Proper Body Position for all Motorcycle Riders

There's more to riding a motorcycle than just working the hand and foot controls. Its also using the proper Body English...or Body Position.
In todays video I show you some hot tips on head, arm, back, leg and foot positions while riding your motorcycle.
#ridingposition #ridebetter #bodyenglish

[@JustinWallace-ky9dm]

Relaxation is the key to riding a bike well, the more relaxed you are the better the bike will feel, to many think that they are in control when in fact they’re merely a passenger and just along for the ride. You “drive” your car but you “blend with your bike” and you cannot make it do something it doesn’t want to. Learn this and you’ll reach a whole other level in biking.

[@ViolentWombat]

I'm not a professional motorcycle rider and I really don't want to lecture you on this topic. But I am a physiotherapist and while I agree, that you should sit in a comfortable position on your bike, telling people that your spine absorbs bumps best, if you curve it, is simply wrong. Our spine is basically a big spring and this ability works best, if it is in its neutral position (like two S on top of each other). Permanently curving your Back will put a lot of load to one area and could cause damage over time.

[@jridenour31]

Riding with your back hunched in that awkward position is also going to make you sore considerably faster because you're either putting weird strain on your back or putting weight on your wrists to hold yourself up.

[@Alex-ck4in]

Yup his info is wrong as hell. What he recommends is only comfortable if you have bad posture to begin with, and will place pressure on vertebrae. You should never "hunch your lower back" as he recommends, but instead pivot at the hips. You need a lot of core to comfortably keep a neutral spine while leaning forward properly, especially on a sporty bike - their design is not meant for comfort. You can get away with this BS on tourers since they seat you upright, but if your bike requires you to lean forward, you're gonna be doing damage with his advice. His arms are also wrong - there is no reason to have high leverage on the bars, that's just fighting the bike. Forcing the bars around impedes the bikes ability to balance itself. It also promotes resting bodyweight on the wrists, again, to compensate for a weak core which cannot support the leaned body on its own. So now you'll have a sore back AND numb wrists. Any sports-bike pro will tell you your wrists should be neutral and at-rest any time they are not actively countersteering. You're almost hovering over the handlebars, or playing the piano as one youtuber says in his vids.

[@jshipley001]

@@Alex-ck4in thanks, that is what I have heard

[@markusthedrummer8143]

You stated your comments perfectly and respectfully. I was thinking the exact same thing being a part-time personal trainer. I was like arch your back? 😮 I have a Kawasaki Z 400 and I am 6 foot one and I actually feel more comfortable on that bike sitting straight up. What brought me to this video though is The pain and numbness I get in my wrist and hands and fingers on my 400 after an hour of riding . I absolutely love love love this bike and I’m considering getting handlebar risers but I don’t think that’s gonna fix it. I think I just need to go to a cruiser style bike, unfortunately. Either way this video is helpful and so was your comment. I’m using talk to text so forgive any typos.

[@steve00alt70]

Bend arms are relaxed arms and makes shoulders down and relaxed light grip hands. And a relaxed rider is a safe rider. Basically if you feel relaxed then dont change anything.

[@AdrianHollington-vm9qz]

Excellent, precise video. No ego too! I am an older chap who has returned to riding and recently done my back in riding. I have definitely had my back too straight and stiff, so looking forward to trying out your very clear instruction on back position.

[@e.l.9589]

I fight these demons every day, while commuting. Every trip is training for me, trying to ride better. Seeing the Highway Patrol ride so up right had me trying to ride with a straight back, but it doesn't feel right. Thank You!

[@sergeyg3833]

It sounds basic but at the same time it's much needed for a new rider. Thanks!

[@Peter-mcmcmc]

I'm a relatively new subscriber, and I greatly appreciate how humble you are. You could have the ego so many other KZbinrs do; yet you don't, and that translates so well to your ability to teach. I've been riding for almost two years (20K miles) and, until watching this, considered my posture to be good on my bike. In particular, I always focus on a straight back (probably memories of my mom yelling at me to "stop slouching!" haha). Never did it occur to me to intentionally leave a little slouch so as to avoid strain on the spine. Thank you for that nugget, dude; def gonna try that tomorrow!

