Standing VS Sitting - How to Stand up more on a Dirt Bike.

One of the quickest ways to find more safety, speed and consistency in your riding is to stand up more. In this video we cover the reasons WHY it is so important to stand up on the motorcycles and share a few helpful tips to help you discern when you should be standing and when you should be sitting.
To learn more about the full course. Visit RideWithTheKnights.com

[@mikethatcher4205]

50+ years of riding and that young man has probably forgotten more than I've ever known about off-road riding. True pro in presentation.

[@kmccririe]

I love the simple rule. Always stand unless accelerating out of a corner. Will be easy to remember. Great video!!!

[@timdolan2513]

I use both techniques. I ride standing when I'm fresh and sitting when I'm wore out. Works for me.

[@fredman1085]

Tim Dolan "I use both techniques. I ride standing when I'm fresh and sitting when I'm wore out. Works for me." --- Yeah, I tend to sit on smoother sections of trails to save my energy for when I need it on the rougher, more technical sections. I'm 62 now and have a limited supply of this kind of energy if I want to ride for a few hours a day.

[@thegrumpymechanic4318]

These series of riding technique videos are by far the best Ive seen, the edition, footage and accurate explanations are extraordinary, great stuff brother I tell you

[@JonathanLyon]

wow - love your energy, love your delivery. I'm just getting into dirt bike riding at 55 and your tips are invaluable! Thank you.

[@ridingdeep8530]

"Energy Saved = Time and Speed" Heck yeah.

[@2bd12c]

Nice video. Reminds me of an old adage, "If you are standing you are racing, if you are sitting you are riding", and a related one, "You hang on with your legs not your arms."

[@orriolbohigas591]

Thanks for the lessons. Your content is pure gold !

[@trailmoto5890]

Great footage and instruction, thanks for putting it out there for us!

[@jacquesblackburn7329]

I use my trial bike most of the time and love the fact there is no seat. When I use my enduro almost all the time I am stantding and I seat only as you said when going out of the turn. You give very good explanations. Thank you for the nice video

[@danielshown2045]

One of the best offroad standing vids ive ever seen. I learned alot of these techniques when I started mtbing in co. and reapplied to Moto. You are spot on in every aspect of this video. love the dez shreds braaaa.

[@adventuresincameronology2517]

I’m 6’4 and I have some bar risers but when I’m standing it still feels like I’m grabbing at my knees so I feel off balance. Any tips?

[@sergeant5848]

Great vid. I'm not interested in speed though. Technical treks only. It's the journey, not how fast I can get to the destination and then come home.

[@amazingvidguyz]

Subscribed - First video of yours I have watched , everything you said makes so much sense now, looking forward to watching more, thank you.

[@mazdar100]

Excellently described instruction. Thanks heaps.

[@matkeim63]

Uphill you want to hover over the seat, itll keep your weight on the pegs(down low) rather then weight on the seat. 90% of riding is standing. Bikes are designed that way.

[@mountainmonkey172]

Our bodies are also designed that way👏

[@TwistedTriggerEnduro]

Absolutely brilliant video, thanks for all the tips. Been riding a few years, now getting into racing and this is going to help a lot 💪😃👍

[@mikeaustad8979]

Nicely done Josh.

[@EngineerK]

Excellent video Josh. I am stand up rider almost 100% of the time, including coming out of corners. Standing up going into a corner, when you sense front end wash out, its often just a subtle shift of body weight to regain control. Similarly, coming out of the corner while on the pegs, I shift my weight back to get the traction. We have debated this whole issue of staying standing while coming out of corners and whether you can gain pace by sitting down. My issue is I find the process of sitting down disturbs all of my geometry and burns energy to stand back up again. Have had the privilege of chasing ISDE level riders and sitting down is the preferred tactic coming out... so I guess maybe I have picked up a bad habit that I really don't want to fix. Sat in on a talk by Chris Birch and one thing he spoke about was foot position of the pegs and the importance of riding on the balls of your feet...something I find difficult because I am very active on the rear brake. Trials bike is super helpful cross training tool and if you watch some the the Ryan Young trials training videos which emphasize slowing down and mastering coordination of controls and body positioning.

