[Husqvarna]

How-To: Survive The Sand of Nabiac

5 years ago | Words: Lyndon Heffernan | Photos: Salvatore Aloisio, Jarrad Duffy

The 2020 Transmoto 6-Hour at Nabiac is destined to be a memorable one.
Aside from the fact that sandy terrain gets rough very quickly after a bit of dirt-bike traffic, it also requires a different approach to both bike set-up and riding style. So if you’re inexperienced when it comes to riding sand, here are 10 basic tips from the Transmoto 6-Hour’s Course Director, Lyndon Heffernan, to help you survive (and enjoy) six gruelling hours in Nabiac’s finest silica…

ONE

Sand ruins chains and sprockets, so ensure they are new to start the event. I always use an O- or X-ring chain in sand, and if it is going to be wet (which I doubt), use a steel rear sprocket. They’re a bit heavier than alloy, but much longer wearing.

TWO

Sand also ruins brake pads, especially rear ones, so ensure they are fresh to start the event. Bring spare brake pads if you are riding Ironman, and a solid rear brake disc if is going to be wet.

THREE

Sandy conditions generally means there’s not a lot of dust. But it still makes sense to bring a spare air filter or two in case it’s really dry, because some sand can sneak through filters during long races. And that destroys engines!

FOUR

If you’re riding a two-stroke, ensure your jetting is not too lean. You need to rev the bike hard in sand and you don’t want a lean seizure because there is not enough fuel. Consider bringing a bigger mainjet and/or raise the needle (ie, drop the clip) two positions.

FIVE

Good sand riders float across the terrain, while lesser riders wallow in it. From a riding technique point of view, the most important things are to keep your momentum up, minimise hard braking by easing off the throttle (not chopping it), and accelerating early in corners.

SIX

Sit down and get on the gas a little earlier than you ordinarily would.

SEVEN

Keep your head back a bit to keep front wheel light. You might even want to roll your handlebars back a tad, ensuring that you adjust brake and clutch levers’ position accordingly.

EIGHT

Stand up lots and wheelie the bumps where you can. Because you stand much more in sandy terrain, some riders like to raise the height of their rear brake pedal a little to suit.

NINE

Jump the whoops when they appear later in the day. It’s less fatiguing on the body that ploughing through them.

TEN

Never go to zero throttle in sand.


Related Content

HOW-TO: SET-UP SUSPENSION FOR SAND

HOW-TO: RIDE SAND WITH MATT PHILLIPS

Be the first to comment...

You might also like...

Husqvarna

2 weeks ago

HUSQVARNA: GRIT & GRIND – EP 4

In this final episode of season four, the Husqvarna team wraps up an unforgettable season of Supercross.

Husqvarna

3 weeks ago

HUSQVARNA: GRIT & GRIND – EP 3

Episode 3 shines the light on Husqvarna’s RJ Hampshire and his journey to claim that #1 east-coast plate.

Husqvarna

3 weeks ago

Husqvarna: Grit & Grind – EP 2

In the second episode, Husqvarna step behind the scenes with Malcolm Stewart as he chases his first 450SX victory.

Husqvarna

1 month ago

Husqvarna: Grit & Grind – EP 1

Follow Malcolm Stewart and RJ Hampshire throughout AMA Supercross 2025 in this four-part docuseries.

1 month ago

Boost Secures 2025 AUSX Naming Rights

The Australian Supercross Championship is set to launch into its biggest season yet.

1 month ago

TT Circuit Assen To Host 2027 MXoN

The 80th edition of the MXoN will see the legendary event return to Dutch soil in 2027.

Husqvarna

1 month ago

VIDEO: Billy Bolt Undefeated 2  

The 2025 SuperEnduro season was nothing short of dominant for Billy Bolt.

Husqvarna

2 months ago

HIGH COUNTRY RETURN FOR HUSKY TREK

The Husqvarna Trek is back again for 2025, and it has the Victorian High Country on its radar.