Last Updated on June 13, 2023

Off-road enthusiasts are no strangers to the thrill of pushing their vehicles to the limit. Riding an ATV car, dune buggy, sand rail or dirt bike off pavement, the rough terrain and unpredictable conditions can lead to some intense experiences.

One of the most challenging and exhilarating aspects of off-road riding is dealing with G-Out. This term appears often in the off-roading community but few truly understand its meaning and how it relates to G-force, so let’s break that down.

Dirt bike going g-out in the desert
“G-force” brand dirt bike off-roading in the desert

What is G-Out?

G-Out is a term used in off-road riding to describe when your suspension becomes compressed due to G-forces. This can occur when riding down a hill fast with a short smooth transition up another hill.

The g-force at the bottom of the transition will collapse the suspension and cause a G-Out. This can result in a loss of control and a rough, jarring ride.

G-Out can happen on any type of vehicle, but it’s most commonly associated with ATVs and dirt bikes and likely to occurs in off-road terrains like sandy and rocky deserts.

What is G-force?

G-force, or the gravitational force equivalent, is a measurement of the type of force per unit mass, usually acceleration, that causes a perception of weight.

A G-force of 1g is equal to the conventional value of gravitational acceleration on Earth, which amounts to 9.8 m/s2 (meter per second squared). In other words, it is the force a person (driver, in our case) can experience when they’re accelerating or braking.

This may feel like being pushed back into their seat while accelerating or being pulled forward while braking. The larger the mass of the object, the more G-force is involved in its acceleration and braking, which is especially noticeable when operating large commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).

While off-road riding, the G-forces at play can be much greater than those experienced in everyday driving. When a rider is navigating rough terrain, the suspension of their vehicle is constantly being compressed and decompressed, causing the G-forces to fluctuate.

If the rider hits a bump or obstacle at high speed, the G-forces can become so great that they cause the suspension to collapse, resulting in a G-Out.

Read also: Desert Off-road Riding

Handling G-Out in Off-Road Riding

When you’re off-roading, you’re likely to encounter a variety of terrain, including hills, bumps, and jumps. These can all result in significant g-forces that can compress your suspension and cause a G-Out. The key to avoiding G-Out is to maintain control of your vehicle and manage your speed and suspension.

Manage your Speed

When approaching a hill or jump, it’s important to be aware of your speed and to adjust it accordingly. Going too fast can cause your suspension to compress and lead to a G-Out. On the other hand, going too slow can result in a lack of momentum and make it difficult to clear the obstacle.

When you’re approaching a transition or obstacle, try to maintain a consistent speed and avoid braking or accelerating too suddenly.

Manage your Suspension

Your suspension is your vehicle’s first line of defense against G-Out. Make sure to keep it in good condition and adjust it to suit the terrain you’re riding on. Lowering your air pressure can help to absorb more of the impact and reduce the risk of G-Out.

Before a ride, make sure to have a good understanding of your vehicle’s suspension and to make sure it’s properly set up for off-road riding. This can include adjusting the suspension’s preload, compression, and rebound settings to match the weight of the rider and the type of terrain you’ll be riding on.

Dealing with Harsh Braking

Another important concept related to G-Out is harsh braking. Harsh braking is when a rider uses more force than required to halt the vehicle. Stopping the vehicle this way involves a significant amount of G-force and the rider will feel it pushing them into their seat.

This type of braking can happen due to unforeseen circumstances, such as trying to prevent a collision, but it’s most often the result of a rider not paying attention to the traffic ahead of them.

To avoid harsh braking, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and to maintain a safe following distance. It’s also helpful to practice smooth braking techniques, which will help you to stop the vehicle more gradually and with less force.


Read also: Best Gearing for Dirt Bike Desert Riding


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