As an inexperienced rider I realise that I have been sitting slightly too far back in the seat. I am touring at the moment so experimenting and am now sitting in the correct position and it makes a world of difference to the stability and control of the bike. Your video style is excellent. Very clear instructions and straight to the point. Very helpful and useful to an inexperienced rider like me.
If this guy followed me on my annual 625 mile ride (triumph Bonneville) ,,, I think he would be annoyed at all the ways I repositioned on my ironing board,,, I mean Bonneville 🤣
Keep learning, practicing and experimenting and you will probably live long enough to become an "experienced" rider like me, with 50 years in the saddle. Oh, and by the way, even though I'm an old geezer now, I mostly kept to the legal speed limits, even when I was young.
@@patrickfitzgerald2861 I am not interested in speed as someone who rides to tour. You can't really appreciate the place you are travel through at speed. I prefer a slower pace on the backroads. Anyway the bikes I ride are small engined and slow anyway so I wouldn't be able to go very fast even if I wanted to. 😆
I have been riding fast for 30 years. I watch hours of motorcycling videos each week. BTW I have never commented on a youtube video before. I had to stop what I was doing and go to the laptop to comment: YES! This guy gets it! Every single part of this video should be studied by the new rider who thinks he is just naturally better than most other riders. Toes on the pegs, forward to the tank, knees clamping, elbows loose and down to the tank, zero handlebar input at the apex of a turn. Your spine should never be "erect". This shit is life or death info for those who want to push it. Watch the video again, maybe twice. Nice job bro.
Bro, sit on an enduro once, I ain’t leaning forward on that unless I’m trying to stay out of the rain. The bike itself puts you into an erect position. It feels weird for sure having rode sport bikes. But that said, your advice only applies to sport bikes, not all bikes.
I would like to add,as someone who raced motocross,and has been a motorcycle rider on and off the road for almost fifty years.Before anyone thinks that these videos are unnecessary or a waste of time,believe me when I say,any one or all of what this gentleman is showing you in this video can save your life while riding and will save your life or at the very least,keep you out of the hospitals emergency ward. Both of which I guarantee Noone wants. Bless you all,protect what you have and who you are because there is only one of you,and regret is a terrible thing to have to live with.
The lessons you learn can't be teached. Sadly it's life. If you take on all this stuff it won't be what you will learn. In other words. Riding is high risk and if you accept that then you will respect riding and that will protect you more than anything.
very true !! I RACED MOTOCROSS WHEN I WAS YOUNGER! i was stationed on okinawa when in the Marines years ago , i had picked up a honda XLR 125 like a dirt bike but street legal, i had to take a motorcycle safety class over on the air force base , had i not taken that course , i would have wiped out the navy guys brand new GSXR600 lol, totally different than a dirt bike ,, he said he had the same background riding as i did , when i heard him telling some BS to others in the class, i stepped in , said , i would just listen to what we were about to be taught !! i can't figure out how he got to the class !!?? lol, he dropped the bike several times , i asked if i could have a try on his bike when we were doing the serpentine(cones) course,,,, he asked how i did that so fast ! ,, i said ,,, i LISTENED in class !! :)
Not many people understand how crucial this informatio is.. Very well put and each position mentioned is what differentiates from a comfortable position to an awkward and painful position.
But only as a guide. Bikes come in one size and one size only. People come in not only so many different heights. But more importantly, different ratios in leg, arm and torso height. Telling someone that you need to sit like THIS and turn like THAT is so wrong.
04:10 time mark: Comment on wrist position. I was taught not to position my hand the way that you prefer (slightly bent forward) because if the motorcycle suddenly jerks forward, like when a novice engages the clutch too quickly, that your body will slam backward. When the body lurches backward, the wrist will straighten out (rotating the throttle) while the rider hangs on for dear life. This will further accelerate the bike - not a good thing when trying to control a bucking motorcycle. So, for an experienced rider, this may not be a big deal. He won't get into situations where he inadvertently rotates the throttle. But it is an important detail for new riders.
@@soap_off It's a pun, a play on words. The idea that strengthening core muscles to preempt a problem of being unready (startled) and unprepared (bad body position) doesn't make sense to me. 🤔
Good clear advice for the inexperienced. I’m 38 and have had motorcycles since the age of 3. Raced motocross my whole life, got my first road sports bike at 17 and knew the massive difference in position straight away. I have never had an accident on road due to always being on a bike and instinctively knowing how to position for the most controlled ride. Take note newbies this guy is spot on and could save your life on the road.
Okay lilo baby time to go take a nap on your lilo molorcycle bed 😊 sweet dreams dream about motorcycles and lilo baby bottle holders on molorcycles okayyyyy goodnightttttttttt😂my lilo 3 year old super sport rider 😊
I have been riding for 17 years at least and I must say, it is very nice to refresh and check my technique with videos like this to make sure I am not developing bad habits. I am no stranger to finding that good habit practice and checking one's self can save one from what could have been a crash. Good technique will vastly increase your chances of a safe riding experience, not just for yourself but for others you may be riding with.
This information is half correct, Arm and body position depends also on seating position of the bike design, whether it's Rearward, Neutral or Forward.. pegs are set either forward like on cruisers, or Rearward like on sports bikes or neutral like on dirt bikes, dual sport, cafe racers, or some touring bikes. Other than that.. Great information for beginners..
You were kind. His information is totally wrong, Tall riders cannot bend their foreamrs at 90 degrees with their elbows and grab the handlebar like he did. If I do that as a 6'4 guy my hands will grab nothing but air and the handlebars will be 20cm below my hands, so straightening the arm to reach the handlebar is the only option. This dude's IQ who created the video is pretty low, he thinks everyone is short like him and he doesnt take the fact that most motorcycles arent cruisers with 1970s tall handlebars.
Interesting ! great video for beginners.I'm 74 street riding since 16, track racing since 13. Your one of the few that mentions importance of engaging your core, SO important especially riding on the track. My 2 Ducaties give me a workout. I average over 15,000 miles annually and about 6 track days a season..
