Upper Body Position on Track: Move INSIDE, not DOWN

Learn proper motorcycle upper body position to avoid unnecessary issues on track. For more advice and to pick up your FREE track riding Ebook, head here…
lifeatlean.com/free-guide-ess...
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Riders often try to get lower and lower on the bike in an attempt to look like the best out there. In this video we take a look at motorcycle body position, focusing on the upper body position and why we use it the way that we do, so that you can prevent any unnecessary discomfort and strain on track and ultimately ride to a higher level.
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[@mikedinni6318]

But track days are all about the badass pictures to post on Instagram 😂🤣😂

[@danielkhurst9726]

Are you racing track days for YOURSELF or for other people ? That's the real question.

[@mikedinni6318]

@@danielkhurst9726 if you didn't come back from a track day with some awesome pictures, did you even go on a track day at all?!? 😂 🤣 😂

[@danielkhurst9726]

I'll leave the attention white alone. Clearly your a bit of a worm.

[@mikedinni6318]

@@danielkhurst9726 what's an attention white? Also, it's you're*. You must be lacking the sarcasm side of your brain today. Please go to sleep and come back to this post when it's woken up. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@SK-ps1mo]

Me for Instagram pictures 😂😂

[@mikeprevitera5839]

I wish the control riders at track days were as articulate as you. You explained so many things that I was wondering about and could never get a clear answer. Thanks

[@timvanvliet4847]

This explains a lot, great information. I was trying to get my head further and further down resulting in loss of feeling and control of the bike and not gaining any cornering speed. Thanks Dan for your explanation and the ebook, great. Tim, the Netherlands

[@marksheppard5488]

That made the reasons for body position so much clearer. Thanks you.

[@andrewrobinson1116]

Love this video! As a taller rider I really struggle to get my head to the handlebars in corners, as I was advised to do by others - I naturally have a more upright style. So it turns out I don't need to do something I can't - fantastic!

[@arkirace2583]

I could not afford to drop my bike. So I like staying safe while riding.

[@daddysenpai681]

@@adaptiveagile I just picked up a 2007 gsxr 600 set up completely for track (full race fairings, full exhaust, clipons, ohlins suspension etc.) $4k-$5k bike that I ended up getting for a $1200 investment. The fact that I paid so little for this bike makes me not care at all if I drop it or fuck it up. Gives me a lot more co fidence to push it.

[@rr_snsfhrase]

​@@daddysenpai681 The fact that American salary can buy that easily is mesmerising, you know it's hard to afford those in a country where you have $200s monthly salary and rent.

[@HeldIntegral]

If you speak English well and aren't shy I recommend immergration. You could easily make your monthly income in 1 day

[@MrAjsparks]

These tips have helped me tremendously!! Built my confidence so much!!! It's pretty much home in the corners now. Thanks and keep em coming. Cheers

[@gsalien2292]

Straight up wisdom being offered here!!! Many thanks!

[@RiderZer0]

I ride very low on the bike but like you said it’s a consequence of being on the inside. If you’re getting tired and worn out quicker from it, it’s because your corner speed and entry is slow. If you are going fast enough centrifugal forces will stick you to that bike and it feels like you can just let go of the bars even at those low bar angles. Another mistake people make that doesn’t allow them to comfortably get low is the way they hold the handle bars. If you hold it normally it locks up your wrists and your arms are fighting your wrists the entire time. Instead relax your grip and rotate hand so for example when you are adding throttle it’s closer to turning a screw driver. Once I learned this, i rode every session and had plenty of energy spare at the end of the day. It was mind blowing

[@81Joseca]

The extreme always is worst. The CoG of pilot is not in the chest, it is in the belly, if you see planking photos, the people keep equilibrium in the belly, the head, (normally) weight less than the ass 😂

[@ridethepace2036]

