Motorcycle Body Position: How Important is Fitness?

[@mikedominick]

Very helpful! I went from 250lbs to 200lbs and looking to get to 185. It’s a lot easier to get around on the bike without a big, fat gut!

[@jsalemi9711]

Used to be a power lifter and hold a couple records at 190lbs. Age 67yrs. old, Strong as a bull, never had issues with strength issues. Started tracking 2 yrs. ago and never had issues with muscle fatigue but would feel leg cramps at the end of the day. Talking about pain, think leg cramp is the most pain I had ever experienced. I ride a Triumph Street Triple RS which is a up right bike and a GSXR-750 which is more of a track bike. I had to learn to be more flexible which took a while to learn. Riding completely different now and very relaxed, this outcome is saving me seconds every time I do a track day. Very noticeable on the GSXR, great bike, can't get used to the RS and will be working on it. You would think that the Triumph would be faster and easier to ride due to the wider bars and easier in turning which may be true but I haven't found that to be in my case. As a good friend of mine tells me seat time, seat time. This friend was top 20 in the U.S. in the 80's and could ride anything fast and a great guy to be around, very humble!!! Good luck to all riders and it's great to share our comments as we all have the same goal!!! Dan, you are a God sent, keep up the video's!!!

[@NeilOKeefePrivate]

The thing that has really caught my attention in the last few years has been flexibility. Although I’ve never been particularly flexible, I really started to notice my hips and I T bands from about the age of 45. Lack of flexibility there, means a tendency to hang off less, and also to keep the torso mass too high, because lying on the tank requires positive effort, rather than relaxation. Moving across the bike in chicanes becomes slow. The most critical thing is the discomfort. As a student of Keith Code I know he’s absolutely right about your attention being finite, and you having to concentrate it on the critical things to ensure speed and safety. When every move causes discomfort it’s a huge distraction. Nurofen can go some way to alleviate the symptoms, but there’s no real alternative than constant stretching. When I put in the effort to stretch frequently, the reward is huge. I’m now doing yoga on a regular basis and trying to stretch several times a day. Given the average age of the UK track day rider seems to getting older, I’m sure a sports physio could do well alongside the photographer, tyre and suspension guys at most events. I’d definitely pay for that sort of service to maximise my enjoyment on the track.

[@rickyrollerv2]

Here we go again.... This is imho your best video. That's an absolute basics track day necessity. No technicalities, just plain info and true words. This should be not one of, but THE first lesson you should get when getting into the sport. Making excuses like bike performance, is easy, free and does not require any type of tiredness / sacrifice. My self was one of the typical examples. My bike does not have good brakes, is not flicable, has only top end power etc.. Well... When reality hits you hard, you have to take the blow and go back to basics... Yes, riding schools made me a better rider, but... How can you really apply what you know if you don't have the basic cardio/stamina/strength to face even the first few sessions? When I got back on the track after loosing about 15kg i saw improvement in every aspect. Not to mention the possible cost of a crass due to weariness. ps after an almost 3 years hiatus, last summer i went for a td with a friend (tall and skinny) while i am tall and overweight. When our sessions came to an end i was feeling a less fatigued than him due to the martial arts training that i had pick up. Its not only about weight but allover fitness.

[@stalefish99]

On day 2 of a 3 day session at Cartagena, my legs caught me out setting up for the next corner. It freaked me out as I nearly didnt make the corner as I wasn't expecting my legs to give up. Since then I have taken fitness for the track a bit more seriously

[@BeingYourselfIsOriginal]

This channel is a TREASURE! Cheers from Athens, Dan! Keep it up!

[@chuckb337]

The mind and body are one. Train accordingly.

[@jamesbitetto6040]

You have to be in shape either at the track or the road. You are again right on the button!

[@timkeenan366]

This video came out just at the right time just did a truck day this past weekend and it kicked my ass. Been looking into yoga and start cycling again for sure.

[@Jaded-Wanderer]

Yoga is fantastic in a multitude of ways. I've lapsed somewhat but for about 10 years I practised yoga every day.

[@LifeatLean]

Good to hear, Tim!

[@pags1981]

Cycling and motocross definitely

[@EarthToSean]

As always, excellent video! Every winter I slip on my fitness and spend the entire summer catching back up lol

[@rontrose]

Love this channel and I still have yet to do my first track day. Thank you so much for all of the well presented, concise content and it’s funny because at 51 I’m in decent shape but really need to work on my endurance. My new (to me) Street Triple R and the prospect of a couple track days/classes next summer has already inspired me to do something about it!!

[@fastmmw]

I exercise to ride and I ride as exercise. Yep, I consider fitness as a base.