I do 18K miles a year commuting to London and have no desire to do a single track day since I started that commute. And no weekend rides either. Got enough excitement from riding in London 🤣🤣🤣
I don't care if someone thinks I'm a noob when seeing me. I did 5200 km in 2 weeks. You sit differently depending on situation - I don't care how do I sit when I'm on highway with cruise control enabled. For doing hours of that kind of riding I can look as a noob - the only thing I care is my comfort. When it comes to riding twisty roads I focus and sit differently - exactly how you describe. Don't judge someone chilling at town or highway - you don't have to always be a Rossi.
Yeah I love all these people telling other people what to do, I like you ride to be comfortable, yeah for sure you'd ride different if you were racing but I don't do that on the highway!
I'm buying my first ever motorcycle this Friday, a 2013 Honda CB500X. I took the Motorcycle Safety Course, I'm brand new to motorized, two-wheeled vehicles. I plan on commuting, exploring the back roads and eventually start taking it on some forest service roads. I'm so excited to start learning! This video was helpful, thank you! I appreciate the details you added and examples you showed, it added a lot of clarity! Great video, thank you!
The paper technique is a great idea. I tried it out and it works great. It gives an instant feedback, so it is way easier to correct the moment the error happens.
You can only achieve the posture at 5:24 because you are short, you can bend your arms and reach the handlebar , however Tall riders when they bend their arms in that position , their hands will be several inches above the plane of the handlebar and straightening the arms to reach the handllebar that will be wayyyyy below for us is obligatory except in cruisers bikes with high handlebars.
I have been riding bikes for over 50 years and when I saw this I thought what a load of rubbish !!! I did watch it to the end and then thought do you know this chap is right .. Having said that there are natural riders and those that just ride bikes "are there not" ???? Whatever a well put together up load and new riders would be well advised to watch so well done sir !!
Yeah, looks like I've picked up some bad habits over the years as well (45 years for me). On older styled bikes you could place your feet with the instep on the rest, meaning you could just dab the brake/change gear without moving your foot. Now I've got a bike with more set back pegs I noticed my natural riding position left my toes dangling into space. I misread a corner the other day, it tighten up on me and I ended up lightly grinding my boot. Luckily I had some wiggle room, but If I'd misread the corner more it would have dragged my foot backwards and possibly under the bike. I'm not sure about the knees gripping the tank thing, but will give it a go.
I was always told not to have your wrist bent forward over the throttle or even flat on the throttle. If you accelerate too hard and get thrown back, and pull on the handlebars, that will force you to open the throttle even more, then more thrown back, etc. The wrist should be bent slightly under the throttle, so if you're thrown back, the pulling back on the bars will force you to close the throttle. Someone correct this if it is wrong. Thanks.
For a beginner you are absolutely correct as they're the ones most prone to catching whiskey throttle 😅. For experienced riders that fact remains, however one could argue that if your hand/wrist/forearm are not comfortable in that position based on your body or bike setup, then that could lead to muscle cramps or excessively tight grip which can also leading to handling issues or even crashes. Ie. It's easier to focus on the road and safety if you are also comfortable
The most essential information, we don't want to stress out in a long journey having the incorrect body position. Our body always relax and ready to adjust to the tarmac and off-road. Thanks mate!👍
40 years ago I started riding and at the same time bought a motorcycle. I have to say that the experience of sitting correctly on a horse is very close to that of sitting correctly on a motorcycle. Legs close to the saddle or tank, relaxed but stable upper body, relaxed grip with stretched hands, even the foot position on the footrests and stirrups is also identical. Helped me a lot
I’m 63,raced MX when younger, Honda,Suzuki. BSA,Norton when older,chopped some, hard tail,raked out necks, then Harleys,ape hangers on one,Drag bars on others, Ducati Monsters found a home also,track day fun, clip on bars, end of the day, you will find your style, It’s good to listen to experienced riders,Do not try to adapt their style, experiment…Never try to ride above your level,you’ll pay retail for that. I ride year round,in Chicago area,yep, I ride in the winter,love it.
Good morning! Woke up and watched your video first thing and now your lesson is saved in our brains 😃 Your teaching style and technique is excellent and we love your personality and realistic expectations you add to all of your wonderfully informative videos. My wife & I are fairly new riders and we feel strongly that you have played w major role in our improvement. Keep up the great work & God Bless.
I'm picking up my first bike this weekend, I just had this thought yesterday 2:26, at least I know it's a valid concern... Glad there's floorboards on mine, holy crap.
This is the perfect video i was searching until now...i get a pain on my left shoulder when i ride 1km or so in my motorcycle ..i searched youtube and couldn't find a good video on seating position...thank you
Felt bloody awful riding my gsx-r until I changed the footpegs to rearsets and changed the handlebars then the new position was fantastic making riding a lot more comfortable and the bike easier to control at speed.
Thankyou for your vids... I just ride a pcx and rode it like a bicycle.. after an hour or 2 got arm pump and sore neck. Listened to this an so comfy now... brilliant x
Great video. Another good argument to make resting your foot 'through' your brakes will increase your time to break since you need to lift it out from in between. Also putting your tip of your boot on the rest, well angle your knees better to keep to closer to your tank. This keep center mass on the bike. Big W moto control as usual.
We teach ball of feet on the pegs (apart from when changing gear or back braking). It gives better control and makes sure your toes are aren’t used as chicken strip pegs when you lean the bike. Also it better to stand (if you need to) and help balance and absorb energy when you go over rough ground. Consider which bike you buy and see if you can adjust bar height and rake plus peg / pedal heights for optimum comfort and efficiency / safety. Don’t sit with your heels on the peg unless you want to look like a noob.
what really helped for me was a few trackdays to learn the difference in body positioning, and driving a lot of mountain passes on many different bikes
A lot of bikes force a riding position. Some are murder in town but comfortable at 50mph plus. Shaped seats leave litle room for sliding backwards. Fixed position bars leave no room for adjustment.. look carefully when choosing a bike
As soon as I saw the beginning of the videoI thought it was Argentina, then a Russian guy starts speaking in English!!??...now I read you have moved to Buenos Aires :) ...so far, my photographic memory of places never fails me. Enjoy the weather and food down there!