3:42 There should probably be some clarification here. There are really 2 lean angles when turning a motorcycle: apparent lean angle and actual lean angle. Apparent lean angle is a measure of the angle from vertical to a line drawn from the center of mass through the center of the wheels. Actual lean angle is measured from vertical to a line drawn from the center of mass through the center of the contact patch. While vertical, these angles are the same at 0°. Assuming we do not hang off at all and simply maintain a fully neutral riding position, when we lean the motorcycle the center of the contact patch moves inside the centerline. The apparent lean angle will be greater than the actual lean angle, and actual lean angle is what gets us around the corners (coefficient of friction is why). This also explains the claim that all else equal, a bike with a higher center of mass leans less than one with a lower center of mass. To satisfy yourself that this is so, draw your X and Y axis, then draw a line at 45° from the origin. Place a dot at the far end of the 45° line for the higher CoM and one in the middle for the lower CoM. Now trace a line from the higher CoM to a point to the right of the origin, and a line from the lower CoM to that same point. The higher CoM describes a greater actual lean angle than the lower CoM for any apparent lean angle by the motorcycle, so the motorcycle "needs to be tilted more" for the lower CoM to achieve the same actual lean angle as the higher CoM. I hope that makes sense to you guys!

[@amaximus5753]

This is good stuff thank you. I’m trying to understand apparent and actual though. When you say they are a measure of the angle from vertical to a line drawn from the centre of mass through the centre of the wheel, or the contact patch. So where is the centre of mass for that line to be drawn from? I’m trying to actually draw this to get a better picture of it.

[@rapid13]

@@amaximus5753 Imagine you're facing the rear of a bike that is riding in a straight line. Now draw a line from the center of the top of the helmet straight down through the center of the wheel to the road. Everything is aligned: center of helmet, center of the wheel/tire, and center of the contact patch where the tire touches the road. Now lean the bike and rider 45º left, and draw that same line: top center of helmet through the center of the wheel/tire and when the line reaches the road, the contact patch is no longer there. The contact patch has moved inside of that centerline due to the rounded nature of motorcycle tires. Dunno if that helps any? Try this: take a cup or a round coaster or even a frisbee or paper plate and draw a line straight across the diameter. Hold it on edge so that the line is vertical and the bottom of the line is touching the table. Now rotate the cup/coaster/frisbee 45º and see where that line is aimed. The bottom of the line is no longer touching the table and there is an air gap between the end of the line and the table. Now draw a second line from the top of the first line to where the cup/coaster/frisbee is making contact with the table.

[@amaximus5753]

@rapid13 yes this is great. Most appreciated. Thank you.

[@racing.the_an_adna505]

By this time, it's become a case of confirming every feel and feedback by coming back to this channel ! Damn, it's sooo good. Like, I always get better feel and connection with my bike if I also tilt or sway my head with my body while leaning too. Like consider it a stick with a heavy helmet. So, you kind of throw your head to the apex while you keep losing the front brake, not lean it. The body follows. The order of events matter. Coz, this video just proved why !

[@DennisGarage]

Awesome content! Really nice editing, no Bullshit. Thank you very much!! :)

[@grantsmiley1467]

Did my first track day/school last weekend. Really enjoyed your videos leading up to it and now after. I learned a lot, ready to head back out and practice!

[@LifeatLean]

Great to hear, Grant 😊

[@manolomaru]

Nice, and very illustrated video like always bro!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Greetings from Chile 👌😎👍

[@Schooz1]

Hey I just want to say say Thank you for all your efforts and time put into your videos as I very much enjoy learning from your experiences and knowledge keep up the hard work and fun!

[@LifeatLean]

You are very much welcome buddy

[@stefcamp]

the motorcycle dynamics statement says a lot on the matter. thank you for showing it

[@M.R.A.11811]

Very good! It has another factor that riders who emulates the lower racing position (like me sometimes) do it by the fell of speed, bigger when your head is closest to the ground.

[@enzorum2560]

wow this is actually just the video i needed

[@TheBoy_97]

When i lose my confidence of what i am going go do in my racing carrier, u r my biggest refreshment mentor broo:)

[@shizi]

Super right you are Dan. I've found that I ride and get good leans crouched a bit forward, helmet a bit close to the bars. but yes there's fatigue. But I dnt mind, riding and leans has been better and I've found this new rising style when I carve through mountains. (combined with your video on being smooth helped a lot) Maybe I just need to condition my body so I can handle fatigue. Great stuff man.

