WHEN & WHY you should STAND while riding an ADV Motorcycle | OFFROAD Motorcycle Training

[@RIDEAdventures]

What are your reasons to stand when riding off-pavement?

[@FredericPhotography]

Thank you. My legs do get tired. I thought that was just me. 😊

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@FredericPhotography, like a golfer might have to work to "change their swing" a bit, the good news is, you can definitely practice and become perfectly comfortable seated....when off-pavement. And then stand when the situation calls for it. --- Thanks for the note, glad if the video helps.

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@chrisleece9757, all are possible situations to stand. But what if you need to tap your feet to regain balance at some point?

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@chrisleece9757, and perhaps be an 18-25 year old decathlete seemingly made of rubber : )

[@jasonr1150gs]

Stand for the ‘gram

[@mattfry9893]

I stand when the bumps buck me up into the standing position...... Effortless

[@RIDEAdventures]

Love that move, a favorite here as well. Talk about energy conservation. Now if only someone would hand me a burrito at the same time. - Eric

[@altuspienaar7679]

You should really be on the pegs before hitting the rough spots👍

[@randersson3672]

About time someone made a video about this stupid subject...to see people stand up on straight nice gravelroads mile after mile is truly mind blowing. You sir used something most people do not use..logic and experience, thanks 👍

[@RIDEAdventures]

R Andersson, thanks for the note. We're peeling back the truth on this stuff, one video at a time : ) RIDE on!

[@sailgoal]

Man so glad to see this video!! Been riding since I was 6 or 7 close to 50 now. Only stand when you need to or your ass is tired of sitting. Its not that difficult. People have to make it so difficult. Its just common sense. We rode Yamaha 250 street bikes over off road mountain passes in Colorado mountains in 1980s for crying out loud. I think there are too many average joes watching pro tips like they will be the next Graham Jarvis or something! Stop people. I was recently on a trip high up in Colorado with my best friend. He has a Honda 450L and mine is a Honda 250 Rally. He's been riding a long time but watches all the Graham Jarvis pro tip stuff. So naturally we go over a seriously rocky pass and hes standing the entire time!!. Me I'm sitting and enjoying the ride and picking my lines and thinking how comfortable the seat is on my Rally. Seriously...and admittedly smirking watching my best friend exhaust himself while proclaiming thats the way you have to stand all the time!!! People on youube said so!!! Eeeeee!!! Seriously! Im just casually sitting working the clutch and picking my lines ..... AROUND the head sized boulders. My friend ... Well he is standing the entire time pinching the bike in a death grip with his legs cause youtube said thats hiw you have to control the bike!!! ... and he is going over the boulders!!. Not around them!! Now I've been to Colorado on motorcycles, three wheelers, jeeps, campers since I was about 10 or 11 years old. My friend has never been to the mountains...Think he would listen to me???? Nope! Graham or someone "smarter" than me on youtube told my buddy if you stand constantly you will save energy!!!!!##@$ !!!@$! Sure enough half way through a 10 mile pass my friend is complaining his hands arms back quads all sore and gassed out. Me I'm ready to keep going and finish the loop. If anything my ass is tired from sitting at this point lol. We had to turn around and go back because my friend was exhausted and too nervous to go on. So wisely we turned around because I didn't want him to get so exhausted he would be miserable or crash. Admittedly it was a hard section and I was a bit exhausted but not nearly as bad as my friend standing the whole time over the rocky sections... and he's in better shape than me. So YES I say lose the stupid pride and sit as much as you can. Stand when you need to. If you are a pro rider in top shape then good for you stand all you want or don't. Just saying this old fart knows what works....its called practical real world experience kids 💪😁👍

[@RIDEAdventures]

williewaterbug, ha, ha, .....but..."it looks cool," standing : ) Some folks have even argued that motocross guys are standing the entire race. We seriously don't know which half of the race they are watching. - Thanks for commenting, and RIDE on! (comfortably, and much longer it would appear : )

[@concernedcitizen5506]

I have been riding for 47 years. Spent the first 15 ripping through forestry trails and harder. We only ever stood when the terrain warranted standing. Sitting down doing power slides and wheelies was always great fun. Yes you are correct, sometimes the old foot down for an instant can be the difference to staying upright. All these videos where everyone is standing on good surfaces for endless miles looks stupid and wrong to me.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Imagine how exhausting it would have been, standing those 47 years, just because you were on flat gravel : ) --- Thanks for the note, glad if you agree.......there's a time and place to stand, and a time and place to sit. Everyone should do according to the moment, and not some hard rule that says "off pavement = on your feet."

[@C_R_O_M________]

The thing is that you don't need that foot to dab if you are standing and use proper technique. That is why hard enduro racers seldom sit when the terrain is rough and obstacles are everywhere.

[@dlrides]

Excellent video ! As a veteran rider and ex off-road racer, the “ always stand off pavement” training fallacies have been a personal pet peeve. 👍

[@RIDEAdventures]

dlrides, thanks for commenting, and yea, the truth needs to get out. Pet peeveish feelings shared here.

[@mechcavandy986]

I agree about sitting at times. I have pretty good control at sitting, because I used to be a flat track racer.

[@thibor1975]

First person on here I've found who talks sense thank you for clearing up the need to stand and not stand up on a motorbike.. I swear most people do it because they think its cool or have been poorly advised.. Spot on advice my friend.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks, and yep, without teasing riders too much for doing so......standing is often done for how cool it looks, in excess of the amount one would otherwise have to stand. RIDE on! (And perhaps further with more energy left cause you're not trying to look cool all the time : )

[@nutmagnet22]

@@RIDEAdventures Easier to recon a seat at Starbucks if you're standing when you enter the parking lot.Seriously,great video. As an old (63), former Hare scrambler,you sit as often as possible or by the third round fatigue sets in quicker.

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@nutmagnet22 Ha, ha, it should be the "ADV salute of entry" when riding into Starbucks! ------ Excellent point, and yea, just imagine trying to complete an entire hare scramble standing. By the time I finished, everyone ahead of me would already be at Starbucks, and I wouldn't be able to get off the bike. --- Some folks have commented saying "motocross guys stand more than sit," but I sure don't see that as being a clear case at all. Let's ask Eli. ----- Thanks for the note. - Eric

[@davereinhart9933]

Good video. I am glad someone finally gave us permission to sit. I do both and it seems appropriate. Thank you.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Dave, indeed, that "off pavement, on feet" directive seems to still be out there. Thanks for the note, glad if the video helped : )

[@okanaganadv2315]

It's funny a lot of people assume you NEED to stand when off road. Chris birch goes over sitting. So happy to see this video from another great rider!!