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Welcome to my channel and thank you

[@borderlands6606]

This is good advice. I returned to motorcycling after a break, with a modern classic. The riding position is upright, and I found cornering remote and lacking in feedback to the point where I couldn't be sure what the front wheel would do. I shifted forward in the way you have shown, and the riding experience was transformed. The front wheel feels more weighted and I enter and exit corners with confidence. Basically I'd forgotten how to ride, which is not something I'd have thought possible considering how long I had been biking.

[@dnbanb]

I'd disagree on a few things here. 1- gripping your bike with your thighs and knees is how you keep weight off of your wrists and control the bike better. You should always have a good grip with your legs and knees. 2.- the arm position he shows really only makes sense on non-clip on bikes. He is right, if on an upright or an ADV bike, bend your elbows out. But on a sport bike, bending your elbows out is unnatural and leads to additional fatigue from wind drag. 3.- your legs and knees should be your suspension. Never your back. Riding with a slumped back constantly is going to wear you down and lead to back soreness. Grip with your legs, engage your core, keep a loose grip on the bars. Your back may show some curve at full tuck but in general, it should be fairly straight. 4- staying fit off the bike will help you fit on the bike. Eat healthy, exercise (especially your core), and keep to a healthy weight so you fit the bike better. The less you weigh, the less you have to hold with your core and the less you are pressing down on your wrists.

[@NathanHembree-rp7pr]

Thank you for giving us the basics. So helpful to think through this. We all get sloppy habits if we don't keep trying to get better.

[@LexPips]

Sometimes riders have no clue their doing things wrong such as simple riding position. Been riding motorcycles since I was 7 years old (I'm right at your age) and never even considered someone would use their heel to apply back brake. The basics often get overlooked, good instructional video.

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Thanks bud. I was as shocked as you. Lol

[@stephenmclean]

Great idea, In my 60's and your knowledge about back position will hopefully keep me riding a while yet.😊

[@marshallcollins8634]

I was taught to ride a Yamaha Jt-1 mini enduro 60 in 1972 by big brother and his friends.i was taught to cover front brake with trigger finger and clutch with trigger and birdy fingers’ and we only used the clutch to start and stop.flash forward 41 or so years and I still do the same, except after 30 sometimes surgeries ( a major spine rebuild in 2 weeks, I find it hard to get good deep placement ( 11 scpoes and 3 total knee replacements. My left foot droops pretty low so dirt is out of the ? Gotta stick to the streets, I left knee works better and a can actually keep it above the rear brake, but my right foot has to come off the peg and use through muscle to shift instead of the ankle.a little more work but yo gotta do what you gotta do PSA IS NOT A RIDERS FRIEND EITHER, we will see how good Dr. Gareedo is👍🏻

[@xrotor7813]

I really liked your bposition reak down - For me at least, I really like having grippy knee pad s/stickers for the knees. It just makes you feel complelly attached to the bike with just a little pressure. I have never had a factory bike that I felt had enough grip at the knee position. I was using Stomp Grip pad but now I am 3D printing my own.

[@SigmaJAD]

I find any tension in upper body results in restricted bike control. Keeping a controlled looseness results in smooth bike control.

[@larsthorwald3338]

Shave more carefully. You missed a spot.

[@ArunKumar-wi6to]

Boomer

[@ankitmahto5323]

;-;

[@RadioSnivins]

The ol' downgrade Hitler

[@AntGeezer]

Melanoma…🤷‍♂️

[@dcccharles4569]

Knowledge is power, but ultimately my comfort and positioning on the bike is for me to decide and comes naturally each time I get on the seat and ride. I could care less if someone is judging me on how I look when I'm riding my bike and assume I'm a new rider, lack confidence, or look uncomfortable. I'm actually not a new rider, am confident, and I am extremely comfortable on my bike and I won't change for anyone nor be told how I should look. Not every rider wants or should be riding in a "cloned" body position "because it looks good* to someone else. There is different video on KZbin from someone else showing the opposite "proper body positioning" from this video! Go figure? Ride how you want and with what brings you pleasure on your two-wheeler. There will always be a critic when there's nothing to complain about.

