The Physics of Motocross - Smarter Every Day 30

The host Destin visits professional motocross racer Ryan Sipes' house in rural Kentucky to discuss motorcycle control physics.

A V10 high-speed camera is used to capture the physics demonstrations on a motocross track with jumps.

The episode focuses on explaining the physics principles behind controlling a motorcycle during jumps and aerial maneuvers.

To help viewers understand the scientific principles that professional motocross riders use intuitively when performing tricks and recovering from mistakes.

When a rider goes over a jump and comes up too high, they need to rock the bike back down to correct their trajectory.

• The motorcycle wheel stores rotational energy in the form of a spinning flywheel • The rotational energy is described by the formula: one half I omega squared • When brakes are applied, this rotational energy transfers to the entire body of the bike

A rider taps the brakes to transfer the wheel's rotational energy to the bike's body, which causes the bike to rock back over and correct its angle.

Ryan Sipes demonstrates this technique on camera, performing the brake tap maneuver intuitively as professional riders do.

Ryan attempts to explain the physics using technical terminology involving vertical inertia of sprocket bearings and front swing arm caliper vertex.

Destin struggles to understand the overly technical explanation, asking Ryan to clarify what he means.

Ryan acknowledges that the technical jargon is complex and notes that riders have to learn these principles, implying the physics is intuitive through practice rather than technical understanding.

The moment becomes lighthearted as the college-educated Destin gets teased for not understanding the technical physics explanation from the professional rider.