Input Parameters
Calculated Results
Enter values above and press “Calculate” to see jump results.
Results Table
Latest calculation is listed below for CSV and PDF export.
| Takeoff Speed | Angle (°) | Takeoff Height (m) | Landing Height (m) | Gap (m) | Mass (kg) | Time of Flight (s) | Horizontal Distance (m) | Peak Height (m) | Landing Speed (m/s) | Takeoff KE (kJ) | Landing KE (kJ) | Landing g-load | Clearance (m) |
|---|
Formula Used
The motorcycle leaves the ramp with initial speed v at angle
θ above the horizontal. Velocity components:
vx = v cos(θ),
vy0 = v sin(θ).
Vertical position as a function of time is
y(t) = y0 + vy0 t − (1/2) g t², where
y0 is the takeoff height, g is gravitational
acceleration, and landing occurs when y(t) = yL.
Solving for time of flight to landing height yL gives:
t = [vy0 + √(vy0² + 2 g (y0 − yL))] / g.
Horizontal distance is R = vx t.
Peak height above ground is
ymax = y0 + vy0² / (2 g). Landing speed combines
horizontal and vertical components at landing:
vlanding = √(vx² + vy(t)²).
For energy, the calculator uses E = ½ m v² at takeoff and landing. If a
deceleration distance s is provided, average landing g-load is approximated by
gload = vlanding² / (2 g s).
If a gap distance is provided, the calculator compares R to the gap to determine
whether the jump is safe or unsafe.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the motorcycle’s takeoff speed and choose the appropriate unit.
- Specify the ramp angle relative to horizontal ground.
- Provide takeoff and landing heights measured from the same reference level.
- Confirm gravitational acceleration or keep the default Earth value.
- Optionally, enter the gap distance the motorcycle must clear safely.
- Optionally, enter bike + rider mass and landing deceleration distance.
- Click “Calculate Jump Parameters” to compute all jump and safety metrics.
- Review the safety assessment and export the results as CSV or PDF.
Example Data Table
The sample configurations below illustrate typical motorcycle jump scenarios for testing.
| Scenario | Takeoff Speed | Angle (°) | Takeoff Height (m) | Landing Height (m) | Gap (m) | Mass (kg) | Deceleration Distance (m) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practice jump | 50 km/h | 20 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 12 | 180 | 0.6 | Moderate ramp, level landing platform. |
| Show jump | 65 km/h | 25 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 18 | 190 | 0.7 | Higher speed jump, slightly lower landing. |
| Training table | 40 km/h | 18 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 8 | 175 | 0.5 | Shorter gap for controlled practice sessions. |
Understanding Motorcycle Jump Parameters
This motorcycle jump calculator models the projectile motion of a bike leaving a ramp. It treats the motorcycle and rider as a single point mass, ignoring air resistance and engine power during flight to focus on clean, repeatable physics relationships between inputs and outputs. You can quickly see how small changes reshape the entire jump arc.
Role of Takeoff Speed and Angle
Takeoff speed and ramp angle strongly control jump distance and peak height. Higher speed or steeper angle both increase airtime, but very steep angles reduce horizontal distance and produce harsher landings. The calculator lets you test combinations of speed and angle safely before experimenting on an actual ramp or track layout.
Effect of Takeoff and Landing Heights
Real jumps rarely start and end at identical heights. A higher landing surface shortens flight time and distance, while a lower landing surface extends them and increases landing speed. By adjusting the two height fields, you can design safer landings that meet space limits without demanding extreme speed or uncomfortable ramp shapes.
Importance of Gravity and Surface Conditions
Gravity is usually set to Earth’s standard value, but you can adjust it for training simulations or concept demonstrations. In real riding, tire grip, ramp roughness, wind, and landing surface softness affect control and comfort, even though the core trajectory calculation assumes an ideal smooth surface and perfectly consistent conditions.
Gap Distance and Safety Margin Analysis
The gap distance field compares ramp-to-landing spacing with the predicted horizontal travel. Positive clearance means the rider should theoretically land beyond the obstacle edge. Negative clearance flags a configuration that fails to reach the landing zone and therefore demands different speed, angle, layout geometry, or a completely redesigned obstacle.
Mass, Energy, and Landing G-Loads
Adding bike and rider mass allows the tool to estimate kinetic energy at takeoff and landing. Combined with deceleration distance, it approximates landing g-load. This helps riders, coaches, and track builders compare different jump sizes, landing ramp lengths, and suspension setups for consistent, predictable impact forces and lower injury risk.
Using Calculator Results for Real-World Planning
The calculator is intended as a planning and learning aid, not a guarantee of personal safety. Always verify measurements carefully, allow generous safety margins, and consider rider skill, wind, visibility, and mechanical condition before attempting any jump based on the theoretical values shown here or exported into documents. Whenever possible, review designs with experienced builders or professional coaches. Never treat a successful calculation as permission to ignore basic safety equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is air resistance included in this motorcycle jump calculator?
No. The calculator treats the motorcycle and rider as an ideal projectile without aerodynamic drag. That keeps the equations transparent, but real jumps may travel slightly shorter distances than the theoretical horizontal range shown here.
Can I use this tool to design professional freestyle ramps?
It can support early concept design, but it is not a full engineering package. Always combine these results with professional ramp design standards, local regulations, and experienced builders’ feedback.
What units should I use for heights and distances?
All height and distance fields use meters. If your measurements are in feet, convert them before entering values. Keeping consistent units is essential for trustworthy time, distance, and landing speed results.
How accurate are the landing g-load estimates?
They provide a simplified average based on speed and deceleration distance. Real g-loads vary during impact and depend heavily on suspension tuning, rider posture, and landing technique, so treat the values as comparative guidance only.
Why does the calculator sometimes report no real landing solution?
This usually means the chosen angle, speed, and height combination cannot intersect the specified landing height using simple projectile motion. Recheck your numbers, or try a different landing height closer to the ramp level.
Can I rely on these values for safety decisions?
Use the outputs as an educational and planning reference only. They cannot account for rider errors, mechanical failure, weather, or surface changes. Always build generous margins, wear proper protection, and consult experienced coaches before attempting jumps.