Very useful. I've been riding for years, but never sure if I'm doing it correctly. My takeaway is that posture is "bottom-up" - not "top-down". That's easy to remember, and I thank you for the advice. I hope you're enjoying Buenos Aires. Good call - the food is terrific. 👍
This is great and I would add if you squeeze with your legs tighter (it engages the core) when coming to a stop it takes a lot of pressure off your arms and wrists on sport bikes (if you are doing a lot of stop and go city driving)
for throttle control it might help to have the right forearm in line with the handlebar grip, holding the throttle like an ice cream cone. Throttle control is a function of body position, attention and practice.
To me, riding position is a matter of utility. We need to timely and comfortably operate all the controls, lean in to corners or counter steer, etc. Every bike and every rider is different. If a bike feels comfortable and you build experience with it, you'll default into a position where you should be able to operate it safely and without discomfort. But it's good to build some habits that can avoid common issues. Personally I ride a pretty small touring bike (Hunter 350) and I'm almost six feet tall. Operating it is very easy. I'm mostly sitting upright unless I have to fight headwind, which is when I crouch over and my wrists and elbows are noticably getting less comfortable. I'm just getting into the habit of covering the brakes, trail braking and late apexing. Another thing I picked up is that when standing still, your foot should be on the brake pedal, not only to keep the light engaged but also for the sake of safety when you're getting rear ended (it's the most survivable situation if your rear wheel is blocked, rather than the front wheel or none at all). I need to work on droping my shoulders, and the toes on pegs is new to me but it kinda makes sense.
Relaxation is key. Rear ended two years ago, I wasn’t tense before the crash and out of instinct I curled up protectively. I see tons of guys riding around with Frankenstein arms.
Yeah the sitting up against the fuel tank finally hit my riding position, most of my long rides i would get shoulder ache , recent 2day ride i had a pack bungeed on the back forcing me to sit more forward than usual, 2 days of riding no shoulder ache. Hour number 5 on the first day it hit me "huh" my shoulder is fine , second day same thing "huh" my shoulder is still fine. Usually i get maybe 3 hours down the road, especially if its highway riding , shoulder ache in the clutch arm. God dam revelation didnt think i was sat that far back but this video cemented it
Wow this is totally random but yes it's always good to see fellow Kiwis we get around don't we. It sucks what happened down the coast and Hawks sending ❤️
Great lesson! I find there is most definitely a "sweet spot" for me on my FJR. Because it is sort of in between a sport bike and a touring bike, I find that using my core and straightening my back allows my arms to bend properly and stay relaxed. If I'm not paying attention to my core, it is easy for my arms to straighten out and stiffen up. I don't remember you mentioning grip but I am always conscious of my grip and try to use as little force as possible but still maintain contact and control (similar to when grappling). These are VERY inspiring videos - Thank you!
Many thanks from up here in Canada! I will be riding again after many years and your videos remind me of everything I loved about riding while teaching me new things with precision and humour.
Watching an older guy recently explain that riding his bike keeps him fit, this clarifies it as to why. In his words when winter if over and he gets his bike out in the spring, the 1st couple of weeks of riding he notices it because his muscles complain where they haven’t been used for the last couple of months.
Where I ride, the best riding position is standing on the foot pegs with the knees bent absorbing the impacts, because of the nature of what's called "asphalt" around here.
Thank you. Thanks to you, I can clearly see the reason of my almost numb hands after 20 minutes of riding. I was trying to sit as behind as possible on the seat.
On the foot positioning: i think its important for beginner riders to always have the ball of their foot on the rear brake and on top of the gear lever, so they can easily do emergency braking or downshifting. Of course you shouldnt put your weight of the foot on either lever or pedal, but the natural position should be there to reduce the reaction time needed. Unless you are racing on a track, you should always be ready for an emergency brake
It should be a dynamic thing that changes with the situation. What beginners should be taught better is situational awareness in my opinion. Balls of feet on the pegs makes more sense in my opinion as well because you can still hover over the the front brake lever in car of emergency which does most of the stopping. And I believe swerving does more in most emergency situations than braking. Just my 2 cents from riding in urban and wide open environments for about 8 years.
Agreed. Instep on the footrest so all one needs to do to brake or shift gear is tilt the foot. Riding with ball of foot on rests, like the racing guys who climb all over their bikes, means lifting the foot to operate brakes or 'box. It loses contact with the bike and adds to the reaction time. Good riding is covering all controls in potentially hazardous situations.
One crucial tip for those not used to the knees and struggling with it, Turn your toes towards the front wheel, it naturally moves your knees into the tank
I have not seen many motorcycle instructors or coaches talk about adjusting your bike to achieve the best body position. I just changed the handlebar on my bike to achieve a better position.
Riding position will depend greatly on what you’re doing at the time, flicking through the twisties left, right and left again will require a totally different approach than cruising on a dual carriageway or motorway, much the same as going fast or slow will also. If you sit toes poised on the pegs with your knees clamped to the sides of the tank for mile after mile on the motorway fatigue will get the better of you very quickly. Uncomfortable riding positions lead to distraction and a lack of concentration is the last thing you need when you’re riding at speed or in heavy traffic. Ps, to date I’ve currently got 34yrs + in the saddle.
I used to ride 3 times a week in one of the most advanced canyons in California, Del Puerto, Mines and Jumction, one once a week to 49 or Alice’s. Took Keith code level 1 to 3, but I stopped ridding 13 years ago when I started my business. Two months ago I bought a new bike, and I rode it for the first time yesterday around the block, scared as shit, confused, and everything that’s said in this video, BUT Jesus Christ it felt so great to be back on a bike :)
I saw the video and clicked; and within 5 seconds I thought the same thing. I’ve had both types of bikes; they’re totally different in terms of how they make you posture on the seats. I get it “the fundamentals” but to use a picture of one and then show another is just dumb.
Huhuhuhu how can you tell how long a person has been riding by the way they sit on their bike? do you have ESPN or something? I've been riding for 40 years and just the other day I had my left foot on the peg,my right foot up on the frame slider with my right hand on the throttle and my left hand on top of my tank bag after a two hour stretch with only a few miles left and didn't want to stop and stretch.you people are unbelievable.literally.
