Burnout: Chris Pfeiffer's Instructions

One of the best stunt riders in the history of the sport shared simple but effective truths about how to do a burnout.

1) Stand up on the pegs. Select first gear and pull the clutch. The speed (for a circular burnout) should not exceed 10 km/h. Pull the clutch with one or two fingers so you can hold the handlebar more firmly.

2) Shift your body weight forward, press the front brake (with one or two fingers) and release the clutch sharply at medium revs: the rear wheel will break loose into a drift. Work the brake carefully so the bike neither speeds up nor stops; keep a low speed.

3) Lean the bike slightly to enter the circle.

4) You will feel the movement stabilize. The circle continues as long as you keep the right balance between the throttle and the front brake. Don't let the bike stop, but it shouldn't speed up either. The front wheel should turn slowly without stopping.

5) Keep your body weight forward to provide the necessary pressure on the front wheel.

6) Half a circle done! Control the balance of throttle, brake and body weight. It's a matter of practice.

7) The circle is almost finished. Bring the bike upright with your body weight and light steering.

8) Slowly release the brake and at the same time pull the clutch and close the throttle.

9) Circle done!

Note:

Start with a straight-line burnout, as in photos 1 and 2. Once you can do it confidently, move on to a circular burnout, as in photo 3 onward. Don't forget to train in full riding gear!