[@TheCogitech]

So glad someone is finally saying all this. I agree 100% and can never understand why there is such a focus on standing. I ride a DR650 (including single track) and only stand about 5% of the time. Maybe less. The only major falls I have had were because I was standing when I should have been sitting.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yea, and it's something we'll be addressing more in future videos. Thanks for commenting.

[@arnohag1]

Same here. I ride a DR650 and prefer to sit most of the time due to poor knees.

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@arnohag1 You are doing it wrong then. Knees should not be too involved when standing. It's mostly your ankles, hips, back and hamstrings. The guy in this clip has the wrong posture in many instances with knees bent forward of the pegs which is very tiring (quads) and affects the knees. I am an ex-pro Basketball player with 3 knee operations and my knees are fine from riding standing up.

[@arnohag1]

@@C_R_O_M________ really. It depends on the centre of balance. How long have you been riding? I've only ridden for 45 years and know what suits me best especially with bad knees. I like it when riders tell me to stand up on a perfectly good dirt road, it's sort of a power trip for the uninitiated. Best of luck, hope you ride more than you comment.

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@arnohag1 Thanks, I ride all the time and ride all sorts of styles (except from MX which I consider extremely dangerous and not for my middle aged body). I currently own 3 bikes : and ride them in supersport, adventure, enduro and hard enduro styles. Been riding for over 20 years now and had next to zero problems with my knees. I also don't suggest standing when the dirt is fine, never said that. What I said though is verifiable by instructions from top riders. The content is available here on YT as well. Skills and all. Don't take it personally but you may have been riding wrong (aspects of your riding) your entire life. I known that I have had bad habits in the beginning that faded away with constant learning and practice. For example, most riders don't even know that they need to keep fingers on the levers at all times and full-fist the throttle ending in whiskey throttling the bike once in a while. Or ride adventure and enduro bikes and have their feet sticking outwards. Stop at the traffic light in the middle of the lane (risking being rear-ended by some phone-fiddling driver behind). Infinite mistakes, small and not so small, end up in injuries. Just a good-willing comment, that's all.

[@ridewithgnr2116]

Amen to that. So, funny because several comments on my Black Bear Pass V-Strom 650 Ride, were all about “Stand” “Stand” “Stand Up!” That Was a 4 hour + ride for this amateur rider. Even when sitting you can ride “loose” letting the suspension and steering just track as needed. I did stand when I hit sections I felt the bike needed me to do just that. It is always easier to criticize.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Well said. Do what's right for ourselves, given the ever-changing moment. Consider all options, do what makes sense, and feels right. Thanks for sharing.

[@coconuciferanuts339]

That black bear pass video was awesome!I've got a '17 650 strom but definitely know my limits.

[@klangmasseur]

YES it's true. Good Riding in sitting Position needs Training too. And for people with longer suspension - is is much easier too stabilize the bike with the throttle than with the knees. When a bigger "hole" is coming, open the throttle a bit. The bike goes out of the suspension With training it is possible to sit on the seat and the seat level keeps at the same height, while the suspension makes all work. On many dirt roads we have big holes filled with water. When it is dry, that's my technique in dry season to drive these holes. It is easy to do that for hours, especially on big bike with power and long suspension. Learned on a 950 KTM@

[@roshs4729]

Not a trained rider but experienced one here from Nepal . I agree with him and I do the same .

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yep. Even without formal training, a rider can still be an excellent at this. Thanks for sharing.

[@roshs4729]

@@RIDEAdventures Thanks for the kind words . And want to add , you tend to apply front brake while standing which will be fatal on dirt or gravel .

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@roshs4729, yea, the front can be a little easier to grab than the rear brake pedal when standing, and you're right, in gravel......that can lead to problems. You have a solid, natural riding intuition, Rosh S ....celebrate that, and ride far and long with a smile, friend : )

[@fushki]

Thank you for this. I have ridden off road since I was a kid. I hardly ever stand up - All the type of terrain in your videos I have ridden seated and also with a passenger doing a good 50mph as well. Really don't feel like standing would make it better. And fast reaction and cornering is impeded by standing . What people need to learn is how to use your sight and legs. If seated and a big bump comes you shoot up but if you use your legs you can control the return. No shame in sitting. Thanks for telling people this in such a good video.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Rafael, you're exactly right: So much about riding safely, riding well, etc. is that "anticipation," and sight for what is ahead. Stand when appropriate, and sit when we should, sounds like the right plan for us : ) --- Thanks for the positive feedback.

[@altuspienaar7679]

Its not about shame, its about practicality and safety....and comfort. I have riden some trails, riding the entire day, where you only get to sit down when the bike is stationary. Standing up for no reason makes no sense though, especially if you do not understand the dynamics of weight distribution and how to manage your weight on the bike. Believing it is fine to be seated all the time can be much more detrimental than standing all the time. For one, standing keeps you far more alert than being seated comfortably behind a fairing. You are just that much more ready to react and will likely notice a situation coming up that split second earlier. Don't get me wrong, I am not promoting standing all day but it is important to be on the pegs at the right moment and to be seated when conditions don't require standing. I stand in the following situations, on smooth gravel only when approaching a blind hill, bend or any situation which might force me to take immediate action, even just for the brief moment when I pass a vehicle even if it is an approaching one. Naturally when I am riding soft sand or when there is a lot of soft sand in patches on the road surface, when I cross the loose sections of gravel that forms in between tracks. Then I ALWAYS stand when the road surface deteriorate to the point it is not comfortable stayinh seated but at this point it can also be a great aid in handling the bike especially at slower speeds.

[@fushki]

@@altuspienaar7679 Fair pooit but I wouldn't agree. On twisty gravel roads at higher speeds sitting is safer - simple centre of gravity points, if you stand you create a higher leaver making the bike grip worse. On sand and mud I also sit but near the back because I want to weigh down the rear for traction. YOu can stand and lean back but then you are also leavening up the front end making it want to lift. I do some pretty bad trails with huge rocks and big washout gullies on blind corners and I have ridden it all seated - why? Grip. But if you are ready and hit big stuff you use your legs on the return to add compression and it is a long stretch then I will stand up. A good example for sitting is Dakar. You see most riders sit on the rear of the bike unless the train really becomes bad. IN hard enduro ok stand because everything is hard. But trails riding on gravel and bumpy roads really doesn't justify standing. Another bad place to stand is on loose surface downhills. Again higher up makes higher centre of gravity. Graham Jarvis might never sit but no one here is no his level of balance.