[@daaknait]

This is my favorite channel for track riding technique. Very good stuff.

[@traglenovencleanersrangeho4953]

Great job explaining, thank you

[@Jeremy_Park]

Thank you for your video. It is very helpful

[@worldtraveler8613]

For me when i started riding i noticed a simple fact... the more i shift my weight to one side of the bike the tighter the bike turns without having to lean it over further. You can pretty much get the bike to turn while keeping it upright. For a racer this means however tight the bike will turn at max mean, can be made even tighter by shifting weight to the inside of the turn, thereby increasing corner speed. This is why jorge lorenzo, who had the fastest corner speed ever, doesn't even keep his head upright, to get the maximum amount of weight shifting possible. This law of physics can be used on twisty roads. But generally its not necessary because we aren't taking curves at 100mph... or are we? 🤔😏

[@nandhawalrost]

I'm feeling more confident when moving inside on the street but not as extreme as track riding, and my reaction time is just better (2 times saved from high side on the street). That's why i keep doing it.

[@emptyMT839]

⁠@@nandhawalrostyou shouldn’t be almost highsiding if you’re not even in advanced group on trackdays IMO. Sounds like skill issue, not a body position one

[@JinKazama92]

you nailed it with this comment.

[@MickAngelhere]

Yes you absolutely right as I never took at corner at 100mph with my knee on the road 😇😇👀😇 But being relaxed and riding with the bike not against it is the key.

[@frankjose8849]

Focus and control is number one.... Thats the key 🙏

[@NickMasseyRideon]

one of your best videos yet.

[@andrewnewby1918]

Great video, well presented......a lot of sense spoken too. 👏

[@TedHough68]

I'm almost 6 feet tall and pretty fat, and this explains some of the differences in the way my body visibly looks when on the bike compared to some other people really well, I think, and clears up some ideas I maybe misconceptualized. Love. Love. Love. Love Your videos. I think this is one of the best resources I've found so far on my transition from Car to Motocyle motorsports, thanks so much!

[@thomasdixon7152]

All great points, i agree people focus too much on bpdy position and not as much needed on fundamentals like breakng zones, brake and throttle control and how to read corner entry

[@redbeak1453]

As a 6'3" tall track rider it is so great to hear that you really don't have to hug the gas tank and bars like those (from another planet GP riders). No matter how much I would slide back in the seat, adjust bars and foot pegs, I thought I was doomed, since I couldn't get into those same contortions as the pros. This is a great channel for learning.Thank you!!!

[@tkitchens91]

Don't focus on how you look, focus on reducing lean angle and maintaining great control. I'm 6'3 as well, and I live on an island with no track, but we kinda turn all the exits into our own track... I find myself not "kissing the mirror" like guys that are 5'9. Focus on getting to the inside like he said in the video and you'll be alright. 🤙🏼

[@mbchannel1037]

Thnks! Very good explanation. Last time, I saw the Rookie Cup racing and they're using probably 150cc motorcycle or lower. But, those young riders can lean perfectly while cornering even for small cc motorcycle.

[@krayzieegg7294]

the best advice on everything.. Focus On The Fundamentals

[@smerd1]

Subed, great video and well explained guidance . Thanks 👍🏻

[@garymanning8920]

Dan, I used your more neutral cornering style, It has made a huuge difference...everything got better. I'm more comfortable so Im moving faster and helps me keep from weighting my bars. Im getting that outside leg clamped up tight, feeling the body weight on the pegs and using the core muscle correctly. I still may not be moving fast enough to need to lean so far. Drug a peg butt not a knee yet.. Trusting the tyres is my fear barrier. DunlopSportmax Q3 feel amazing and I know they can do the job. I do not have warmers so I spend at least 5 laps heating up the tyre. My braking is later now, improvement in throttle roll on and out at the apex , my trailbraking has always been really good. I use 1 finger to feather and 2 fingers to brake harder and later. Correct Vision is a tough one still. But still your techniques are keeping me looking. My track needs to paint the corners and brake points etc... Need to dial in my suspension correct and I can smell more improvement coming. I have read TWOW, Simon Crafer and You . I am finally putting all my skill sets together and it is geling nicley...after about 15,000 miles of hard lapping and riding over last 2 seasons. THANKS a bunch, you are a great instructor. Gary from Colorado USA.