[@kevinriody1465]

Flexibility is a key part in fitness, this became a problem for me 🤣 key points when riding at the limit is the pain in the wrist, and yes the leg pain is real due to my weight. nice vid! STAY FIT! 👌

[@renetand]

I ride on technique and former experience. After 10 years not riding on tracks I overdid myself at a track day at Hockenheim. Had massive muscle sore for a week and after 3 weeks it created a problem with my knee that still is not as strong as it was. Let’s see how I can better it in the coming months 😊

[@cornishpastie]

Superb advice there, I'm the classic example of a fat bloke who loves riding and struggles with fitness on the track..... time to start dusting off those trainers!

[@nicholasgustavsson4927]

Just did my first track weekend, after 5, 15 minute sessions, I could barely walk. Couldn't do the 6th due to fatigue and cramps. Day 2 was better, but still only did 5 sessions. Awesome experience.

[@Matt-we7si]

great vid, ive found doing yoga really helped my flexibility for getting my knee out, and helps with lower back pain from riding a sports bike

[@vincent3793]

Such a underrated channel. Can tell why this video has 0 dislikes. Your doing everything right.

[@LifeatLean]

Thank you Vincent! Really appreciate it.

[@mikedinni6318]

I was literally about to write about weight loss and you said it! I know someone who has shaved every possible bit of weight from their ZX10R. But they themselves are a good 17-18 stone! I'd say his fitness levels were pretty good as he can get his elbows dragging around most corners. But if he's so concerned about weight on his bike that he's removed everything possible and added carbon stuff everywhere (costing an absolute bomb) why not remove 6-7 stone from himself!?? I never understand it!

[@Triss88]

I've only done two track days and fell is love with them, but I always would begin to flag on the last 2 outings of the day, and it really was getting to me. I have recently started to work on my overall strength and core training and can say I have seen a massive difference in my ability on the bike for a long duration of time. My biggest issue was and still is what to workout.

[@wrighthausracing9641]

Illegally racing my friends behind wheelhouse lately 140CC pit bike and I can only Bang 6 laps before I'm just exhausted. I am excited to have a reason to get in shape I can't wait to hold on for 30 perfect laps. Well perfect… you know what I mean.

[@popr1221]

I like the idea from Dan. He knows and is very practical. Well done.

[@cryptocrypto5260]

2:35 this is why I train everyday and also do two daily sessions of training on week-ends

[@kellydklassen]

Dan, this is easily one of your best videos. You hit concisely on all the key points, and you're bang on on each one of them. I appreciate the way you present all of this in perspective, and enlighten us without being preachy or critical of those who don't get it yet or have made a decision to be happy with where they're at. Keep up the good work, I'm really enjoying your videos! ...and it's time to go dust off my mountain bike and get some preseason training in :)

[@LifeatLean]

Thank you Kelly. That means a lot.

[@Eric-Marsh]

Great video - this is very important stuff.

[@daveatkinson644]

My two pen'orth... Just started track days after returning to biking at 58... Six foot tall and pushing 14 st, I'm not fit anymore... I ride hard when it's safe to do so on the road, but safety is my highest priority these days... So, did a day at Donnington. Lasted the whole day without fatigue (stay hydrated kids!), but the next day... My neck, shoulders, arms and wrist are fine (I accelerate and brake hard on the road). But my legs..!! Oh wow... I _don't_ get out of the saddle cornering on the road, and I do really try to on track (this is my.. 8th(?) day on track, in about 14 months, I'm a novice). The photos I've seen suggest I have so much more to go to do it properly, but it's now three days later, and my thighs are still stiff as a board 😀 so yeah, I would say fitness is important... I think it would be easier for me to achieve proper body position if it wasn't a lot more effort than it should be. And I would be able to walk normally the next day 🤣🤣🤣

[@tomquaker]

fantastic video release Dan, bullseye on all points! Thanks for sharing !

[@Dr.Twisty]

Hey Dan. Love your work on this channel! Could you please do a video specifically on strategies for riding chicanes on the track and roads? Thanks.

[@LifeatLean]

I'll add it to the list, Peter 👍

[@sanxi34]

When I started track riding, being 20 minutes on track was pretty wild to me. I couldn't have a perfect session and there always was the moment in which my strenght was abandoning me, my brain was going haywire, and I was making silly mistakes, so I'd have to slow down and go back to the pits to avoid a fall. Through these two years I have been getting lighter and more fit (already lost 20kg and I have a way better body composition) and last week I could've done on track for 30-40 minutes no problem while also going 20 seconds faster. So yeah!! Don't worry about the 1,6kg that 1500€ titanium exhaust is going to remove from your bike so quickly. Can you lose a bit of weight? Well worth the time invested.