Love the information in this video. Only thing I, personally, do different is keeping my foot on the rear brake. I'd rather be able to just press down if I need to brake fast instead of wasting time moving my foot back into position. Again though, this is personal preference for me.
The clearly a new rider in the thumbnail is sitting just like I do on my R1 currently and I’ve been riding all of my life. Right now middle of foot on pegs because I can currently barely bend my right knee far enough to get on the pegs, and arms locked straight to keep my umbilical hernia as far away from the tank as possible. Heck even when perfectly healthy you might see me in this position if it feels comfortable for the current situation and I can assure you I’m no newb. You can use any position that’s comfortable when you’re a seasoned rider, now when it’s time to pick up the pace, that’s when you want to be in a more proper position. Even then I’ll go into comfort position in the straights just to stay comfortable.
I know you posted this over a year ago but can you tell me what kind of handlebar protectors you use? I'm a new rider and still getting the hang of riding so I've been dropping it alot which means a lot of broken brake and clutch levers. I saw your protectors and I need them haha. Thanks =D
i put 10km into my bike just the other day since im so excited to learn driving and today i felt some neck pain and other pain due to improper riding form. Ill try sitting properly using these tips and see what happens. thank you!
on some older bikes there's even a small "shelf" for your heel on that peg plate which makes it even more comfortable. just look at a picture of an fj1200 :D
This helps a lot. I am a rider for 30 years now. Subconsciously, I am quite confident with my riding posture however, as I age I needed a refresher like this one as Im having muscles pains and the therapist blames my riding posture nowadays. Great one help from you All the best and ride safe too.
"Ice cream cone" grip on the throttle, especially when riding on rough roads, makes the throttle a lot smoother. With a straight back grip, you tend to blip the throttle up and down on every bump, ice cream cone grip mostly stops that from happening. Maybe more of use for those riding bad roads or gravel and off road.
i dont have a motorcycle yet since im too young, BUT i do have a scooter. The arm-thing is so crucial there too. Getting a little practice before i can actually drive a motorcycle... hehe. Nice
The best advice I ever got was that you should be pushing the bars forward, if your pushing them down you sitting wrong. Also loosen that grip it's not a white knuckle ride.
you have great strength in your torso so id like to tell you, your lower spine is bent out a little bit, your otherwise posture is great. Its common for lower back to be bent because of constant sitting the world does now. I like to imagine im sitting on my butt while standing because it makes me use the muscles more, then the rest of my body starts to fall in line as one. Its so easy to let these muscles deteriorate because while walking if you let your butt out the muscles arent being used and it feel easy to walk. Walking uses the whole body, especially hip area. Push each step forward with your body not just legs. I am btw not nearly as in shape as you, I care about my lost posture that I wanna get into shape
The official motorcycle handbook for Ontario (in Canada) says to "drive with your wrists low to keep you from increasing your speed by mistake." Ergonomically, that does sound bad, but it's interesting to see varying viewpoints.
I can clearly detect a fair-weather try-hard by their perfect body positioning.p If you ride long / regularly enough, you naturally adapt your body positioning into what works best for you. It's that simple. A person may also over time tweak their bike to accomadate their own body's ideal posture... One may then swap out their bike to one that fits them better overall. On and on it goes.
As an inexperienced rider I realise that I have been sitting slightly too far back in the seat. I am touring at the moment so experimenting and am now sitting in the correct position and it makes a world of difference to the stability and control of the bike.
Your video style is excellent. Very clear instructions and straight to the point. Very helpful and useful to an inexperienced rider like me.
If this guy followed me on my annual 625 mile ride (triumph Bonneville) ,,, I think he would be annoyed at all the ways I repositioned on my ironing board,,, I mean Bonneville 🤣
@@littlet-rex8839 Having riden all sorts sadly I do know where you are comming from L.O.L........
Me too, I moved all the way to the gas tank and my riding became a 100 times better.
Keep learning, practicing and experimenting and you will probably live long enough to become an "experienced" rider like me, with 50 years in the saddle. Oh, and by the way, even though I'm an old geezer now, I mostly kept to the legal speed limits, even when I was young.
@@patrickfitzgerald2861 I am not interested in speed as someone who rides to tour. You can't really appreciate the place you are travel through at speed. I prefer a slower pace on the backroads. Anyway the bikes I ride are small engined and slow anyway so I wouldn't be able to go very fast even if I wanted to. 😆
I have been riding fast for 30 years. I watch hours of motorcycling videos each week. BTW I have never commented on a youtube video before. I had to stop what I was doing and go to the laptop to comment: YES! This guy gets it! Every single part of this video should be studied by the new rider who thinks he is just naturally better than most other riders. Toes on the pegs, forward to the tank, knees clamping, elbows loose and down to the tank, zero handlebar input at the apex of a turn. Your spine should never be "erect". This shit is life or death info for those who want to push it. Watch the video again, maybe twice. Nice job bro.
Spine should never be erect? i.e. a comfortable hunch ok?
Please go back to never commenting again, thanks
Side note, he’s teaching you how to sit on an enduro wrong for that matter, not a super sport which was the thumbnail for the video tf
What about no pants gloves or helmet?
Your knees 'clamping the tank' is BS.
Bro, sit on an enduro once, I ain’t leaning forward on that unless I’m trying to stay out of the rain. The bike itself puts you into an erect position. It feels weird for sure having rode sport bikes. But that said, your advice only applies to sport bikes, not all bikes.
I would like to add,as someone who raced motocross,and has been a motorcycle rider on and off the road for almost fifty years.Before anyone thinks that these videos are unnecessary or a waste of time,believe me when I say,any one or all of what this gentleman is showing you in this video can save your life while riding and will save your life or at the very least,keep you out of the hospitals emergency ward.
Both of which I guarantee Noone wants.
Bless you all,protect what you have and who you are because there is only one of you,and regret is a terrible thing to have to live with.
