Weight transfer

Weight transfer is the redistribution of load between the front and rear wheels. When you brake, the bike's mass pitches forward: the fork compresses and the front tyre gets more load and grip, while the rear becomes light. When you accelerate, load moves to the rear, the rear suspension squats and the front gets lighter, which in extreme cases lifts it into a wheelie.

Riders use this deliberately. Brake progressively so the front tyre is loaded before maximum force; open the throttle gently in corners to settle the bike; and off-road, move your body forward on climbs and back on descents or in sand to keep the right wheel weighted.

Abrupt changes of throttle or brake shift weight suddenly and can upset the chassis, so smooth inputs give the most grip.