake should be applied firmly. This stops the bike jerking forwards or backwards.
Now you are ready to perform the manouevre. Try to relax - being tense will make your task more difficult.
Lifting the Front Wheel:
With the bike in the verticle position, handlebars straight and both brakes applied firmly:
Push down on the bars to compress the front suspension;
Once the suspension has compressed and is starting to extend, pull back on the handlebars to lift the front wheel. (Remember to keep your rear brake firmly applied).
As you pull back on the handlebars you can also blip the throttle and the clutch in the same instant as the front suspension begin to extend. This will have the effect of helping you to lift the front wheel off the ground.
Moving the Front Wheel
A motorcycle is a static object - it will not move by itself. You must move your body first, then bring the bike back underneath you.
As the front end comes up, position your body either to the left or right depending on which way you wish to hop. Then bring the bike back underneath you. This can be done by applying upwards pressure in the handlebars on the side to which you wish to turn.
The further you wish to hop the bike the more rider input will be required. If you are performing a series of hops a rhythm will develop. You should always start from a balanced position and finish in a balanced position.
Hopping the Rear Wheel:
Basically the same technique is used to move the rear wheel. You must have the front brake firmly appied, but no rear brake at all until you land. This is so that if you are off-balance you are ready to do a couple of little front wheel hops to regain your balance.
You must flex your knees, compress the rear suspension and vigorously jump upwards to unweight the rear end.
As the rear suspension rebounds the rear wheel should lift off the ground.
Position your body to the left or right and bring the bike back underneath you. When moving the front end around you have the handlebars to hold onto and apply the force necessary, but with the back wheel you will need to move the bike with your legs.
To help with extra lift you can tuck your toe under the rear brake pedal.
Points to remember:
Keep your brakes applied whilst hopping.
Front wheel hops - both brakes applied at all times;
Rear wheel hops - front brakes only until you land then rear brakes
Flex your knees when compressing the suspension, and straighten them as the suspension extends.
Move your body first, then the motorcycle.
Use the power of the engine to help you move the front wheel.
Hopping is strenuous - don't use it to turn unless you have to.
Practise Exercise
Use this technique for target practise. Place some wooden (plywood, chipboard) squares on the ground. Lift your wheels in the above manner and place them on and off the squares. Don't worry if you find it easier to hop one way at first; with practise you will be able to hop left and right with ease. If you are having trouble try practising on a slight slope, as it is harder to hop on flat ground. Once you have learnt the basic hops, try hopping the front wheel onto an obstacle then off again.
Klick here for the Trials manual at Trials Australia