[@SamBHP]

graphics at 2.15 explained it very well, i always experience the same.

[@alexbryden9643]

Dude, that sand section starting at 5:28 is so sick. Great riding but I want to know where that is! Does anyone know?

[@hermitrob5481]

Top notch instruction

[@leolopez3306]

I have a question it doesn’t relate much to the video but I Recently bought myself a Yamaha yz450 Im new to the dirt bike seen Ive used my friend dirt bike and I completely loved it. The question is ive been using quads my whole life last quad I had was a Raptor 700 does that experience help in the learning curve for the dirt bike?

[@tieoneon1614]

I dunno. Im a tall guy and think its easier for us to sit and shorter guys to stand. Naturally i prefer to sit or hover my ass off the seat a few inches with pegs weighted, and can put your foot down to catch a slide. I definitely stand on faster rough terrain. I cant tell u how many times iv watched my buds wipe out cuz they were trying to stand on slow steep terrain "cuz thats what you are supposed to do" where as seat positioning and being able to catch a fall with your leg got me up the hill without an issue. I ride fast, but dont race. Weekend rider, old bike with zero scratches LOL.

[@enduroonroad6896]

I have experienced that standing helps also on slow and steep terrain (especially with unevenness or loose rocks), but perfect work with balance is essential (trial experience very useful)..

[@Bark3rd]

there is the phenomenon of the aged experienced racer with bad knees who only stands when absolutely neccesary. I keep up with standing A riders all the time like this, yes Im using more energy but it can be done. Line selection and suspension setup is key. Some people dont have the knees needed for full time standing.

[@gearhigher2027]

EXCELLENT VID...Please direct me to the original attack position vids you stated beginning of Standing VS Sitting Thx!

[@chrisboon4526]

Great video, you’re an awesome instructor, thanks!

[@enduroonroad6896]

Useful and well-made video with true information and without mystifications..

[@nickg2431]

All this about standing/sitting finally cleared up once and for all.I always thought it was easier going up hills sitting due to arm pull but i also thought i was "wrong"Turns out i wasnt subscribed!

[@nickg2431]

That’s what I thought! My friend is a hi level enduro rider and he mostly stands but I’m not at his level and 6ft 3in 105kg with long arms sitting helps if it’s slow (ish) but I can get up faster standing although sometimes I “Re-sit “ for extra traction. I’m not an expert but this works for me!

[@JohannesDalenMC]

This was an excellent video! When standing up on a dirt bike, do you think much about «squeezing» the bike between your knees? I was taught this while riding my adv bike, but being tall on a dirt bike, there’s not much to squeeze. Thanks!

[@MrJonny88887]

Your trails are so smooth

[@marknelson7699]

High quality! Great video.

[@97footballplayer]

Awesome videos. I just cam across your YT channel from a FB ad. I can’t afford the class unfortunately. But, I started looking you up, honestly, to figure who the heck you were and why your charging money for those training videos. I have been very impressed and am so grateful for people like you willing to put content out like this. It just amazes me. I getting my wife into riding and we’re both stoked. We tried before but the bike I had her on wasn’t the best and caused her some grief. (Xr200). Anyway, we will definitely be watching your content on YT. Keep up the hard work. Try doing some entertaining intros/skits. Maximize those thumbnails, review anything off-road related for quick easy content. And become a YT personality. Just be you. If you continue being consistent, I’m sure your channel will take off like a weed. I think The Dirt Bike Channel needs some competition.

[@ridewiththeknights]

Thanks for the kind words! We really appreciate it! Glad you're enjoying the content. Let us know what type of videos you would like to see in the future!

[@97footballplayer]

@@ridewiththeknights Ya know, there is one thing I haven’t been able to find a video on. How to transition from 4t bikes to 2t bikes for single track. I incorporate engine breaking so heavily into my riding, I don’t know how to ride with 2t. I always over shoot the turns because I can’t just drop down a gear or two and use front brake. In a 2t not only does it have very little engine braking, I don’t want to blow the motor. I’m paranoid engine braking on a 2t at all because I don’t want to blow the motor. So my understanding is you gotta pull the clutch anytime you coast for more than a few seconds at a time, then to really have to use your breaks way more. On a 4t, what ever my engine break doesn’t do for me, I make up with the front brake. Idk if I’m explaining it clearly but I really want to buy a 2t cause I think it would be awesome, however, adjusting to the riding style is difficult and I think it has to do to a lack of understanding of the nuances between the bikes. I’d be upset if I I blew a motor, but at the same time I feel like a loose a feature switching from 4t to 2t (engine braking and not having to worry about blowing the engine) and I don’t know how to compensate for that. Specifically with trail and single track riding.