[@BucketWheat]

Good Content! Since I ride a 'sport naked' bike, I am obviously not looking for Racing levels of cornering. But I DO ride Track Days -- for skill improvement -- and I do a LOT of mountain riding. I try to get low, for aerodynamics on the fastest sections, but I am not physically able to do much 'hanging off' because of physical limitations from 9 major leg and hip surgeries. So I do just a little butt-shifting, and then move my head and chest right or left. But the biggest problem I run into is "visibility"..!! As I move my shoulders down, the back of my helmet gets pushed down in the front by the back of my neck! On a fairly level Track, it isn't much of an issue... But in the mountains, with much tighter curves and lots of elevation change, the brow of my helmet becomes a 'blind spot' as I am looking thru the curve and the exit. So I have been remaining more upright and trusting my tires even at the deeper lean angles. I am 'beveling' my foot-pegs, and there are no 'chicken strips' on my Q3+ Dunlops... but no 'knee-dragging' because I can't get my knees out with the bad hip joints.

[@AutomotiveAllStars]

Excellent advice again mate thanks

[@984francis]

The point that a higher CG needs less lean for a given rate of turn is almost never elucidated however, thinking it through, I see that it is correct. Thanks!

[@JZBZACK]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@SweGT]

Well explained brother.. bravo👍 Ride Safe

[@quincybowers5338]

It’s a progression of learning. As you start to get away from novice practices and care less what you look like you start to try to pull your body off further without destabilizing. You do get more leverage by being tall but as you start to push that your leverage will start to feel like it makes it hard to stay planted in a fast corner. The front end starts to wobble and push, so you get lower. I’m just starting to realize that and it’s kinda fascinating, but I know my lower body is further off than it ever used to be and it’s starting to force a lot of other changes. My current struggle is building the strength to actually maintain that type of riding, it’s brutal because the further off you slide the less contact and friction you have on the points that actually need to hold you up. The other thing I notice is that even though the pros move their body really far over it’s rarely as far away from the bike as novices overall. They don’t reach out to the ground they wait for it to come to them. It’s an interesting difference I try to keep in mind these days

[@stevenbuteaux]

So true. The only reason they end up looking like that is because they need it for the speeds they are running. It makes them far more competitive in and out of turns

[@sdcanyoncarver2203]

Great video thanks.

[@brettpit1]

I think that focus on late braking and good speed at the apex is much more important than to be focused on your body position...I have scratched the footpegs of my fireblade 3 times in the last stint and that was a strong indication that I have to improve my body position in order to reduce lean angle of the bike. It was the fastest laps of that day but I think it was way to near to the limit of the tire. You don´t have much benefit to go more than 55 degree angle in relation to the risk for crash that increases much....(sorry german guy)

[@claudebaron9525]

Finally I’ve been saying that for so many years and it always ends in arguments or they’re laughing at me, because I always say the little line of rubber touching the grounds is the point zero and when turning instead of just try to drag their elbows is not efficacy because your upper body may almost touch the grounds but it’s far from the point zero witch should be perfection, it sounds to me like it’s only logical but I’ve had some arguments with some friends that really went wrong almost enough to lose a friend and some are still not agreeing with me but we talk about other things but I would say that the % of pepoles i talk of that are after seeing my angles the way I see it and the say that when you think really hard about it it’s the good way to see it . It’s kinda went someone tells you to look at the BIG pictures. 👍

[@AlicesWondereland]

I’ve had my hayabusa for 4 years now. I’m by no means a street rossi or track day hero. But I found myself entering a descending radius corner. Instinctively I leaned in and put my head by the inside mirror. When I’d entered and started panicking, I thought I was going to run wide. However, I ended up almost going too tight! Since then I’ve hit that same corner and I’ve been able to increase my overall speed by using the “low and out” tactic.

[@nivotron960]

Very informative thanks 👍

[@nilshult6401]

A good example of a top rider that go "high" is Alex Rins

[@HartyBiker]

Yeah I've noticed that compared to some of the others he looks almost crossed up

[@ryanstephensonvoiceovers5502]

..with two unforced crashes in the past two races!