[@patrickoakes7850]

Totally agree. To some extent your bike and your physical attributes determines how you get yourself comfortable on your bike - not sitting like a "should do " robot.

[@ferizaandrian]

I just Bought my GSXR today ! , thanks for the tips

[@bernardrc1137]

Original yami 400dt, 2 stroke, very rare, we love erm in the uk, we still have few over too, AWESOME 👌

[@cliffbrown8512]

That was good information for me

[@nagappanvijayabasker2948]

I have been riding motorcycles for more than 20 years, still I learned a few things very useful and essential , keep up the good work

[@Ratt1eHead]

Thanks for this. I'm a returning rider after about 10 years. Been riding my entire life. I've done dirt riding and street. I've had enduros to cruisers to sport bikes. My current bike is an 2008 R6 and this video and others like this have helped me immensely. My wrists would always get fatigued and numb. I'm relearning how to ride correctly. Again thanks!

[@Silverwinger82]

It took me until almost the end of the video to figure out what wasn't right. The chain looked really loose. Then I realized the rear wheel was off. I ride an old Honda Silverwing (Interstate model) with floorboards, so the lower positioning you spoke of doesn't necessarily apply to me, but the upper body position is pretty much spot on with how I ride.

[@MOTOPILOT6]

You should hear the story why the back wheel is off. Pretty unique

[@knifetoucher]

Great tips brother, thanks

[@louierivera7512]

Good info 👍🏻👍🏻

[@raymonddavo1847]

I have definitely learnt a lot , well done , thank u ":)

[@Nitishkumar-ue1vv]

thanks man it really helped a lot

[@shelbyhuerta]

great video bro... would love to see more of these! 🤜🏼🔔🤛🏼

[@virendradr]

Its wonderful information and guide lines for all riders thank you sir

[@gravyau]

Thanks so much really appreciate the tips

[@aliabbasnezhad1995]

Thank you for your tips

[@etanneriii]

Body position is my goal for this year, as it has became horrible.

[@flippy66]

Moto Control's video on body position is much better.

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Thanks for the positive feedback

[@cnajerald]

Thank you bro

[@7mag]

Thanks: good vid

[@masterofnone1481]

PSA!!! If you see me out there riding feel free to correct anything I am doing wrong. I am always open to constructive criticism 👌🇺🇸

[@darrinbruns4029]

How tightly are you gripping the bars?? Thank You!

[@ak-47821]

thanks

[@insatiable_mind]

I was looking for left foot position. I ride a lot of city and tend to leave my toe under the shifter unless I’m downshifting. I’ll try the ball of my feet on a long stretch.

[@jonnyjungle8096]

Great help bro. Thanks👍🏽

[@jshipley001]

How much weight should you have on your hands/wrists? I have heard that you should have little to no weight on them but you are not saying that. Is it OK to have some weight on your hands or should you be supporting yourself by your core. (VFR1200 sport touring bike) Thanks

[@romanreignsromanreigns7287]

Tq you bro

[@muddassirali9822]

Could you do same video for cruiser style bike like the rebel you were on?

[@fb3824]

elbows out! Are you sure about that. Inline elbows helps with handlebar inputs

[@ksneia]

It's weird that my second bike just tell me how to ride it by it design, the handle bar, seat, tanks, and foot pegs. All the times, l just against it and pain is the feedback. What is it? It's exactly like you said.

[@erniegonzales6101]

I watch one of your videos on how to install that new stereo with the kids from the auto T tag place how do you hook up the rear speaker On an electric lab 2010

[@Squadjab]

My dad keep saying "you dont need to straighten your arm, you're just weak you need to be stronger!" And my arm is like V now and my arms are getting tired because Is my dad right?

[@Squadjab]

Sorry about my English

[@pragmaticcorporatepromotio1608]

Hi this is Ayaz from Pakistan. I have a Benelli 752s naked bike. kindly inform will your suggested posture will also help in counter staining?

[@talilkr5238]

regarding the hand/elbow position, Moto control and Motojitsu's advice are a bit different. They want the one which you are telling us not to do i.e. hands a bit parallel to the ground and relaxed. Now I am confused😅

[@MOTOPILOT6]

Your wrist is strongest when there is no bend in the relaxed position. But when you apply throttle your wrist will need to bend.

