Casing a Jump (Came Up Short)

Casing a jump, or coming up short, is when a rider doesn't carry enough speed to clear an obstacle and lands on the top or edge of the landing instead of on the downslope. The suspension bottoms out and the bike often slams down on its engine cases, skid plate or frame rails.

A hard case can bend wheels, break frame or subframe parts, damage the radiators or crankcase and injure the rider's wrists, ankles and back. Overjumping to a flat landing causes a similar impact.

To avoid it, learn new jumps gradually, judge your speed from the take-off, keep steady drive up the face and look at the landing. A skid plate, case guards and properly set-up suspension reduce the damage when it does happen.