[@area51r]

you're the example

[@onedrop7817]

Good observation. Would you say that Rins'style is more of the 500cc era (Rossi ) After watching this video, I wonder now, could the 500cc era lean still work well today? It worked back then.

[@user-lr1ky9jw8w]

I also found that and Alex actually gain more grips

[@Telecasterland]

Very clear. Thanks.

[@desertrider325]

Great videos!

[@yamahaha235]

Your videos taught me so much. They gave me the confidence I needed to go to the track with almost no experience with motorcycles and have a great time and feel competent when other more experienced riders were talking shop. I just uploaded a video and gave you a shout out in it. I would appreciate it if you watched it. Thank you again for sharing your valuable knowledge.

[@catspeed5083]

Thank you👌

[@one-of-us9939]

Sometimes a YT video is perfect. This 1 was for me. I look like many of the photos you show, not 'low' but certainly over. Thanks for saying if I don't look 'low' that's ok. Peer pressure sucks!😂🤯😂

[@LifeatLean]

Haha! Everyone wants an elbow down shot now.

[@ixifutureproof9286]

I think more of Hailwood when I'm cornering rather than Marquez. Choose physics not popular opinion 😎

[@Bikeadelic]

Great info, great looking channel, new sub

[@TofuGearheads]

Great advice!

[@Ro6entX]

Sadly I only been on track twice. But when I get hit up twisties, my main problem is forgetting to lead with elbow more and probably not countersteering more than what I can do. Granted my goal isn't just knee drag but is a milestone while getting better. I usually have my head lined up between wrist and elbow. I scoot back about fist and half length from tank to crotch. Probably not the best looking form but been working out for me, with eception of those two problems mentioned above.

[@rogercorn8320]

For me it depends on the track. For instance, if the track(or corner) is rather bumpy, i would choose a more conserved body position to maintain stability.

[@tongyang1631]

Great video! Always great when you say the fundamentals first then explain why everybody does everything different.

[@elvispereira5632]

no bullshit and to the point, Thanks

[@radar_79]

35 / 5,000 Translation results Cool, short and simple explanation! :) thx Bro! Like it!

[@wsnajw]

I think the pictures of Rossi and Vinales in this video show the moment when they have picked up the bike and try to get the fat part of the tire for the drive instead of the moment when they are at the apex. Looking at other Rossi's pictures, it seems he doesnt crouch so much at the apex though. He goes to the inside, but not too low. Whilst for Vinales, he is lower at the apex (as if crouching) but actually he is crouching on the inside parallel to the machine and not crouching on top of the tank, like Marquez. So it moves the COG to low position but on the inside, instead on top of the tank. When they pick up the bike this hang off looks even more aggressive because the torso need to be kept on the inside for COG thingy.

[@raynic1173]

Nice explanation.

[@steffenleikvold1]

I find it easier to hang low off the side as I feel this locks my body better, and I don't have to use as much energy when I'm really pushing. But I absolutely agree that a comfortable riding position is much more important than hanging off the side in this or that way (though hangig off in some kind of way is of course important). If you're comfortable you can push. If you'er not you won't feel comfortable enough to push, and it will drain you of energy as well. If you're a beginner you'll most likely not be on the edge of your tires in any instance, that is given that you're actually hanging off. The most common beginner error I've seen is to be "hanging off" the ass, but bending the torso back in the wrong way. When you improve you'll probably find your own best way as it all comes through in the lap times, your stamina and how often you wipe out. There isn't one correct way for all riders, and that's why you see so many variants among the fastes riders as well. But there are some absolute truths when it comes to beginners, so I absolutely agree with this video from my limited experience, even though going low seems the best for me personally. A comfortable position makes the speed for the average rider, and trying to force the "correct" position can absolutely make you slower. I feel most comfortable leaning forward, out downwards and then out. I find that this makes it easier to brake harder and make the transition into the corner. But then I'm not a foot dangler either, so who knows what those guys prefer. :D

[@rogase68]

Awesome video.