[@mal-wx6tu]

Thanks for the intelligent perspective on sitting off-road, standing is only necessary when, going through tight trails or doing runs at speed to relive bodyshock.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yep, and we're just trying to get the word out there, as this is pretty important safety stuff. And a matter of overall enjoyment. Thanks for commenting, and RIDE on!

[@BikerGirlTraveler]

Yes! Thank for bringing that up. I have seen plenty of videos of people traveling across continents and they sit most of the time, even on off roading. For me, I stand when I run into road conditions that look very bumpy, with obstacles, or dangerous and may require me to get off the bike is a hurry. Otherwise I am sitting.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yep, standing makes sense in some situations, and not in others. Thanks for sharing.

[@Tembo1000]

You are so right man. I´ve been riding for 40 years. Dont get up if you dont have to. Seems to be cool now to stand up.

[@RIDEAdventures]

So cool.

[@VonSutho]

Well done, I ride a big KTM and I apply the techniques I learned riding enduros which mirror your comments. Sitting has some serious benefits as does standing. Weight on the rear wheel sit, for that extra traction, blind crested single lane dirt roads (lots of those in my part of Australia) stand to see the farmer driving in the middle of the road. Adventure bike magazine video or photo shoot, stand because it is expected... and it lets the latte settle better ;)

[@RIDEAdventures]

Exactly right, use that viewing angle by standing where it makes sense, and for better digestion : ) Thanks for the note, and RIDE on!

[@vladalexandru5861]

Been doing this without knowing it. Finally someone that has pertinent and informative stuff to say. Thank you

[@RIDEAdventures]

Vlad, excellent, and we are enjoying seeing notes like this....as it seems like the topic needed to be covered. Thanks for the comment.

[@moreorlesdone1497]

Finally someone who knows what they're talking about and makes sense to the layman like me! Well done!!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Moreorles Done, thanks for the positive feedback. So many ways to think and talk about riding position strategies. The sincere hope is that this just helps riders cover more ground, safer, and with more smiles : )

[@tigrealpaxley4894]

i'm just glad i started riding a bicycle when i was a kid. the skills i've learned on a bicycle can be applied on a motorcycle like standing on the pedal / foot peg. i never had anyone teach me about it, i just instinctively learned it after the painful experience of having my balls crushed when i sit on my bike on rough roads. i most hours i spent riding was 13 hours only stopping for bathroom breaks and eating. i can't even imagine the pain my family jewels would go through if i sat on my bike for that long. i still want to have kids someday.

[@brunol3874]

Thanks for this! I just started dabbling in dirt after years of street and sport bikes. Not sure if it's right or wrong but I feel like I'm doing the same like I do on my mountain bike; sit and find the smoothest line when I can and get off the seat when it's rocky/bumpy.

[@RIDEAdventures]

That's it! "Do what makes sense, given the moment," was the underlying message. Welcome to the dirt, and as long as you don't fall victim to the belief that there are hard and firm rules on any of this stuff.....as long as you follow your instincts, and keep in mind the fundamental reasons to stand in the video....you'll do fine. RIDE on!

[@jasonearles9789]

I’m with you on this one! I will say that I mostly stand when riding down a very steep hill and as you mentioned in very rocky/rough terrain. Sometimes at high speeds when I kick the back end out. It can step out further without loosing control and high siding. I use to race hare scrambles and I am much faster in the woods while standing. At least in the tight stuff. It’s easier to throw the bike back and forth. But at 110mph on a gravel road I’m in the saddle

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yep, that dreaded possible high-side, we'd all like to avoid, and as you've noted, there are some situations to sit, and some to stand. Imagine if a trainer had told you to automatically/always be on your feet when off-pavement. RIDE on, and thanks for the comment!

[@kokkiematematika1931]

Question... can sand roads be ridden in the seating position?

[@SCALE_RC__AND_SLOTCARS]

110 mph on a gravel road.... Bloody hell 🤭

[@jasonearles9789]

@@kokkiematematika1931 yes but sit further back and light on the seat ready to stand when it gets rough. Watch the Dakar race you’ll see a bit of sitting.

[@ejwang615]

this is really helpful! most time you don't need be in standing position on tour

[@floydthedroid5935]

After watching more than a dozen of these. I’m subscribed. I’m on my seventh road bike, looking at my first adv, a tdm900. Thank you for putting up factual, objective content. Cheers!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for saying so, and welcome aboard! More and better videos ahead : )

[@baldandbiking]

I know this was three years ago but your point was good and still stands. You think a little outside the box just like me and I agree with how you approach riding skills! Not everyone has iron legs!

[@dc85337]

Finally ! Someone who actually understands the reason to sit and not just stand forever! PS - I can't stand on my bike that much do to age (79) and physical ability. In otherwords - I sit a lot in the dirt.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Well said, Danny, thanks for noting the message in the video, and yea, riding situations are so dynamic.....position ourselves for the moment, and RIDE on!

[@silviazencich6862]

I agree 100% with this! In fact is my riding option Standing only in 1 of that 5 situations!!! Great to hear these

[@nickr5051]

What a great video. This is got to be one of the best needed to be said things for adventure riders out there.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for saying so. Hope it helps anyone.

[@ShadowVonChadwick]

Hi. I'm back riding after 30yr out of the saddle. This standing "preoccupation" has bugged me this last 18 months. My last bike was a new 1978 DT400 Enduro. But picked up a 2011 KLX250-300 as a best pick for me to relearn on, I don't have the lung capacity to ride aggressively for any length of time, so I'm always looking for time to conserve energy & O2 (and just enjoy the bush). I have ridden with larger groups on a few occasions and am amazed by this compulsion of newish & not so new, riders on a large expansive bike to be on the pegs all the time. And the number of bent front rims and flat front tyres is confounding me. The connection I see is the perceived idea that standing and riding hard n fast are always linked or expected. Cheers Any way, a good vid and some solid info. Thanks

[@MyYTwatcher]

Not an offroad rider myself, but the video was very nicely done. Clear pros, clear cons. Very good rhetorical skill. Thank you for it.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for the note. If you do ever get into the dirt riding, hopefully this helps.