[@Jaded-Wanderer]

Dan, another super video, many thanks! I just started working on fitness for the 2019 track season a couple of weeks ago.

[@DirkWinters]

realy like your videos. very usefull tips. started last year track riding and making videos my self. this year i start with motorcycle racing. so your tips come in handy👍😎

[@LifeatLean]

Happy to hear it!

[@seannz100]

when i started track riding, i was using my road yamaha r3, i thought to myself, this isnt that exhausting, what are people talking about, then i got a track only kawasaki zx6r, and i found out what they where talking about, on my second track day on it (on a weekend day), took till mid/late week to work normally again because my legs where fucked, something i need to work on, and will say i need to work on it at every track day, but probably wont.

[@vytas5584]

I have bad back/hip flexibility. I wish I knew how to improve that so I could get lower riding postures. I am kind of jammed in more upright postures.

[@jshipley001]

These videos are just awesome.

[@garymanning8920]

I like to swim and lift weight 3 times a week. REALLY work the legs..I stationary bicycle, leg press, leg curl, etc.. pushups are awesome too if you only do 50 per day . Lots of reps,15 to 20, with medium weight gets the heart pumping and muscle core working . Circuit Training is cardio and weights combined. Im about lean as I can get, 180lb 6 ft 2 inch Im tall. Keep the sloppy body position out of riding longer. Stretch too. I used to be a weekend triathlete. It helps a ton. Look to the workout changes in golfer fitness!

[@johnbrewer8954]

When I raced, I was 21-23 did body building and played badminton, by most standards I was as fit as a butchers dog. A race day of two 4 lap practice laps and 3, 5 lap races was as much as I could cope with, it isnt the physical fatigue that is important it is mental, and they go together. For those who remember the "sporting superstars" on TV. Ron Haslam won all the fitness tasks by a street, you have to be ultra fit to race at the top level, if you get even slightly tired you make mistakes, same in boxing.

[@hughiemg2]

Dropping truth bombs! You are dead right though, I know I should drop around 30 pounds to be a fitter and faster rider. The one ting I will say though is that you are right about not needing excessive muscle, but adding some muscle helps greatly with fat loss. Keep up the good work pal.

[@DarrylRobertsonline]

I read a lot about stretching; does anyone have a link to, or advise on how to learn to stretch properly? Cardio and core exercises are plentiful and i agree you have to involve some variety to prompt the body to adjust - as well as keeping it interesting.

[@MrPninja]

I was pretty fit until I broke my back in 3 places, anyway finally after healing enough some 6 months later, I’d put on 30 kilos, and hated hanging of and the things I used to do easy on the bike like transitioning side to side I just can’t do. So 2 years later I’m still trying to get back to what is used to be , and the confidence I used to have

[@pags1981]

Mountain biking, interval training and motocross made a huge difference in endurance and strength. Especially motocross...

[@johnreynolds2055]

That riding was fast, was that you in the first clip at brands?

[@JohnBarrosoPereira]

You've just hit the nail on the head 👍

[@one-of-us9939]

True words... thx

[@renzjervissanandres2402]

Legs and core are very important

[@erick1670]

1000% Fitness is a mayor part that most people neglect and affects how you can ride. I train so I can keep up with the guys at the Advance pace.

[@andrewrobinson1116]

My track days were just the motivation I needed to lose weight. I got rid of well over a stone. Never felt better (or been quicker!).

[@LifeatLean]

Nice Andrew!!

[@George41173]

Spot on

[@mikedinni6318]

Can I make a quick video request? I've quickly scrolled through your videos and I've watched them all, but there isn't one about adjusting your own suspension. I've got standard suspension on my GSXR K3 and I just want to know if its set up correctly for my track days. I obviously don't know any better and it could be miles out. The front forks were serviced last year too.

[@LifeatLean]

To be perfectly honest I don't have a tonne of experience with that. I only know basic stuff. Dave Moss is your man for that. That said, I would suggest getting a base setting done by someone at the track you ride. You can usually get it set up for not a lot of money.

[@mikedinni6318]

@@LifeatLean awesome thanks. I'm going to Snetterton next weekend hopefully. I'll ask them to do it 👍🏻 do you reckon it's worth asking them to do it or just leave it how it came out of the factory?

[@pyrusmasterdan1]

Thank you

[@DanielBrain]

Might be a bit out of the scope of the channel but exercise and stretching tips would be cool.

[@LifeatLean]

Not out of the question Daniel.

[@vfrvtec71]

Do you have a fitness program for Roadracing riders?

