10 Ways to Hop Logs on an Enduro Bike

Techniques & Skills

10 ways to hop logs on a dirt bike

There are more than 20 ways to hop over a log on a dirt bike but have whittled it down to the ten best.

We start with the easiest and most common techniques, working through to the tricky ones that aren’t used that often. Most of these techniques also apply to step-ups, ledges, big rocks, and other obstacles.

1. Just Ride Over It

If a log is small enough, you can just ride over it.
Some basic body positioning makes it even easier and safer:

  • Keep your body position low.
  • This allows your legs and arms to absorb impacts.
  • It keeps your center of gravity low for better balance and control.

2. The Slapper Technique

This is essentially still riding over the log, but using a wheelie.

  • Weight the footpegs, then throttle on, and move your body weight back as the suspension rebounds.
  • The higher the wheelie, the more the rear suspension absorbs the impact.
  • You can hit small logs very fast with this technique, and you’ll see it often in endurocross competition.

3. Using Kickers

Up to a certain size, you can use logs as kickers or lifters.

  • Weight the pegs to preload the suspension just before hitting the kicker.
  • Apply throttle as the suspension rebounds.
  • You can also use rocks, roots, or rises in the terrain as kickers for larger logs.
  • Keep your bum right to the rear of the motorbike as the rear wheel clears the log to prevent a nosedive.

4. The Punch (Punch Through)

A relatively fast way to get over medium-sized logs.

  • A small wheelie makes your front wheel punch the log at around two-thirds the height.
  • This compresses the suspension and provides extra lift to get the bike up and over smoothly.

5. Using the Skidplate

The easiest way to tackle large logs at speed.

  • If you don’t know what’s on the other side, this also lets you stop on top of the log safely.
  • Weight the footpegs to compress the suspension.
  • Apply throttle and move your body weight back.
  • As the suspension rebounds, aim for the front wheel to barely touch the log (ideally, it should clear).

6. Launching from the Skidplate

If you get stuck on a log or ledge, use body positioning and the clutch to launch.

  • Balance on the skid plate and lean your body back.
  • As the rear suspension compresses, do a controlled clutch drop and throttle to launch up and over.
  • Keep your weight back until the rear wheel hits the log, then throttle off and let momentum ease you over.

7. The Double Blip

Two distinct “blips” of throttle for extra lift.

  • First blip: preload suspension, throttle, and body weight back for the wheelie.
  • Let the front wheel punch the log at about two-thirds height.
  • Second blip: as suspension rebounds, deweight the pegs so the rear wheel jumps up and over.
  • Keep your bum near the rear fender to avoid a nosedive.

8. The Zap

Dropping the clutch combined with weighting the footpegs.

  • Instead of relying just on throttle, drop the clutch for extra drive.
  • Advanced riders (like Graham Jarvis or Reuben Chadwick) even get the rear wheel airborne, making log hopping easier.
  • Start small and build up—this one requires timing.

9. Zap + Double Blip Combo

Chris Birch and others combine the zap with a fast double blip:

  • Drop the clutch once to initiate the wheelie.
  • Pull the clutch back in.
  • Drop it again to launch over the log.
    This gives maximum lift for bigger obstacles like stumps or pipes.

10. Advanced Variations

These techniques come in handy when space, angle, or traction make things tricky:

  • Pivot Turns Over Logs:
    Stop close, put your foot on the far side, compress suspension, drop the clutch, and pivot the bike over.
    Roll off throttle to avoid spinning on the log.
  • Bunnyhop:
    Great for crossing logs at an angle, especially wet or slippery ones.
    With good timing, the rear wheel barely touches the log.
  • Static Log Hop:
    Useful when there’s no run-up. Balance against the log, move back to compress the suspension, then clutch-drop to launch over.
    Aim to punch the log halfway to two-thirds up with the front wheel.

In our view, these are the 10 best techniques for getting over a log on a enduro bike and can be seen in this tutorial video:

✅ With these ten approaches, you’ve got everything from beginner-friendly to pro-level techniques for hopping logs, ledges, and obstacles on your enduro bike.