[@robertcrumb6092]

great advice! I recently fractured my ankle on a Triumph Tiger going up and around a sharp, uneven L turn on gravel. I was standing and couldn't touch my foot or eject in time. Yes I am inexperienced but could've done quite nicely without the fracture.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for sharing, Robert. Hope the recovery is going well. --- Careful folks, it does happen.

[@tonyiandiplock5825]

I learned the hard way recently do not stand in mud and slippery conditions. My rear wheel stepped out and because I was standing as I lost my balance I landed up opening the throttle instead of shutting off.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yikes, and yea, gotta make sure those rubber footpeg pads are off in addition to making sure those tires are grabbing as much as possible. And yes, nothing says we "need" to stand in mud, so do what makes sense. Thanks for sharing!

[@bergoff]

Great video. I ride my Africa Twin in rough terrain. The only time I stand is during big bumps or jumps so it doesn’t hurt my back.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Right on, Shaun, we've got the option to do what makes sense, given the probably-ever-changing situation. Have fun and thanks for commenting.

[@MK-hb3xc]

book marked. I've always felt it is up to the rider to figure it out when to do what as they learn to ride.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Exactly! Sure, some outside suggestions can help, but none of us knows the situation you'll be in from moment to moment, if you have 1 or 30 straight hours of dirt riding ahead, or how much you need to conserve energy, and as such...do what feels right to you. Thanks for commenting.

[@mitchdane4609]

I totally agree with all your points. I would also add one other reason for standing in tricky terrain. That is, that it lowers your center of gravity. Having your weight on the pegs, as opposed to the seat makes your weight lower on the bike.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yep, having that weight down low sure can come in handy. Although, having weight up high to leverage the sides of the seat and tank is a factor, too. Such a dynamic thing, this activity we enjoy. Thanks for commenting and watching.

[@andrewnewman1248]

Standing raises your centre of gravity. It’s physics

[@pfv3462]

this is the best explanation on this topic for years! And it keeps the front wheel lighter and better traction on the rear wheel!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Patrick, right on, and thanks for the note. So many situations where sitting still makes sense over standing, and the reverse can be true as well. Thanks for the note, and RIDE on!

[@tasseanderberg5365]

Great ideas! but missed the most important reason to stand at appropriate times! That is, to lower the center of gravity of the bike which allows the bike to react more easily to ground conditions (rocks, ruts, etc), and it can react to this input without having to move all the riders body weight as well.

[@robertwilson7145]

You only stand to accommodate for the bump, or jump you take. You don't want Rebound, legs used as a spring. You keep your feet on the pegs, if there is no obstacle just sit down.

[@motopacking]

One of the big issues I have seen while at various dual sport and ADV events is that not only are people standing unnecessarily and for long periods of time but they are also standing incorrectly. Unless you are stretching or airing out, a rider should be standing in an attack position when in rough terrain, slightly canted forward with knees bent and weight over the bars. I see so many riders with tall bars and add ons like Rox Risers. Setting a bike up this way completely prevents a riders ability to stand in the "attack" position and then they wonder why they are struggling when the going gets tough. Sure, it's great for comfort while seated but the complete opposite of how you want a bike set up for dirt riding. Regarding leverage on the bars, if a person is standing properly, it should actually generate more control than sitting, not less. This is why you see riders in races like the Baja 1000 or Dakar Rally standing much of the time and it's precisely why trials bikes have no seat.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Motopossum, okay, but it's hard to imagine how a rider could have greater leverage and more deft control over the handlebars, the further their arm/shoulder/torso angle is from being in a direct, perpendicular bench/chest-press position. Let's be careful what we're saying here, as nobody is stronger with their hands lower vs. perpendicular to torso. (Although yes, hands lower when standing can play a role in overall balance and vertical impact absorption, and other riding factors, hence we stand when appropriate.)

[@motopacking]

@@RIDEAdventures Absolutely , we must be careful in what we say as newer riders are likely to watch these videos and read the comments. Making sure that these riders are receiving the correct information is paramount. You'll note that I was very careful not to say that a rider can generate more force while standing but that they will have more control overall , when encountering rough or technical terrain, if they are standing correctly. Interestingly most of the control generated while sitting is going to be had not by force, but by proper body input , just as when standing. You can see this demonstrated in several Jimmy Lewis videos where he rides one handed while doing figure 8's in sand. Balance and body position far outweigh leverage at the bars. Years of racing offroad have taught me that he's right in his assertions. Overall, what you are saying in your video is correct. Standing when unnecessary just fatigues the rider and has no real advantage. "SIT DOWN" should be the rallying cry for the majority of riding that ADV motorcyclist will encounter on the vast majority of their rides. Cheers man and keep the vids coming!

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@motopacking, likewise, well put. Tough one for any of us to articulate on organic movement as it intertwines with a moving machine over varying terrains : ) Good on ya, thanks for sharing, and RIDE on!

[@virendradr]

I AM BLESSED TO HAVE YOU AS MY GUIDE,BRILLIANT ,NICE,FLUENT,TECHNICALLY SOUND AND AFFECTION IN EVERY WORD THAT YOU UTTER..FEEL HAPPY TO LEARN ADV SKILLS THANK YOU SIR YOU ARE VERY STRONG PHYSICALLY,MENTALLY AND TECHNICALLY..WISH TO EMULATE YOUR PERSONALITY LOVE AND REGARDS FOR SUCH A NICE FRIND

[@RIDEAdventures]

So nice of you. Thanks for the feedback

[@toltod]

Also found coming into a gravel corner hot, standing and pushing on the outside peg can slide you around the corner....something i had to learn.

[@tube8522]

Spot on!!! Only stand the stretch and help the susp. At 60 only way to go...KLR's are great!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Lester, sounds like you're on the throttle and making it happen. Thanks for the note, and RIDE on!

[@idselseno2306]

If the certainty is high that I'll crash or drop the bike, I'd rather sit down and ready my feet to dab or try at least my legs won't get caught when the bike falls. I'm not good in riding off-road but still try to practice standing even though at times it's scary with having your feet far from the ground.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Idsel, you'll probably ride a looong time, and stay plenty safe with such a strategy. Well done, and do what makes sense for you given the moment. RIDE on!

[@Luckykoi1290]

Agree and thank you, have had some heated discussions with some instructors !