[@billsmart2532]

My weakness is leg strength/endurance. I get off the track when my legs are exhausted. The next session I'm stronger and last longer. Will not go out when I know my legs are done for the day. Multiply number of corners by laps and that's how many squats you'll have to train for. Hard part is turning away from yummy foods!

[@BrianFrichette]

Bulgarian split squats, lateral band walks, and some barbell hip thrusts. Throw in some deadlifts and you'll be golden.

[@Soldier4USA2005]

I'm trying to get into shape for more than one reason. Health, hunting, etc. I DO want to eventually get onto a track, but my fat ass (relatively speaking....I'm 5'8"/225lbs) can't fit into a race suit so that's not happening anytime soon. Especially since most 1-piece suits are designed to fit around 5'6" 160lb Italians. No one makes suits, no one good anyways, that change in size around the waist. As in when looking at a race suit's size scale/chart, there aren't larger sizes for heavier people of the same height as someone at a lower weight. It's all about frame and height. It's as if they think fat riders only ride Harley's or whatever. Never sport/supersport bikes. Getting a custom one done for track days is a bad idea because if you go down, there isn't an "off the shelf" suit you can replace it with. You need to go and get another one made. And they end up costing 2x as much as an "off the shelf" suit.

[@AuMechanic]

Keep your hydration levels up to account for the sweat loss and reduce cramps. Forearm (wrist curl) exercises to reduce arm pump. But most importantly, get your weight down for two reasons One is bike racing has no weight categories so every kilo less counts. Secondly the more you weigh to more load will be on your arms under braking every corner. Be careful with any weight exercise that you don't start putting on muscle and thus weight. Look how skinny the guys winning races are.

[@StarAZ]

I tried but couldn't find any fitness comparisons between MotoGP riders and F1 drivers. Quite a few F1 drivers run triathlon for fun off season. I don't imagine running a marathon being much of a challenge for those top tier racers

[@LifeatLean]

Yeah I really don't know, not a tonne of info out there on training regimes. I know a big thing for F1 drivers is neck strength to cope with cornering G.

[@StarAZ]

@@LifeatLean Yeah neck and shoulder to cope with the cornering G and heavy steering. Looking at their physique, drivers are more like body builders while riders are like runners, which makes sense

[@savio.855]

It's astonishing how fitness can affect permormance on track. Even with pitbikes on a gokart-track... A video on my channel let's you see 2 sessions of pitbike racing. The effort is constant to get great times. Motorcycling, especially on a track, is high-end sport.

[@drstimpy1]

Don’t forget the added bonus of clear track when everyone else is gassed toward the end of a warm day👍

[@LifeatLean]

Some of my best ever sessions have been due to that.

[@bartjaspers240]

Getting rid of belly fat also makes zipping up your leathers easier. I have work to do!

[@garymanning8920]

In a to 30 to 40 minute race you can out last your noodle bodied competitors. They will get sloppy riding technique as the race grinds to the last laps. If your competitors are not in shape you can overtake them.

[@Turbotuberx3]

Flexibility is the thing that catches a lot of us older guys (52 here). I do p90x, weights, and Athleanx. Each of these has a different objective. Just keep changing it up because your body gets used to the same thing.

[@FAA-DPE]

I'm 50yo 5'10" 142Lbs but my core is getting weaker . Long track days are getting tough. I use my core to hang onto the bike and shift around. I need a gym membership! Or some Roids : ) Or quit and start feeding pigeons in the park like other old geezers....

[@ckmoto83]

You just need streching exercises + squats + push ups + ab workout... With these basic exercises everybody is fine for trackdays,you don't need pro exercise and ofcourse heavy lifting dont help,you need FLEXIBILITY AND STAMINA on the bike.......there are many basic exercise videos in youtube you just pick one and start.And ofcourse you don't need the exausting exercise of marquez and others,they are going after wins and milllions of dollars so they must be perfect.

[@gnarshread]

I broke my arm 2 years ago trail riding. My physical therapist suggested I join a jym. I may not have lost weight, because life isn't worth living without good food and real ale, but my endurance has increased and I can finish a session pushing hard and not feel knackered.

[@farfanr6610]

I’m eating a burger while watching this and I’m already fat lol time to cut those calories

[@LifeatLean]

@Farfan 😂

[@johanhulle]

John McGuinnes.. Just saying

[@pags1981]

McPint has bike fitness, technique and balls!

[@blipco5]

I'm surprised Guy Martin would make that comment but then again he has never won the TT. Hmmm...

[@beholderlt]

damn do you need to find some new music

[@toadamine]

But I have a race bike... It'll make up for my Humpty Dumpty physique and Couch Marathon fitness level..... 😂😂😂