The lessons you learn can't be teached. Sadly it's life. If you take on all this stuff it won't be what you will learn. In other words. Riding is high risk and if you accept that then you will respect riding and that will protect you more than anything.
very true !! I RACED MOTOCROSS WHEN I WAS YOUNGER! i was stationed on okinawa when in the Marines years ago , i had picked up a honda XLR 125 like a dirt bike but street legal, i had to take a motorcycle safety class over on the air force base , had i not taken that course , i would have wiped out the navy guys brand new GSXR600 lol, totally different than a dirt bike ,, he said he had the same background riding as i did , when i heard him telling some BS to others in the class, i stepped in , said , i would just listen to what we were about to be taught !! i can't figure out how he got to the class !!?? lol, he dropped the bike several times , i asked if i could have a try on his bike when we were doing the serpentine(cones) course,,,, he asked how i did that so fast ! ,, i said ,,, i LISTENED in class !! :)
Yeah, one day I was not sitting properly and a truck almost ran me over. I will never sit the wrong way ever again.
Not many people understand how crucial this informatio is.. Very well put and each position mentioned is what differentiates from a comfortable position to an awkward and painful position.
No we just ride for years and years
@@ScorpioNy6there is always some dick telling you how to ride .get a push bike leave motorbike for real bickers 😂😅😅😅😅😂😂
If the instructor who teaches you how to ride properly is worth his salt you should already know all this, and so not have any problems.
But only as a guide.
Bikes come in one size and one size only.
People come in not only so many different heights.
But more importantly, different ratios in leg, arm and torso height.
Telling someone that you need to sit like THIS and turn like THAT is so wrong.
@@Menkalinanabsolutely well put and I agree 100%
04:10 time mark: Comment on wrist position.
I was taught not to position my hand the way that you prefer (slightly bent forward) because if the motorcycle suddenly jerks forward, like when a novice engages the clutch too quickly, that your body will slam backward. When the body lurches backward, the wrist will straighten out (rotating the throttle) while the rider hangs on for dear life. This will further accelerate the bike - not a good thing when trying to control a bucking motorcycle.
So, for an experienced rider, this may not be a big deal. He won't get into situations where he inadvertently rotates the throttle. But it is an important detail for new riders.
His arm is probably trained enough to compensate. But I would not recommend that either.
then you should strengthen your core muscles to absorb movement from the bike
@@soap_off That's abs-urd. 🤣
@@1dash133 i'm not native english speaker what is the mistake ?
@@soap_off It's a pun, a play on words.
The idea that strengthening core muscles to preempt a problem of being unready (startled) and unprepared (bad body position) doesn't make sense to me. 🤔
Good clear advice for the inexperienced. I’m 38 and have had motorcycles since the age of 3. Raced motocross my whole life, got my first road sports bike at 17 and knew the massive difference in position straight away. I have never had an accident on road due to always being on a bike and instinctively knowing how to position for the most controlled ride. Take note newbies this guy is spot on and could save your life on the road.
😂
Okay lilo baby time to go take a nap on your lilo molorcycle bed 😊 sweet dreams dream about motorcycles and lilo baby bottle holders on molorcycles okayyyyy goodnightttttttttt😂my lilo 3 year old super sport rider 😊
I have been riding for 17 years at least and I must say, it is very nice to refresh and check my technique with videos like this to make sure I am not developing bad habits. I am no stranger to finding that good habit practice and checking one's self can save one from what could have been a crash. Good technique will vastly increase your chances of a safe riding experience, not just for yourself but for others you may be riding with.
This information is half correct, Arm and body position depends also on seating position of the bike design, whether it's Rearward, Neutral or Forward.. pegs are set either forward like on cruisers, or Rearward like on sports bikes or neutral like on dirt bikes, dual sport, cafe racers, or some touring bikes. Other than that.. Great information for beginners..
You were kind. His information is totally wrong, Tall riders cannot bend their foreamrs at 90 degrees with their elbows and grab the handlebar like he did. If I do that as a 6'4 guy my hands will grab nothing but air and the handlebars will be 20cm below my hands, so straightening the arm to reach the handlebar is the only option. This dude's IQ who created the video is pretty low, he thinks everyone is short like him and he doesnt take the fact that most motorcycles arent cruisers with 1970s tall handlebars.
Interesting ! great video for beginners.I'm 74 street riding since 16, track racing since 13. Your one of the few that mentions importance of engaging your core, SO important especially riding on the track. My 2 Ducaties give me a workout. I average over 15,000 miles annually and about 6 track days a season..
I do 18K miles a year commuting to London and have no desire to do a single track day since I started that commute. And no weekend rides either. Got enough excitement from riding in London 🤣🤣🤣
@@ddff3618 What's a track day?
@@94D33M track day? It’s when you go to a race circuit on your bike or a car. Generally no speed limits….
Your problems start with the letter D.
I don't care if someone thinks I'm a noob when seeing me. I did 5200 km in 2 weeks. You sit differently depending on situation - I don't care how do I sit when I'm on highway with cruise control enabled. For doing hours of that kind of riding I can look as a noob - the only thing I care is my comfort. When it comes to riding twisty roads I focus and sit differently - exactly how you describe. Don't judge someone chilling at town or highway - you don't have to always be a Rossi.
They look silly though.
Yeah I love all these people telling other people what to do, I like you ride to be comfortable, yeah for sure you'd ride different if you were racing but I don't do that on the highway!
I've corrected so many basic mistakes even though I have been riding for 5 years. Too bad my previous instructors didn't give such clear instructions.
Their job is to make sure you are able to ride safely on your own learning how to ride proper and how to ride is on us :3
I'm buying my first ever motorcycle this Friday, a 2013 Honda CB500X. I took the Motorcycle Safety Course, I'm brand new to motorized, two-wheeled vehicles. I plan on commuting, exploring the back roads and eventually start taking it on some forest service roads. I'm so excited to start learning! This video was helpful, thank you! I appreciate the details you added and examples you showed, it added a lot of clarity! Great video, thank you!
Absolutely superb - clear advice, clearly & logically presented & just in time for me to resume motor biking after a 40 year gap !
The paper technique is a great idea. I tried it out and it works great. It gives an instant feedback, so it is way easier to correct the moment the error happens.