[@RIDEAdventures]

Lloyd, thanks for saying so. And there have been some heated comments and discussions below this video, some of which I've noticed, the originators have later deleted. Sit when it make sense, squat or stand for others, and RIDE on!

[@robmullins1427]

Great stuff! I’ve always felt this way but it’s nice having a pro in the biz say it.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for those kind words, and for watching. More videos ahead : )

[@Bitplanebrother]

i agree..just stand when you need to..but some things i disagree...especially braking and lever control...this might be true for beginner offroad riders..but most riders will eaily stop the bike while standing even when breaking hard..

[@southsoundrider5428]

Thanks for the info! I used to mountain bike a lot and it's natural for me to stand while riding off-road!

[@robmullins1427]

Same here...my experience mountain biking has helped enormously while learning to motorbike off-road. As per this video, I don’t always stand on the mountain bike, usually during descents and when it gets gnarly. I always thought it was kinda dumb to stay in the standing position for long periods of time.

[@carlfredb]

I like your stand on the subject of sitting.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks. Hope it helps folks stay comfortable, ride longer, and do what makes sense for each given moment.

[@bidlymovies987]

Great videos. Will be watching many more. Grew up riding dirt bikes. Never heard of the always stand rule. I actually feel a little at risk when I do a full stand to stretch the legs. Certainly not going to stand all the time. Time and place for everything.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Bidley Movies, thanks for the note, we're glad if the info helps anyone. As you said, there's a time and place for standing.......we just wanted to make sure more people realize that (instead of following the hard and fast rule that some training academies push.)

[@tonyhill8300]

actually only stand when you need to is best!

[@billroberts9182]

I like your logic and your teaching manner. Thx!

[@heatherthomas5781]

By far this is the best video I've seen on the topic! Thank you!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Heather, thanks for the note.....which is truly appreciated. Glad if the info helps anyone.

[@bradleymartin7501]

Well, people tend to like stuff when it agrees with how they think. So I REALLY liked this video! I ride a DRZ400 as my ADV bike and rarely stand up. Only for bumps. I see these folks standing all the time and don't really understand. Every last thing in your video confirms what I've been thinking all these years in regards to control, balance etc... I watch Trials riders standing all the time and wonder "should I be doing that?" But being 6'1" tall, even with a high bar set up, the controls are waist high when I stand (too low for decent manipulation). I've center stand tested some of the big displacement ADV bikes and they seem to have higher bar to seat relationships than my little Suzuki but I still question how much bar/controls control you give away when standing. Yeah, you can affect the bike balance with your feet some, but it seems to me you still have more control sitting. Some of this I think goes back to Trials riding and old dirt bikes that had 4" of rear suspension. Both of which require(d) standing to get the job done. The motocross and supercross guys even sit a fair amount during a race! Anyway, I found the video a minimum a good watch to at least question....Why am I standing all the time???? I was fascinated in Alaska, on my touring bike (FJR1300 2 up) going down these long construction (dirt) sections. We accidently hooked up with a bunch of ADV guys headed for the Dusk to Dawson event. They all stood thru the construction zones. We giggled, and, miraculously made it thru the sections while seated. Looking forward to more videos!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Bradley, thanks for the great comments, reminding us why we're making more of these videos recently. --- Based on what you said about noticing the difference with big displacement ADV bikes, I'm wondering if you've installed bar risers, or tried sampling different riding positions on your DRZ? Each degree of angle I get further from a bench-press/seated kind of position with my bars/controls, I feel slightly less dexterous with them. As noted in this video. ----- Glad you noted how much MX/SX riders are sitting, as that's a PRIME example of athletes needing to conserve energy. Riding at max heart rate for 20 minutes at a time, there's no significant enough advantage for them to waste more energy, and we can still manipulate a bike with our feet and bodies from a mostly-seated position. ---- There are reasons to stand as noted in the video (like cooling off), but one reason I don't think we drilled on much is: Who "looked" cooler in the construction zones on the way to Dawson? : ) ----- Have fun out there, and RIDE on. - Eric

[@bradleymartin7501]

@@RIDEAdventures I have installed bar risers and a slightly higher bar. Any higher and I'll need new cables so that's as far as I'm going. Even with ape hangers, I think I'd still rather be sitting for the "Dab" factor. I do try and practice the standing up stuff. I think next I'm going to rotate the brake and clutch so they are a little better for standing. Just to see how that affects things. But not so they become a detriment to operating them in the seated position. I watch the Dakar racers and they have their bar/controls up so high they can barely see over them! Of course they are in great physical shape, and going 90mph down unknown conditions. (understatement warning coming up) And they are pretty good riders too. Standing power slides thru the sand..... Uhhh…. not in my pay grade.

[@ryanmalone2681]

I just started riding off-road and spent 1 day on the trails in central Tennessee and was terribly sore for 3. I was standing a lot too.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for sharing, yea, the ensuing soreness. Maybe what you rode completely warranted all that standing, so then it's just a matter of what kind of condition we're in. Do you think you did a bunch of unnecessary standing though?

[@ryanmalone2681]

@@RIDEAdventures No, I took your advice. The bike was moving around like a dancer. I’m in middle Tennessee and had to go full dirt tire because the trails are so loose and there are a lot of mud, loose small pebbles, and gnarled ruts and loose stream crossings. I think it’s just forcing me to get into shape. It was my 3rd time ever off-road and it was a 6 hour jaunt so it was a lot from what I’m used to. I have no issue doing 6 hours on the Ninja or 10+ hours on the K1600, but this is exhausting.

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@ryanmalone2681, sounds like you're having fun though, isn't it nice to have a bike that goes anywhere : ) But yea, something to be said about our physical conditioning. We've got more videos ahead on this, including "Yoga for Motorcyclists" coming up soon. Enjoy and thanks for watching.

[@ryanmalone2681]

@@RIDEAdventures It’s amazing. I’m thinking of trading in the K1600 for a GSA so I have a shorter distance but better off-road bike (Tiger 900) and then a less capable longer distance bike that I can still explore the dirt on longer tours. Can’t believe I waited 15 years of riding before I discovered this.

[@idude2216]

If traction is marginal, I'll stand. If I'm eating a lot of dust from other vehicles, I'll stand. If it gets technical, I'll stand (not for visibility but because it's easier to stay balanced).