[@hfr8343]

I'm 6'4 I feel more comfortable sitting higher as opposed to crouching on top of the bike. Sitting higher also improves my visibility when riding street in a spirited fashion. Have yet to do a track day. Hopefully next year

[@viboyramirez1657]

thumbs up.. !!!

[@DonEdro]

That’s a good one. Really!

[@robertmiller6444]

I think of translating my torso to the center of the corner, keeping the spine parallel with the vertical (relative to the bike) plane of the center-line of the bike. Not sticking your shoulders out, not sticking your butt out. This way, you effectively move the CG of your body while being able to keep loose on the handlebars and not binding up.

[@AjayKumar-hh6hx]

Are you describing a counter steer?

[@deathscythehell7937]

I've been riding and racing motorcycles since I was 16 years old. I'm no Rossi or GP elite rider not by a long shot, nor am I trying to be. I concentrate more on my technique and skill as opposed to getting as low as they do. Being built like a linebacker it's difficult to get as low as they do, but with proper technique I can get pretty low. Not elbow dragging low as some riders trying to emulate the GP style, but low enough to increase my times while still remaining control and comfort plus be faster than most of those guys. I've found it's more about technique not how far off the bike you can lean.

[@TheSuperpod]

I can attest that riding with lower upper body is much more tiring, and your body will hurt more the next day. But I like the challenge that comes with it and continue working on it. It also requires a much better physical form and flexibility, something not everyone posses.

[@targetoz5470]

Having to remind myself that I don’t need my head at the handlebars Its amazing how much more control you have when you’re in that relaxed position. Good video thanks Dan

[@thenovalabs]

Not necessarily true

[@targetoz5470]

@@thenovalabs please explain

[@GPM116]

Yes at 6 ft 2 its seems tougher. I am trying to be more correct without over stating the hang of Although I do try to get everything inside the center line I can feel the improvement slowly Need more track hours and the track is limited due to covid and lack of interest.

[@MdMehediHasan-xb1hr]

ধন্যবাদ ভাই

[@danielkhurst9726]

All common sense here. Good job at explaining what YOU should be focused on to improve YOUR skill level. Race your own race and ask questions.

[@andrewmillertime]

Nice Cossalter reference! My masters was in motorcycle dynamics and that book is the Bible!

[@worldtraveler8613]

Personally i try to emulate dani pedrosa. I noticed how well he was able to shift as much of his weight as he liked while reducing the lean angle as much as possible. Pedrosa used this style to stand the bike up as soon as possible . That was his focus during riding. Being the first to stand the bike up out of a corner, even if he hadn't recentered his weight yet. I started practicing this on twisty rds and i was able to outride my friends who had faster, newer bikes and I had my old cbr f3.

[@keremoner3420]

I ride my bike the way I feel comfortable. I sometimes put my foot close to the ground because it increases my confidence on the bike. I later then on learnt this is actually taught by professionals. Just be natural and comfortable.

[@ianlanford6922]

i read somewhere. why motogp bike can turn with huge lean angle. the key is softer compound racing tires, and bike flex / soft but rigid chassis. last race marc did 65/66 degree with carbon reinforced chassis.

[@Dranreb865]

Thats nice. Im happy with 69 degrees.

[@Catch_me_if_you_can_666]

Only Moto GP riders can lean at ridicilous angles... Me : Hold my beer !!! 2 minutes later......CRASH

[@rapid13]

2 minutes - how optimistic lol!

[@carllundstrom3735]

You should never drink beer before you ride!

[@PEZ1514]

if u exercise and are calm it aint that big of a deal

[@rapid13]

@@PEZ1514 What number do you run so we can all watch how it's done?

[@PEZ1514]

@@rapid13 it isnt hard to lean a bike u just need balls and racing in general isnt hard u just need to run a track to memorize all the corners and have balls.

[@Falorik]

Makes sense for me. Besides, if Rossi is that tall, it gives him a huge advantage cause he has a bigger lever and therefore a higher impact on the center of gravity.

[@akupehsluarketatAR]

well, if you dont lean forward while hanging off the bike, the wind is gonna hit u like a kite. its about aerodynamics. different corner speed calls for different body position. u can hang off like vale at a slow corner and u shld tuck in like maverick or marq at a high speed corner. i do both position and i find it easier to go around corners wen i lean forward n low near the bars. that probably explains why marq is really fast

[@Chopbreaka]

For street riding i shift upper body and head so that my face is near the mirror . No need to adjust lower body other than maybe a bit of foot peg positioning .