Yes! By the way, it works best if the paper is 100 dollar bill😆
@@MotoControlEn lmao
@@MotoControlEnI tried it with $1000 dollars and now I'm homeless
Thank you for this trick brother as an instructor it will help me a lot 🙏🏻
You can only achieve the posture at 5:24 because you are short, you can bend your arms and reach the handlebar , however Tall riders when they bend their arms in that position , their hands will be several inches above the plane of the handlebar and straightening the arms to reach the handllebar that will be wayyyyy below for us is obligatory except in cruisers bikes with high handlebars.
I have never realized that 186cm is short😁
I wouldn't say short, just average. However 194cm makes finding an anatomical position on most bikes a nightmare @@MotoControlEn
@@MotoControlEnWell, you're short if they are 187cm then.. .
I have been riding bikes for over 50 years and when I saw this I thought what a load of rubbish !!! I did watch it to the end and then thought do you know this chap is right .. Having said that there are natural riders and those that just ride bikes "are there not" ???? Whatever a well put together up load and new riders would be well advised to watch so well done sir !!
Yeah, looks like I've picked up some bad habits over the years as well (45 years for me). On older styled bikes you could place your feet with the instep on the rest, meaning you could just dab the brake/change gear without moving your foot. Now I've got a bike with more set back pegs I noticed my natural riding position left my toes dangling into space. I misread a corner the other day, it tighten up on me and I ended up lightly grinding my boot. Luckily I had some wiggle room, but If I'd misread the corner more it would have dragged my foot backwards and possibly under the bike. I'm not sure about the knees gripping the tank thing, but will give it a go.
It's always a little treat when you release a new video.
Thank you, once again.
Cheers from the Netherlands
I was always told not to have your wrist bent forward over the throttle or even flat on the throttle. If you accelerate too hard and get thrown back, and pull on the handlebars, that will force you to open the throttle even more, then more thrown back, etc.
The wrist should be bent slightly under the throttle, so if you're thrown back, the pulling back on the bars will force you to close the throttle. Someone correct this if it is wrong. Thanks.
Your right indeed
For a beginner you are absolutely correct as they're the ones most prone to catching whiskey throttle 😅.
For experienced riders that fact remains, however one could argue that if your hand/wrist/forearm are not comfortable in that position based on your body or bike setup, then that could lead to muscle cramps or excessively tight grip which can also leading to handling issues or even crashes.
Ie. It's easier to focus on the road and safety if you are also comfortable
That’s what was taught to me when I took the MSF course in 2008.
Omg I cant believe it. My hands were so tired when taking motorcicle lessons and I thought it's because I am not strong enough...
The most essential information, we don't want to stress out in a long journey having the incorrect body position. Our body always relax and ready to adjust to the tarmac and off-road. Thanks mate!👍
40 years ago I started riding and at the same time bought a motorcycle. I have to say that the experience of sitting correctly on a horse is very close to that of sitting correctly on a motorcycle. Legs close to the saddle or tank, relaxed but stable upper body, relaxed grip with stretched hands, even the foot position on the footrests and stirrups is also identical.
Helped me a lot
I’m 63,raced MX when younger, Honda,Suzuki. BSA,Norton when older,chopped some, hard tail,raked out necks, then Harleys,ape hangers on one,Drag bars on others, Ducati Monsters found a home also,track day fun, clip on bars, end of the day, you will find your style, It’s good to listen to experienced riders,Do not try to adapt their style, experiment…Never try to ride above your level,you’ll pay retail for that. I ride year round,in Chicago area,yep, I ride in the winter,love it.
Good morning! Woke up and watched your video first thing and now your lesson is saved in our brains 😃 Your teaching style and technique is excellent and we love your personality and realistic expectations you add to all of your wonderfully informative videos. My wife & I are fairly new riders and we feel strongly that you have played w major role in our improvement. Keep up the great work & God Bless.
Thank you! I'm glad to be helpful😊
This video improved my riding.... great way to convey information I knew, but did not fully understand
Most of these tips place the proper motorcycle position pretty similar to the proper horse riding position, minus heels down. Very interesting!
I'm picking up my first bike this weekend, I just had this thought yesterday 2:26, at least I know it's a valid concern... Glad there's floorboards on mine, holy crap.
This is the perfect video i was searching until now...i get a pain on my left shoulder when i ride 1km or so in my motorcycle ..i searched youtube and couldn't find a good video on seating position...thank you
Felt bloody awful riding my gsx-r until I changed the footpegs to rearsets and changed the handlebars then the new position was fantastic making riding a lot more comfortable and the bike easier to control at speed.
Thankyou for your vids... I just ride a pcx and rode it like a bicycle.. after an hour or 2 got arm pump and sore neck. Listened to this an so comfy now... brilliant x
Great video. Another good argument to make resting your foot 'through' your brakes will increase your time to break since you need to lift it out from in between. Also putting your tip of your boot on the rest, well angle your knees better to keep to closer to your tank. This keep center mass on the bike.
Big W moto control as usual.
We teach ball of feet on the pegs (apart from when changing gear or back braking). It gives better control and makes sure your toes are aren’t used as chicken strip pegs when you lean the bike. Also it better to stand (if you need to) and help balance and absorb energy when you go over rough ground. Consider which bike you buy and see if you can adjust bar height and rake plus peg / pedal heights for optimum comfort and efficiency / safety. Don’t sit with your heels on the peg unless you want to look like a noob.
what really helped for me was a few trackdays to learn the difference in body positioning, and driving a lot of mountain passes on many different bikes
A lot of bikes force a riding position. Some are murder in town but comfortable at 50mph plus. Shaped seats leave litle room for sliding backwards. Fixed position bars leave no room for adjustment.. look carefully when choosing a bike
As soon as I saw the beginning of the videoI thought it was Argentina, then a Russian guy starts speaking in English!!??...now I read you have moved to Buenos Aires :) ...so far, my photographic memory of places never fails me. Enjoy the weather and food down there!
This is a seriously top-grade educational production. Well done & thank you. Love the floppy arm riding footage.