[@garrycoates2147]

This is an excellent review as there are pros and cons to standing not often talked about. An additional reason for standing is deep sand where you must keep as much weight of the front as possible. This is important on an ADV bike as they come heavy with tyres often no wider than a trail bike. Sometimes the falls are heavier when standing because you are higher. I can remember bits of a dirt 6th gear highside that I do not want to repeat. Helmet broken but my neck brace saved me. It gets worse the bigger you are.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Interesting point you make: These Adventure Bikes are about twice the weight of dirt bikes, on typically the same size/width 90/90/21 tires. Thanks for sharing.....glad that helmet was all that was broken!

[@Carlos-bp1vp]

For tight slown trails, I ride much better sitting because it requires a lot of handlebar work. I can also lean the bike more without fear. Losing the front wheel sideways while standing is really scary.

[@RIDEAdventures]

"The higher we are, the harder we fall," right? Glad you sit when it makes sense for you, and know that you have the option to stand if it feels right. Thanks for sharing.

[@doughutchison6382]

I agree with all of your points! Awesome video!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for saying so!

[@brucekendall52]

Agree with all that you have said.Let common sense prevail.Thks.JHB-SA.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Well put, There’s just too much going on over multiple terrains to make any blanket statements that accurately address what a rider should be doing. Thanks for commenting.

[@JGKohlenberg]

Great video! Another example that there are few absolutes in the world of athletics. Off road on a 500lb+ bike can be very athletic and dynamic. Conserving energy allows more to spare when really needed. I bet your group rides are fun !

[@RIDEAdventures]

Well said, and thanks for the note. Few absolutes for sure!

[@mannyechaluce3814]

I sit when the terrain is smoother, I only stand when I really need too, but, what I notice is I find myself standing to relax, sitting on the saddle is more tiring to me somehow, my knees are folded, I feel the pounding on my back, standing gives me relief somehow....

[@andrewsoldan6050]

stand up for your rights

[@toltod]

I always thought stand when you need more control or doing gnarly single track.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Sure, the situation might call for it. But some control can be given up by not having the power of our legs, pelvis, torso, etc. gripping down on the bike and helping to move it. Thanks for commenting.

[@edwardburd6900]

Excellent advice and perspective.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for the note

[@reksubbn3961]

A couple of other points about gravel is it is constantly varying. I ride the same gravel roads constantly and its never the same surface twice. Some sections are sand. I also ride at night where you can't always see the detail. Much more secure when standing. Visibility also much better for animal spotting. I live in Oz so roos are a worry. Not all your riders have that much experience by the sound of it. You only have to lose control once and its going to hurt.

[@RIDEAdventures]

reksubbn, yep, careful in the standing position if one of the roos pops out. That split-second extra it takes to sit down before going full-brakes could be important.

[@beammeupscotty1955]

I was very glad to have stumbled across this video because it addresses something that has been nagging at me for some time now, I have no formal training of any kind and until the last 9 months or so, I had not ridden off road for 25 years, again, without any training at that time either. More recently I have been riding around my now local Sierra foothill countryside, both on and off road, typically alone on a KLR650. On those few occasions when I do ride with others, I have found that standing off road appears to be a very common practice among other riders who are likely more experienced than I am. I have tried it but find it quite unsettling and the practice seems quite dangerous to me. I am always afraid my weight will pitch forward, causing me to throttle down unintentionally, or the reverse, my weight being thrown backwards causing an unintentional blip on the throttle. Both have happened to me. I had risers installed and that helped but it still seems like an inherently dangerous practice. The only time I come out of my seat is if I am crossing something particularly bumpy (for additional shock absorption as your video spells out) or if I am crossing a stream where I cannot see if the bottom might be too bumpy for being seated, but in both of these circumstances, I only come out of the seat enough to achieve the effect. I never fully stand up. I very carefully weighed the pros and cons as you have laid them out and to be honest, based upon your assessment of both approaches to off road riding, it appears to me that there is nothing at all wrong with riding seated, and in fact none of the reasons for standing seem to have much validity at all.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Scott, welcome back to the dirt then! Twenty-five years....quite a comeback. --- Definitely some situations, where some riders, might find "some" benefit to either sitting or standing. Wrote that "some" word multiple times intentionally, as we talked about in that video, the situation is different for everyone, constantly, and we should just do what makes sense given the moment (and not because some "Trainer" gave a hard and fast rule to stand when off-pavement.) So enjoy your return to the dirt, and BTW, we have this old video that talks through some thoughts on doing water crossings. RIDE on! -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqbNY4KYiN2fg9k

[@wave6413]

I have a similar experience and time line to you. I solo’ed Queensland and the Simpson on my xt600 mostly on the seat. Hitting bulldust at 90 ks standing would have meant a trip over the bars. Hitting that Roo that I did at 110 from standing might not have been as good an outcome that I got from the seated wipeout . My new 250 rally is a trip back in time and on the beach standing feels weird and is a long way down to do a soft sand paddle . My mountain bike experience seems to fit, up when required. But every ego will have an opinion 🤔

[@malikknows3510]

Nice video, and I've seen the tendency on behalf of some to stand all the time when on dirt. Never understood it myself, but thought it comes from off-road racing where it may make more sense. But, day in, day out adventure riding is a different animal.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Malik, imagine wasting all that extra energy on multi-day rides, right? Glad you know the difference, as we've seen by top pro's racing tracks, in the woods, the Dakar and Baja, etc. Thanks for the note, and RIDE on!

[@vojtal182]

I usually sit when riding on a gravel or easy offroad. However one reason to stand was omitted IMO, and that is that the bike stabilizes so much compared to sitting. When sitting, most of the body weight is placed high, on the seat. When standing, the weight is located on the pegs. IDK how to explain this, but when the bike starts torquing and doing weird stuff, I put weight on the pegs and it stabilizes. You don't even have to stand to do that...

[@RIDEAdventures]

Good analysis, and yea, it's a challenge articulating all the moving factors. Yes, our weight might be contacting the bike at a lower point when we stand, but standing makes our body's center of gravity now higher. Fortunately, it all works out and we enjoy doing so, and yes, good point, we don't need to stand to weight the pegs!

[@scoobychu706]

Informative and well-explained, this is a big help to newbs... like me. Your channel’s videos are very well shot, too.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Scooby Chu, thanks for the great feedback. More videos ahead, so stay tuned and RIDE on!

