Speedway riding has a huge fan following in Europe. It is a style of racing on oval-shaped dirt tracks. Speedway bikes are different from the conventional ones. They have a different look. There are no big brands. They are much like the drag bikes and they have only the bare essentials. They don’t have brakes and lower gears. Neither do they have suspensions. There is no starter and so the bike is push started. It is a style of riding which is quite old. There is a rhythm about speedway racing. The start is quick then you pause at the corner with the rear wheel spinning and the driver has to then frantically control the bike by adjusting the throttle. Once they go past the corner the bikes again race forward to the finish line. The winner gets all the applause even when the fallen riders get up they get a loud cheer. Overall it’s a great event to be a part of but the most important skill that you must muster is sliding through the corners with your rear-wheel spinning. Speedway riding requires skills and is highly entertaining as usually the bike with the best start wins the race. So in our discussion, we will share some tips which will help you to turn your speedway bike. It is important for you to keep the points in your mind since if you fail then you are likely to be on your bike for a while.
At first, you have to turn the bars to the left and lean off your bike to move your bike to the left. You can now get your left foot down and as you have already got some weight off you will be able to handle it better. Now to get your wheels spinning roll off the throttle. Since you have already turned your bars to the left the rear end of your bike will also turn. While the bike takes a turn you should sit at the front of your seat and apply the pressure through your right leg. The idea should be to get your weight off the back wheel and straighten your right leg as far as possible. This will allow you to create a stability-triangle at the front. It’s time to turn the handlebars the other way to turn into the slide. Once you try it out a few times the process should not be too difficult as all this happens in a second. You will do better by not thinking too much about it as these things are often driven by instincts.
Once you are into the corner your throttle hand should be on your hip and your bike should be sideways. You may have to roll off the throttle when you are coming into the corner, during the turn and again when you are about to ride straight. You may get your engine to bog to stop the wheel spin and set you for the straight ride. When you are going straight then you again need to get your body weight back on the rear wheel and then push on the right handlebar but it won’t be long before you see another turn coming. When you are at the corner then it’s not about engine power, but the momentum you are able to generate. As these bikes are very light so it all comes down to the throttle control. Since they do not have a break to stop the bike you have to shut the throttle and the engine does the braking. Throttle control is very important in these bikes as they have big flywheels which produce a lot of inertia and momentum.
An average race is over in sixty seconds and there are no practice rounds before. The bikers hit a top speed of 140 KPH. Since Speedway racing is risky there is an ambulance stationed near the track which may be an unnerving sight for some. Up to six riders compete in the race which makes it even better for spectators. They get a complete view of the track which is unlike many of the other race tracks.
Speedway riding is enjoyable and exciting as long as you get the turns right and we hope the above discussion will make you more confident when you are on the tracks the next time.