Excellent 👍 I have been riding for 30 years and always struggled in this area. I will practice your advice thanks 😃
Very useful. I've been riding for years, but never sure if I'm doing it correctly. My takeaway is that posture is "bottom-up" - not "top-down". That's easy to remember, and I thank you for the advice. I hope you're enjoying Buenos Aires. Good call - the food is terrific. 👍
I love not only your content but also your accent and sense of humour. Keep it up !!
This is great and I would add if you squeeze with your legs tighter (it engages the core) when coming to a stop it takes a lot of pressure off your arms and wrists on sport bikes (if you are doing a lot of stop and go city driving)
This kind of subjective. Many times it depends on the layout of the bike. And many times it depends on the situation. Ty for the vids.
I agree. I have been riding for 45 years and there are times when my arms are mostly straight. Not elbows locked, but pretty straight.
for throttle control it might help to have the right forearm in line with the handlebar grip, holding the throttle like an ice cream cone. Throttle control is a function of body position, attention and practice.
To me, riding position is a matter of utility. We need to timely and comfortably operate all the controls, lean in to corners or counter steer, etc. Every bike and every rider is different. If a bike feels comfortable and you build experience with it, you'll default into a position where you should be able to operate it safely and without discomfort. But it's good to build some habits that can avoid common issues. Personally I ride a pretty small touring bike (Hunter 350) and I'm almost six feet tall. Operating it is very easy. I'm mostly sitting upright unless I have to fight headwind, which is when I crouch over and my wrists and elbows are noticably getting less comfortable.
I'm just getting into the habit of covering the brakes, trail braking and late apexing. Another thing I picked up is that when standing still, your foot should be on the brake pedal, not only to keep the light engaged but also for the sake of safety when you're getting rear ended (it's the most survivable situation if your rear wheel is blocked, rather than the front wheel or none at all). I need to work on droping my shoulders, and the toes on pegs is new to me but it kinda makes sense.
Thanks
I been watching a lot of motorcycle skill channels and I think yours is my favorite.
Very helpfull....now i know why my shoulders & wrists used to hurt after long rides
Relaxation is key. Rear ended two years ago, I wasn’t tense before the crash and out of instinct I curled up protectively. I see tons of guys riding around with Frankenstein arms.
one of the best videos Ive seen yet on riding form
THANK YOU
"Your video style is excellent. Very clear instructions and straight to the point." (person.X) -- I couldn't agree more, not to forget your humour...
You're the best teacher comrade.
This is a 10/10. Super informative, with a nice ambiance of sarcasm. Bravo
Very clear and nicely presented. Cheers, from Lincolnshire in the UK and my old FJ1200.
Yeah the sitting up against the fuel tank finally hit my riding position, most of my long rides i would get shoulder ache , recent 2day ride i had a pack bungeed on the back forcing me to sit more forward than usual, 2 days of riding no shoulder ache. Hour number 5 on the first day it hit me "huh" my shoulder is fine , second day same thing "huh" my shoulder is still fine. Usually i get maybe 3 hours down the road, especially if its highway riding , shoulder ache in the clutch arm. God dam revelation didnt think i was sat that far back but this video cemented it
Love your humour and teaching style!! Cyclone about to hit here in New Zealand...you took my mind off it for a few minutes 🙏♥️
Nice to see a fellow kiwi here. Hope it's not too bad your way. I'm in Upper Hutt so a little windy and lightish rain.
Wow this is totally random but yes it's always good to see fellow Kiwis we get around don't we. It sucks what happened down the coast and Hawks sending ❤️
Taranaki here🤣🤣
@@uhtred7860haha we're everywhere!!
Your instructions are absolutely brilliant. Thanks a million!
Great lesson! I find there is most definitely a "sweet spot" for me on my FJR. Because it is sort of in between a sport bike and a touring bike, I find that using my core and straightening my back allows my arms to bend properly and stay relaxed. If I'm not paying attention to my core, it is easy for my arms to straighten out and stiffen up. I don't remember you mentioning grip but I am always conscious of my grip and try to use as little force as possible but still maintain contact and control (similar to when grappling). These are VERY inspiring videos - Thank you!
Many thanks from up here in Canada! I will be riding again after many years and your videos remind me of everything I loved about riding while teaching me new things with precision and humour.
Thanks, just off around France for 3 weeks so your tips are v well received
This is some great tips, it has instantly pointed out some of my rookie mistakes and at least I can fix them
Watching an older guy recently explain that riding his bike keeps him fit, this clarifies it as to why.
In his words when winter if over and he gets his bike out in the spring, the 1st couple of weeks of riding he notices it because his muscles complain where they haven’t been used for the last couple of months.
Where I ride, the best riding position is standing on the foot pegs with the knees bent absorbing the impacts, because of the nature of what's called "asphalt" around here.
Thank you. Thanks to you, I can clearly see the reason of my almost numb hands after 20 minutes of riding. I was trying to sit as behind as possible on the seat.
On the foot positioning: i think its important for beginner riders to always have the ball of their foot on the rear brake and on top of the gear lever, so they can easily do emergency braking or downshifting.
Of course you shouldnt put your weight of the foot on either lever or pedal, but the natural position should be there to reduce the reaction time needed. Unless you are racing on a track, you should always be ready for an emergency brake
It should be a dynamic thing that changes with the situation. What beginners should be taught better is situational awareness in my opinion. Balls of feet on the pegs makes more sense in my opinion as well because you can still hover over the the front brake lever in car of emergency which does most of the stopping. And I believe swerving does more in most emergency situations than braking. Just my 2 cents from riding in urban and wide open environments for about 8 years.
Agreed. Instep on the footrest so all one needs to do to brake or shift gear is tilt the foot. Riding with ball of foot on rests, like the racing guys who climb all over their bikes, means lifting the foot to operate brakes or 'box. It loses contact with the bike and adds to the reaction time. Good riding is covering all controls in potentially hazardous situations.
One crucial tip for those not used to the knees and struggling with it,
Turn your toes towards the front wheel, it naturally moves your knees into the tank
I have not seen many motorcycle instructors or coaches talk about adjusting your bike to achieve the best body position. I just changed the handlebar on my bike to achieve a better position.
Riding position will depend greatly on what you’re doing at the time, flicking through the twisties left, right and left again will require a totally different approach than cruising on a dual carriageway or motorway, much the same as going fast or slow will also.