[@satishvasane6812]

Thanks brother from India

[@RIDEAdventures]

Glad if the info helps. More videos ahead!

[@missadventuresmotorcycledi2773]

Thanks for this video, totally agree with your sentiment. Can't wait to watch all your videos.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Miss Adventures, thanks for the note, more videos ahead every other Tuesday : )

[@otakarfruhbauer5823]

very nice samples! He can definitely talk about it!!!

[@robpinter5431]

Interesting...I think that instructors say stand is more for Enduro or off road racing where the rides last for a few hours at most and the riders are super fit, riding 100Kg bikes, not riding all day with 250 kg bikes with luggage...Middle Ages blokes and ladies on multiple day rides, there is a reason we like plush seats.... I fear standing up in the rough stuff is that if I fall off I am higher up off the ground.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yea, a bit closer to the ground, less-far to fall : ) We've just been compiling the learnings of multiple customers over the years who had done 250kg big bike training. So many of them having been told during that training that it's automatic: Off pavement = on your feet.

[@anamargaretlowery2046]

I love your videos. I always learn something. Thank you. 🙂

[@RIDEAdventures]

You are so welcome, thanks for saying so, and more videos are on the way. Glad if they help : )

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

I got this stupid thing going on called restless leg syndrome. I've had it for a number of years. When I'm riding, I often stand for no apparent reason (to on-lookers). I just work with it. Something that helps me with my leg grip when I'm standing is Steg Pegz. That seems to help me avoid arm pump, as well as assisting my stability. In the world of dual sport/adventure gadgetry, I have to say that was a good option for me personally, even though it's more of an enduro thing. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Steg Pegz. ~GOOD VIDEO!~

[@RIDEAdventures]

Interesting, Steg-Pegz and the arm-pump reduction, but yea, it makes sense. Wonder how many motocross guys coming up could benefit from that, as I know some are very talented but ultimately limited first and foremost by arm-pump. Watched the video, and it makes sense, although I would imagine the evolution of the product to be a bigger/wider "peg" that is easier to "catch" with the boot a bit more fore and aft. Great if it works as-is though. Thanks for commenting.

[@a5a6a]

Thank you..Your channel is beautiful and has many benefits

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for saying so!

[@twotiretirade4624]

Greats way to explain it in a way I could understand. I will be honest, I am guilty of standing on the highway when I am in need of a stretch on pavement. I find it to be an advantage in riding a scrambler style motorcycle compared to a cruiser where it's tough to stand..

[@RIDEAdventures]

Another topic that should have perhaps been mentioned: "Is the bike you're riding really even fitted/sized in a way that a Rider should be standing in the first place." Being hunched over from handlebars that are too low would be another way of wasting energy, and perhaps not wise in the first place for reasons of agility.

[@toddswain7459]

Great Video Eric. Thank you.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for saying so, Todd. Glad if it helps. - Eric

[@jimmydean8403]

I took my streetrod 750 to wv from Florida recently and did a few days of backroads riding and even on a mountain and I had a friend say I should be on my feet while riding but I said I can ride in seat and standing depending on what we are riding

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yep, it's all situational, and we're just saying it shouldn't be a "golden rule" to stand while in the dirt, as some folks are teaching.

[@davidknows3320]

This is a good video. It baffles me that common sense isn't in play for those that are afraid to sit off road, heck, I'll stand and stretch on a 900 lb touring bike. If you can't figure out what's reasonable on a motorcycle, should you be riding one?

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Yea, we hope this helps some people on the subject matter.

[@batatarosinante8364]

Hi Eric , this was my first contact with any of your videos or tutorials, man, there is a shit load of commonsense in it. I’m glad to find you, I’ll be seeing a lot more. I’m an expat. Aussie living in Argentina for the time being so please next time you are visiting and touring this shores let me know and I’ll try join your group. Thanks once again for your very clear and down to earth explanations. Hopefully they will keep me from getting to close to earth while riding .

[@RIDEAdventures]

Batata, glad you found the channel, and thanks for commenting. Que disfrutas la Argentina hermosa! We'll be riding down there again starting springtime 2021, so see you then.

[@batatarosinante8364]

RIDE Adventures I’ll be here, and if posible joining you for a ride, and please don’t hesitate to contact me for any thing you my need from @ here.

[@spymaine89]

interesting cultural study. you watch many riders that succumb to training instead of day day experience. .as you said, ''take the training, and apply your own observations.''

[@RIDEAdventures]

Spymaine89, yep, what works for some doesn't necessarily work for all. Teaching (forcing) someone to do something new, perhaps a bit outside of their comfort zone or natural instincts, in itself makes said lesson seem important. Students feel like they're "learning something," and getting what they paid for. --- Plus if feels and looks cooler to stand : )

[@igig2792]

It’s quite difficult to stand at heavy cruiser like Honda VTX 1800. But soon my KTM 890 adv will come to me)

[@RIDEAdventures]

We agree, but then again: There's a time and place for every bike : ) Enjoy!

[@mjerse50]

Well done clear and unequivocal fun to learn to ✅🌈🏍

[@bradb2514]

Great stuff! I’m a rookie off-roader, and won’t do it a lot, but these tips are fantastic.

[@RIDEAdventures]

BradB, thanks for the note, and this video should help make sure you're enjoying the most when you can get out there. RIDE on!

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Well stated advice. “Follow your own instincts”. As a new sub, I’ll be following closely to enhance my skills and enjoyment. Thanks 😎

[@RIDEAdventures]

Welcome aboard, more videos ahead!

[@johnace7711]

Nice vid! I sit when its safe to sit and stand up when i have to.. 🤣

[@RIDEAdventures]

Excellent, trusting your instincts instead of following some hard and fast rule that someone made up : ) --- Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@TLE1977A]

Cam dab from a standing position, can brake hard from a standing position, can jump faster from a standing position. Should learn to do everything from both seated and standing. I find my CRF1000L more stable in the gravel while standing when going fast. Cruising and sitting, its ok.

