Hey man.
If you aren't already doing so, don't start off using Flame Runner or mach bike. While they are top tier, if you're trying to get used to using the radically different inside drifting bikes in wii, you're better off using something with less speed, more acceleration, and better offroad. I would reccomend starting out with the Magikruser or Dolphin Dasher, before graduating to a more difficult verhicle like Flame Runner or mach bike. Secondly, I'm not sure if you are already, but watch alot of TWD98's videos. He shows off a ton of shortcuts and just watching what he does during the race can help you improve. This particular video is a really great introduction to the vehicles you should and shouldn't be using
Another tip is rather than jumping straight into online, try playing through and 100% beating single player first. It'll help you learn the inside outs of every track, and if you can beat CPUs consistently, you're well on your way to beating other players online. Finally, don't get discouraged if your VR is low or you're doing poorly online. Remember, unlike old school Mario Kart Wii which had thousands of people playing from 5 year olds who have played for 3 minutes, to pros, the new wiimmfi servers have a entry barrier which makes most people still playing them only the most dedicated hardcore players. While there are some noobs, generally speaking the majority of them are hardcore players who only go back to Mario Kart Wii because they love it's indepth mechanics so much. It's basically the difference between playing Smash online vs entering a local tournament. Finally, don't worry about the shortcuts if you're just starting off. Learn the game's mechanics and tracks like the back of your hand before you bother with any of the shortcuts. Then once you're comfortably placing mid to high in online races, then you should go back to time trials and start practicing shortcuts. When you do practice shortcuts, keep a record of your success to failure ratio. That way you can determine whether or not certain shortcuts are worth going for in races. Also keep in mind the risk reward ratio. If you're frontrunning in first, don't bother with anything but the easiest shortcuts you can always get, since failure means falling back. But if you're in last, then you have nothing left to loose and might as well go for some of the toughest shortcuts, especially if they'll put you back in the race.
Hope at least something in there helped you.
EDIT: Oh yeah, one more thing. When you're using an inside drift bike, don't swerve around obstacles. Instead just use the inside drift to jump around it if that makes any sense. Inside drift basically lets you turn on a dime, so it's much better at avoiding stuff in front of you at a short notice.
I'm really new to these Shortcuts and Morticycle Tricks and stuff so can someone give me some tips or videos that helped you with your Mario Kart Wii skills?