If you sit toes poised on the pegs with your knees clamped to the sides of the tank for mile after mile on the motorway fatigue will get the better of you very quickly.
Uncomfortable riding positions lead to distraction and a lack of concentration is the last thing you need when you’re riding at speed or in heavy traffic.
Ps, to date I’ve currently got 34yrs + in the saddle.
I used to ride 3 times a week in one of the most advanced canyons in California, Del Puerto, Mines and Jumction, one once a week to 49 or Alice’s. Took Keith code level 1 to 3, but I stopped ridding 13 years ago when I started my business.
Two months ago I bought a new bike, and I rode it for the first time yesterday around the block, scared as shit, confused, and everything that’s said in this video, BUT Jesus Christ it felt so great to be back on a bike :)
bro you put cover photo a ducati and you show how to seat at one Enduro is not the same thing sitting in a sport bike or enduro
Watch the video again; the principals remain the same.
@@HasibulHasanZeesan 1
I saw the video and clicked; and within 5 seconds I thought the same thing. I’ve had both types of bikes; they’re totally different in terms of how they make you posture on the seats.
I get it “the fundamentals” but to use a picture of one and then show another is just dumb.
I plan on showing your videos to my girlfriend who is going to start riding this year. Great information as always!
I love your videos and the way you so eloquently explain every topic. Thank you!
Instep should be on footrest, so as to have instant contact with gearshift or rear brake. Better brake control and less tendency to "stomp" on pedal.
Adjusting hand levers and foot levers to suit you is a fundamental adjust when you get your bike.
Huhuhuhu how can you tell how long a person has been riding by the way they sit on their bike? do you have ESPN or something? I've been riding for 40 years and just the other day I had my left foot on the peg,my right foot up on the frame slider with my right hand on the throttle and my left hand on top of my tank bag after a two hour stretch with only a few miles left and didn't want to stop and stretch.you people are unbelievable.literally.
Hi, Butthead, nice to finally hear from you!
I sat straight on my first sports bike…..im still in discomfort 4 weeks later 😆 feels like I’ve done a million sit ups
Love the information in this video. Only thing I, personally, do different is keeping my foot on the rear brake. I'd rather be able to just press down if I need to brake fast instead of wasting time moving my foot back into position. Again though, this is personal preference for me.
Great info, thank you for posting from a new rider.
The clearly a new rider in the thumbnail is sitting just like I do on my R1 currently and I’ve been riding all of my life. Right now middle of foot on pegs because I can currently barely bend my right knee far enough to get on the pegs, and arms locked straight to keep my umbilical hernia as far away from the tank as possible. Heck even when perfectly healthy you might see me in this position if it feels comfortable for the current situation and I can assure you I’m no newb. You can use any position that’s comfortable when you’re a seasoned rider, now when it’s time to pick up the pace, that’s when you want to be in a more proper position. Even then I’ll go into comfort position in the straights just to stay comfortable.
8:21 hahahahha the "floppy floppy" bit killed me
This is excellent information. Thanks for sharing.
I know you posted this over a year ago but can you tell me what kind of handlebar protectors you use? I'm a new rider and still getting the hang of riding so I've been dropping it alot which means a lot of broken brake and clutch levers. I saw your protectors and I need them haha. Thanks =D
Hi! Those are used stock Ktm adventure 1190 protectors
Been riding for fifteen years and it's never too late to learn something.
Nice crucial information and life-safe tips! Thank you very much!
This video is God sent. Thanks for this crucial information.
i put 10km into my bike just the other day since im so excited to learn driving and today i felt some neck pain and other pain due to improper riding form. Ill try sitting properly using these tips and see what happens. thank you!
Very good... world class. Thanks.
Thanks. Im am a novice rider. This was good training.
on some older bikes there's even a small "shelf" for your heel on that peg plate which makes it even more comfortable. just look at a picture of an fj1200 :D
This helps a lot. I am a rider for 30 years now. Subconsciously, I am quite confident with my riding posture however, as I age I needed a refresher like this one as Im having muscles pains and the therapist blames my riding posture nowadays. Great one help from you All the best and ride safe too.
"Ice cream cone" grip on the throttle, especially when riding on rough roads, makes the throttle a lot smoother. With a straight back grip, you tend to blip the throttle up and down on every bump, ice cream cone grip mostly stops that from happening. Maybe more of use for those riding bad roads or gravel and off road.
i dont have a motorcycle yet since im too young, BUT i do have a scooter. The arm-thing is so crucial there too. Getting a little practice before i can actually drive a motorcycle... hehe. Nice
The best advice I ever got was that you should be pushing the bars forward, if your pushing them down you sitting wrong. Also loosen that grip it's not a white knuckle ride.
you have great strength in your torso so id like to tell you, your lower spine is bent out a little bit, your otherwise posture is great. Its common for lower back to be bent because of constant sitting the world does now. I like to imagine im sitting on my butt while standing because it makes me use the muscles more, then the rest of my body starts to fall in line as one. Its so easy to let these muscles deteriorate because while walking if you let your butt out the muscles arent being used and it feel easy to walk. Walking uses the whole body, especially hip area. Push each step forward with your body not just legs.
I am btw not nearly as in shape as you, I care about my lost posture that I wanna get into shape
Hey mate! Thanks for your lessons. I’ve learned so much from them. And your accent is so great :)
Such a great teacher! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Good advice as always. Thank you for another great video. 👍
As a brand new rider this is very useful information
As a noob, this is very helpful indeed.. all your videos are very informative.. thanks alot.
1:49 I don’t know why but this part is hysterical to me.
Thank you bro! Subscribed from Romania.
The official motorcycle handbook for Ontario (in Canada) says to "drive with your wrists low to keep you from increasing your speed by mistake." Ergonomically, that does sound bad, but it's interesting to see varying viewpoints.
I can clearly detect a fair-weather try-hard by their perfect body positioning.p
If you ride long / regularly enough, you naturally adapt your body positioning into what works best for you. It's that simple. A person may also over time tweak their bike to accomadate their own body's ideal posture... One may then swap out their bike to one that fits them better overall. On and on it goes.