[@BruceHoult]

Yeah, I've never understood why I see so many people standing now. I've been riding motorcycles off-road -- and I mean real off-road, not just gravel or dirt roads -- since 1974 on a Kawasaki G4TRD rotary value 100cc. The only times I ever stand off-road are crossing very deep water or very briefly when about to take a big suspension hit (e.g. jumping off a bank or crossing a log or similar) or doing a very steep climb. On long distance road trips (e.g. 500 miles with a single quick fuel/pee/meat pie/choc milk stop) I also stand for a minute or two in 30 mph zones in small towns -- both to stretch and because that's when you have the least cooling airflow. I've never been comfortable with the much lesser amount of control while standing, and also either acceleration or braking is ridiculously stressful on your near-vertical arms if you're standing. If you're not constantly on the power or the brakes when you're off-road (not just cruising on gravel or dirt roads) then what are you even doing? I must try an AT some day, but meanwhile I've got a 25 year old BMW 1100 boxer (owned from new) and an Africa Single that I actually ride more of the time now.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Glad you've got some riding options, and like many of us, you'll probably dig that Africa Twin when you do saddle up. Just a good, solid deal of a bike. ---- Sounds like we're on the same page regarding stand/sit strategies. Thanks for the note, and RIDE on!

[@BruceHoult]

@@RIDEAdventures I sat on one in the dealer -- and thought omg it's heavy for off-road -- almost as much as a 1250GS. And $14400! Maybe I'll try the Tenere 700 .. 50 lb $4400 less. And then I saw an Africa Single (er .. you know what I mean .. 250 Rally) last year's model 0 miles for $4200 .. and another 100 lb less. For the day rides with more serious off-road it's perfect. As I said, I still have the BMW 1100 for longer distance and gravel/dirt roads.

[@RIDEAdventures]

@@BruceHoult, yea, it's that balance of figuring exactly what type of riding you want a bike for, and then choosing accordingly. If the options weigh between about 250 and 600 lbs, then something like the Tenere 700 (right in the middle) seems like a good strategy. Glad we have options : )

[@franklinarp]

Another cool and well pointed to all aspects of the subject, video. Congrats and thank you.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Franklin, thanks for the great feedback, we're glad if the info helps. Heading out to film more right now.

[@robertvonk6500]

Great vid. Thks for posting. Your are so clear in the details and very well explained.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Robert, thanks for the positive feedback. More videos and strategies are on the way, so please stay tuned.

[@robertb2444]

I lot of good points! Thanks for sharing your expertise! Subscribed!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for the sub!

[@CommieHunter7]

I was excited to see this, because I agree, too many people say "stand" without knowing when or why. Then they stand on the flat smooth gravel or dirt, and sit when it gets rough and rocky. Unfortunately, I disagree with almost all your reasons NOT to stand. All of those reasons can be addressed via technique (handlebar input, controls, braking) and some I believe are wrong (time to dismount).

[@RIDEAdventures]

Hmm. Thanks for any feedback, if you can explain further. Thought those pretty hard to refute, the way they were explained in the video.

[@CommieHunter7]

@@RIDEAdventures on #1, when you sit, you're more sensitive to little movements. A newer rider might overreact to these sensations, and standing isolates the body via leg suspension to these. Less likely to overcorrect to something the bike would handle gracefully. If you hit something hard enough to really upset the bike, and you're seated, you can't absorb the impact or rebound energy. If you're standing properly, only your bike gets deflected, and you can try and realign, plus you absorbed some of the stop/rebound already. If you're sitting, the deflection kicks you and the bike; more energy is added in the wrong direction. You might still be on the bike, but it will take more steering and time to get back on course.

[@CommieHunter7]

@@RIDEAdventures for #2, you shouldn't need bench press strength to add input to the bars. In fact, having the ability to lean the bike with your knees and feet means you need far less bar input force. Additionally, the position you demo (while common) isn't a recommend standing position. It should be elbows raised to create skeletal strength, and more bent at the knees and hips. To your overall point, this is difficult to maintain all day, and people should sit. But I don't think that posture is a good argument against standing.

[@CommieHunter7]

@@RIDEAdventures for #3, it should be easy to test. Put your bike on the center stand. Sit, and jump off. Then stand, and jump off. I've dismounted my bike a lot at speed, and it's absolutely not faster from seated. Also, stand in front of a chair and hop. Sit in the chair and hop.

[@CommieHunter7]

@@RIDEAdventures #4, you don't have to sit for hard braking. Many people do, but you can simply shift your weight back and brake hard. Additionally, you can begin braking and drop to the seat at the same time. It may take a little more familiarization, so I agree a new rider will probably be more confident and quicker from sitting, but overall, a good rider definitely isn't slower on braking from standing.

[@GladiusJon]

I dont know if you will see this on an older video but i got a question. I race hare scrambles, Very competent offroad ( on a dirt bike). Can these bigger ADV bikes Rip offroad? obviously I know its not a 300cc 2 stroke but. Thoughts?

[@RIDEAdventures]

Actually, the power-to-weight ratio of bikes like a KTM 790 or 1290 Adventure, can remain similar to the 300cc's, so yea, they can rip! Of course the bigger bikes will lumber-a-bit through whooped out sections, and never be as agile as the 300. Similar suspension travel and ground clearance, but much heavier.....still plenty of fun. Anyone agree or disagree?

[@stojanborstnar3100]

OK ! Good advice.

[@perpedersen6226]

My instructor stressed the fact that when standing up, you're lowering the centre of gravity, since all the weight is on the pegs. But again, this would only make sense, if you have to have maximum agility ie. difficult off road terrain. Like Messie. He can do a lot of football tricks because he has this low cog.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yea, but then as someone else just pointed out, we're really "raising" our COG because we are taller when standing. Hope everyone gets the takeaway message here correctly: Do what's right for you, in each situation. Any instructors telling people "off-pavement = on your feet" are just wrong. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@todde.richardson]

Well said! It seems to be more of a European flair to always stand off road ( it make me tired just thinking about it). It’s like someone had to add an extra niche to make ADV ridding a bit different than other types of riding. We didn’t always stand riding and racing dirt bikes growing up. I’ve been out in the middle of almost nowhere here in Oregon on my AT and come across riders standing for what would seem for no apparent reason and it makes me giggle in my helmet and tired just watching them. After 49 years of continuous riding, none of this sissy stuff of taking time off for kids and such, I’m pretty happy to sit as much as I can. 😆

[@RIDEAdventures]

Haha yes we agree. Conserve energy.

[@MrPeter924]

Good video sounds great motor bike ride great show

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks!!

[@landywiganda]

i always stand up when my arse getting numb after couple hours riding lol

[@RIDEAdventures]

Especially on the original seats that most manufacturers, hemorrhoidally speaking, seem to think we would enjoy : )