[@BrianLampright913]

@@97footballplayer you aren’t going to blow up a 2stroke going down a hill, use the engine to brake just like 4s. Sounds like you also need to practice rear brake control which you’ll learn with time and practice. Think of your engine as providing anti-lock brake control while you modulate the rear brake. If your wife struggles and wants a super easy bike to ride check out the SurRon electric dirt bikes sold at Luna cycle. Excellent option for beginner riders who want to build confidence. Or the KLX140 which comes in three different sizes and is much lighter than the Honda 230.

[@97footballplayer]

@@BrianLampright913 definitely appreciate the advice. My rear brake use is certainly in need of critique but I have a better grasp on it than I lead on in the comment above. Just hard to cover the specifics in a YT comments. Just wanted to emphasize how I utilize the engine brake and how much of a roll it plays in my riding style. Which does not work for 2T. Yeah, I probably overthink the blowing engine thing. Unfortunately there is no concrete way of knowing at what point your causing damage or unnecessary wear on bottom end components from engine braking a 2t for too long. A 4T, ya just don’t have to think about it.

[@97footballplayer]

@@BrianLampright913 We got my wife a CRF125FB. Couldn’t pass up on FI, electric start, proper seat height and right at 200lbs. Bike should get here next week!

[@Weluvmemes1]

I just started riding Dirt Bikes and i have problems accelerating while standing up. I'm 14 years old and pretty skinny so everytime i do accelerate i fly back and my hand does so to so it accelerates even more and then i crash. Can i get some tips to try and prevent this?

[@TheGuyWhoAsked72]

Keep two fingers on the clutch at all times if that starts to happen grab the clutch. To prevent it entirely from happening watch some body positioning videos.

[@Cize17]

My problem with standing is I feel like I don't have as much control of my throttle and clutch as I do when I'm sitting. I always hit a rock or bumpy section and accidentally blip the throttle a lot but never do when sitting down and my balance is horrible when standing, I always feel like I'm about to fall off. Any tips?

[@minarchisttrucker2775]

Squeeze the bike more with your legs. Sorta like when you squeeze a soccer ball between your legs and bunny hop. Also try standing and and riding in a higher gear at low speeds so you get used to the feeling

[@Cize17]

@@minarchisttrucker2775 I feel like since that comment I've gotten a little better, appreciate the tips. I'll work on it👍.

[@Bluegastank]

I have been riding a lot for 16 years and still suck at standing up and riding. It just feels unsafe and off. Weird...

[@tylerberry2476]

Great video! Thanks for sharing this with us! Love riding singletrack and in the mountains. 😎👍👍

[@mohanmurthy9142]

Can we use these techniques on heavier bikes? (180 kgs) Honda Highness 350 cc segment

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thank you very much for making these kinds of videos.

[@ishanchauhan22]

My wrist and back burns when trying to stand even a slight uphill. How to stand properly during uphill rides

[@nastysoda9212]

My brother is always yelling at me to "stand up" or "Get off the seat!", lol. It's not easy! When things get hairy, and I need to slow down I always sit down, trying to stop doing that.

[@edhuber3557]

Some of this good advice may relate to higher speed sport riding by experienced/conditioned younger riders. I'm the 'opposite' and am surprised that standing is presented as an energy-saving position. Wide pegs have helped, but (at 65) I find it hard to stand for more than a few minutes. The position itself is draining (IMO), and the jarred-body effect savings may mostly be seen at higher speeds. I'll try to focus recommended foot position but I am also surprised a low heel's taut ham-string risking its injury on an unseen woodchuck-hole bounce.

[@XploreEnduro]

Absolutely great video!! Great work and information as always!