[@aimnfire]

Yup. Bring/shift your belly button out of the centre of the bike to the corner direction. There's no need to knee down on the street as it will tired you more on a winding road.

[@MsMohd786]

nice work and a lot of information to practice on but NEED TO IMPROVE SOUND QUALITY.

[@StreetMotoZ]

Great information! Thanks! I am trying to get a knee down around a 40-foot circle by focusing on clean asphalt, properly inflated tires 32/28, warming up the tires, getting the speed up to 25 mph, and very importantly proper body positioning. I videoed myself and was crossed up with my head at the centerline so now trying to get that head to the inside of the centerline. videos on my channel. Interested in any advice.

[@G100666]

I realise that you are currently trying to find something that will interest people but, as a relative newcomer to track days, I just want to say that the videos you have already released are enough for me to watch again and again. Great information, brilliantly explained and video backup. If you do find something else to produce for KZbin, I will definitely watch it but, in the meantime, thank you for what you have already done 👍

[@pitbulltrainingandmotorcyc1658]

I found that a neutral body position gives me more control I only lean down low in a straight line when doing high speeds 130+ I realized that the bike is an extension of my body as if it is my legs and I use it as such it helps with weaving and cornering gives you the ability to see what’s in-front of you instead of focusing on the positive your in I went from riding an sv650 to a 1200s bandit tho so I thing the upright seating position helped force me to do that at first the bigger bike felt awkward and I thought the suspension was shot no I would not change a thing

[@TheGholiday]

Loving your videos. I’m 47 and been riding for over 10 years and have just started wanting to do track rides. I’ve no desire to become a professional racer by any means but I’d like to transfer what I learn from the track to my road riding as I believe it will make me a safer and more competent rider. I definitely need to learn how to adjust my body position and achieve correct lean angle when cornering.

[@radrcer]

Tom Sykes is a good example of a current rider that doesnt get really low, looks comfortable, and his lap times are impressive.

[@blacktopnf1786]

Hate how some people maintain this MotoGP-Style is the only right way of Hanging-Off. I feel like many of them simply follow the Pro‘s and do not make any own experiences in order to find their way of how to best use their body weight in different situations. You can‘t use only one style for every corner, it depends on speed and curve running... Great explanation by the way!!!

[@h1a2m3z4a5]

Man I love your channel bro, my go to channel for track riding tips. As a novice , it would EXTREMELY HELP if you made a video on proper body position/head position for new track riders. So we have somewhere to start and improve on overt time. Please and thank you!

[@LifeatLean]

I already have a step by step body position video up buddy. Is that what you mean, or did you want something else?

[@Zed-kc7cr]

I dont do track racing on public roads i wouldn't try to do it too much you never know whats around the corner i think i lean in slightly i just go with the flow

[@jamesodonoghue]

I am more comfortable riding the old style (knee out with upper body slightly higher). For some reason, when I try to get my head down, I run wide on turns. Still, I've noticed the lower body position reduces drag, particularly in fast turns. The modern style also seems to accommodate greater lean angles as riders are tucking their knees and elbows in to get more clearance.

[@TheKingie07]

I agree in terms of the comfort of sitting more upright more often then hunkering down and kissing the mirror in faster sections, it's probably a confidence thing for me also i feel committing my body right out and low (within reason) especially on the road gives me confidence that surface changes/bumps won't try and stand me up.

[@bvcxzgt5451]

If you haven't yet, try working on body position with the bike sitting still. Use a rear stand with someone to help steady the bike, or something like that. It was very helpful for me to feel what I'm supposed to be doing. My body position is still not good, but at least I have felt what I'm trying to work toward. In particular, you might notice the outside knee should take your weight, and there should be hardly any force on your hands. I was not clear that that could actually work until I tried it static. Maybe getting that weight off your hands gives you back more control and keeps you from running wide?

