Braking Bumps

Braking bumps are series of small, closely spaced ripples that form in the approach to corners on motocross, enduro and dirt tracks. They develop as many riders brake hard in the same place and the wheels hop and dig into the surface. Similar bumps appear on tarmac at heavily used braking zones.

They make the bike chatter and skip, reduce grip and can bounce the rear wheel off the ground, so braking distances grow and the bike gets nervous.

Stay standing or slide forward with weight over the pegs and let the bike move underneath you. Brake firmly but smoothly with the front, keep the rear brake light to avoid locking, and look for a smoother line beside the main one. Softer high-speed compression damping can also help the suspension cope.