[@millerpb]

Great video man! Crystal Clear Instructions. Nice!!

[@PeterVred]

Great information, thank you!

[@cooperstein1974]

Thanks

[@damacknificent151]

Does this apply to dual sport trail rides?

[@GIXXERSISTERS]

This was really helpful..

[@brianfleck9010]

So well-done.

[@carterjohnston9910]

I almost always stand on my bike, but I was wondering if I should sit when I'm in the snow because I can have my foot keeping me from sliding out?

[@mountainmonkey172]

When I am riding I like to force myself to stand even where sitting would be better. It will make standing your go to weapon as you become more comfortable at faster speeds. It feels faster standing up because it is faster!

[@rezkidgamingyt4725]

Having a GoPro or 360 to watch how you ride and properly train to get better results

[@lesford2662]

Great video and great advice 🤙👍

[@RideEnduro]

Some of the best riding technique explanations out there 👍🏻 you guys are killin it! Cheers

[@ominousbloodline]

Another awesome video!! Thanks for the great tips mate!!

[@cjskylecjsbro572]

So good

[@haridenton7880]

Hi, I am a beginner off road rider and when I am standing I sometimes feel like I am going to fall off the back under acceleration or tip off the front when breaking/decelerating. What am I dpoing wrong?

[@ridewiththeknights]

Focus on squeezing the motorcycle with your ankles and knees to support your upper body. Your legs should support your position, your arms simply guide the controls.

[@tzachenitzani71]

Can’t find a position for the rear brake to be comfortable in sitting and standing

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Me neither on my KX. Now riding electric and one of the best things is having both brakes on the bars. Foot freedom.

[@dustymorris9191]

great video

[@mcfarland1826]

Great vid. Thanks

[@munk24]

Love the content keep up the great videos 🤘😎

[@AJ-2-Toke]

First thing, use the same section of terrain to show the difference. If not I'm trying to see the difference but its a difference section of road

[@dallinwright221]

Great content.

[@krisviacrusis3129]

Awesome!

[@7thirtyseven]

Excellent

[@user-sp8eb6iz7f]

Then why don't flat trackers "stand up" ??

[@TrailBoundco]

In the video he mentions flat smooth fast terrain you should sit and also while cornering

[@Sawedoff53]

Good stuff

[@motovirus78]

Nice

[@nickg2431]

Very nice, clear well presented video Good sound Great riding No shitty music that only appeals to 18 year olds Thanks

[@vijayam1]

Brilliant...2

[@dominicsianez3409]

personally, i sit when the trail isnt slippery and its hard. standing is so exhausting

[@РомаПоляк-в5ц]

it’s benefits is convincing

[@KimbaFit]

Very informational.

[@Menz890]

👍

[@РомаПоляк-в5ц]

I am more confident if will Standing in the bike

[@fredman1085]

It's not that I disagree with him, but the very first example he shows between standing and sitting on the same section of trail is standing on the outside with few rocks, and sitting through the middle with many rocks. Control is apples to oranges and I stopped watching. If you can't be honest in your examples, however good your intentions, I have better things to spend my time on.

[@bIoodypingu]

it's obvious that he did that for the exaggerated effect on your body...

[@fredman1085]

@@bIoodypinguBut he proves nothing by showing us standing through an easy and almost rockless section and then sitting through large loose rocks. If you have to use your imagination of what the difference would be between the two, he’s failed in his assignment.

[@parametratsetthakul7096]

👍👍👍👍👍👍🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@fullsend2976]

Are you ready to ride I am now in 85 novice let’s go race 😎

[@ridewiththeknights]

Hey Jax! I'm ready to ride whenever you are! I hope you're excited for the upcoming racing season! We'll probably see you soon!

[@jacquesperry1156]

notice that you took two different lines to attempt to make your point smdh

[@babar69110]

Proprioceptors : Body balance sensors. It is all about . There are zero proprioceptors on your bum...they are in ankles and knees. Time information comes to your internal ears, you are always later to correct....

[@keralamvd687]

Best staff

[@jacemiller2593]

Awesome video. Thank you.

[@1better831]

Great vid. Thanks!