[@talilkr5238]

@@MOTOPILOT6 thanks

[@matthiasneuwersch398]

2:13 thank me later.

[@Rittzo.]

you are the best sir

[@orewaanimelover]

Thanks Man

[@BodybuildingSteve]

cant ride with that feet position on the motorway, foot goes numb and aches like fuck lol

[@jridenour31]

Why would your feet go numb? It's not like you're putting a bunch of weight on them at a weird angle.

[@BlueCollarBeerSnob]

What do you think about shorty levers for an adventure bike?

[@HeldIntegral]

Good, but not those arms. Too straight = high pressure = sore body + bike cant self adjust + eyes cant see mirrors. Im just happy ur toes weren't hanging about like flippers

[@B.E.89]

your hands are not straight to your arm. you need to lower your clutch and brake levers a little bit.

[@dingos1029]

Bioderkami bym popracował a tak to oki

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

Freeways… I usually ride one handed 😂. If I get really bored I’ll rest my elbow on my tank and the chin of my helmet on my free hand.

[@MOTOPILOT6]

@@dangleraction Agreed. You never know when something will come at you when not expected.

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

@@dangleraction Ducati ST3… It’s got heavy ass wheels and a relaxed rake angle. Smaller bumps don’t really unsettle it much at all. Only time it’s even come close to a slapper was accelerating hard from 120mph up to 150mph but I just accelerated through the oscillation.

[@pragmaticcorporatepromotio1608]

Hi hope you are fine and doing great. My name is Ayaz and I am from Pakistan. I have a street naked bike Benelli 752s. Issue with me is on very steep downhill turns I get confused and slow down too much having fear I will fall down. Please guide me should I use counter steering while turning or counter weight to achieve a good safe turn.

[@camgere]

You may not be that far off. Going downhill loads up the front end. What unloads the front end? Accelerating. So, forget the "one size fits all" advice about trail braking into curves. Slow way down and use maintenance throttle or light acceleration to go through the curve. Obviously, this means a low entrance speed. Start out easy and play around with it. Be careful if there is anyone behind you. You don't want to get rear ended. A light acceleration will bring the front/back balance closer to 50/50.

[@pragmaticcorporatepromotio1608]

@@camgere Thank you very much for your kind detailed advice.

[@SC-vz9ie]

I think you mean heel (singular), not “toes”!

[@matthewperry5712]

How do you feel about @motojitsu? He recommends arms lower like playing the piano.

[@MOTOPILOT6]

I highly disagree. Offers less leverage, control and looks lazy/ unskilled.

[@MatiasEspinosa1]

@@MOTOPILOT6but motojitsu is right. Your recommended position keeps you putting pressure on the handlebars, which leads to the bike not self-balancing, which is critical on the road where you have all sorts of irregularities on the pavement. Here’s a great example kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX-7ZJmvfttpobM I’m sure it’s different on a track or photoshoots, but for everyday riding you shouldn’t be putting any pressure on the handles when not turning.

[@jridenour31]

I can't stand motojitsu but he's right about that. If you're just cruising down the highway, you need to be in a relaxed position. Doing a bunch of unnatural stuff is going to make you fatigue much faster.

[@cpkay33]

My issue is I purchased a scrambler with aftermarket handlebars that are much lower than stock so I’m forced to slouch but the brake and gears are positioned from the factory settings should I adjust those lower? I see your brake is level with your foot. It sucks

[@borisb5163]

I would always try different settings than manufacturers. Unless the bike is custom made to you ofcourse ;)

[@awesomed007]

grt

[@tonygia7890]

Beijing is the richest city in China in terms of GDP per person and deposit per person.

[@rundnb1116]

Your thum nail is wrong

[@kevmcgoey8201]

Bull #

[@dobelEXP]

I just dont think he rides much.

[@kabuto9556]

You look like the manager of chipmunks. Jk.

[@andreyevsv]

What a bullshit about your back position... Natural position is strait back. In this position you spine have natural forward curve and it obsorbs better.

[@hardtailsuicidaljockey6827]

I would but I have 24" apes.....lol