[@jamesodonoghue]

@@bvcxzgt5451 good advice and insight on why I might be running wide. I have never really worked on my body position why stationary. I will try it. Thanks!

[@arrowphillips6902]

I have had motorcycles all my life but have never been on the track....I’m going to get a season pass for track days next year. Although I think of myself as a decent rider I really appreciate your videos so that I don’t look like an idiot next summer. any advice on a good bike for someone who is 198lbs and 6’2”?

[@george_2395]

The reason why they lean forward closer to the bar and not just inside.... you increase the front grip with your weight shitfting forward, you countersteer more effective with the elbow bent in the middle of the corner as oppose to having straight arms. You have a much better feedback coming from the front through the forks, the clipons, hands. Just to name a few. Leaning forward has very little to do with reducing the lean angle.

[@brx3649]

I'm pretty small and I feel comfortable with my head down near the bars. Through tight switchbacks my ass never touches the seat. It's all legs and arms. I'm still faster through right handers though. I can't seem to get past that. I think it's because of being right handed and feeling more confident with the throttle when hanging off of the right side.

[@pagnol3226]

Ah Dan! We finally disagree...somewhat! I am fortunate enough to have worked as a livery designer in MotoGP, know a few people in the paddock and also in CEV and wsbk, so I have had the opportunity to ask this question to several pro GP and moto 2 riders! You DO gain a couple of very important things and the main reason this is the style of 90% of the riders from moto 3 to motoGP. By lowering your upper body, chin say 4' from the grip you are gaining on three obvious things, 1-better aerodynamics 2-more weight on the front tire, but not so much "more than on the rear", think about it, a more balanced back to front weight distribution, 3-You keep that position on exit and you will help the bike not to wheelie and better aerodynamics as well there. Now, as a comment here, this is for those going at least, at an advanced track rider's speed! True that you won't have much to gain at low speeds. This modern body position is something that has been born out of necessity, not to "look cool", Turn 8 at Willow Springs raceway in California is a 140mph, hanging off the bike corner! so instinctively one has to "lower your upper body low" or the wind will blow you off! However, you do have to get used to "rolling your eyes up" the lower you get (As when tucking in on a straight) and true too, you have to watch more to not put too much weight on the bars, and be in great shape for this! great abs! lol ..hope this all makes sense, love this channel!

[@mbal4052]

You missed the point where he said the 'average' rider not motogp or worldsbk riders 😉

[@catalinnewport]

@Pagnol well said, it physics. I ride my way, and have to agree with much of what you said I know first-hand

[@SystemAdministrator1]

@@mbal4052 Makes the average rider better too

[@mbal4052]

System Administrator that’s not what he’s saying..he’s actually saying trying to obtain the body position of top MotoGP guys can have an adverse affect to the average rider..

[@LightModeHelmets]

Thanks for the extra insight, Pagnol :)

[@mbal4052]

Great article, I think Facebook is the reason most guys are going to extremes to get the perfect profile pic making them look like Marquez.

[@Tyler_Mayhem]

I prefer my picture

[@nortonelectricians9165]

My theory to why pros go tight to the front. The fasters you go the more your weight comes away from the centre point towards the rear and away from the front. They are going very fast into the corners so need more forward weight bias to of set this. As well as to the inside to decrease the lean angle to keep on the fat part of the tyre, hence the bite the handlebar look. As the the man said, for 90% (if not more) of us this just isn't required as we are not fast enough to require this.

[@mhilde7744]

As always, Dan....Much thanks!👍

[@johnreynolds2055]

Can you do some videos about racing? Starts, riding next to others fast. Dealing with the butterflies 😂 knowing how hard you can break? Reduce arm pain and good exorcises to help that.

[@LifeatLean]

Hi John, being honest I'm yet to do a race myself. It's certainly on the list though, so perhaps in the future!

[@bsamizoram8812]

Love this channel

[@bikewolf7455]

well on the high bars on my dual sport when hanging off my head can actually be lower than the bars.... also hanging off on an enduro bike feels really weird and doesnt work that good 😂😂😂

[@ButtSnorkler9000]

That’s interesting, my xr650L has a high center of gravity and it really doesn’t feel like it needs to lean as much as any other bike I’ve rode