A Beginner's Guide to Motorcycle Riding Posture
Proper motorcycle riding posture will allow you to ride for longer without becoming fatigued and give you better control over your vehicle. Even if you’re an experienced rider, a quick refresher on posture can help make your rides more comfortable and enjoyable. If you’re interested in learning more about how to improve your motorcycle riding posture, this guide from North County Indian® Motorcycle can help you get started.
Motorcycle Riding Posture Essentials
There are several motorcycle riding “stances”, but all of them utilize the same basic fundamentals. Always relax your arms and back while riding your motorcycle so that you can comfortably absorb the impact should you hit any bumps on the road. Your body will naturally align itself with whatever direction you’re facing, so keep your chin up and always face towards your direction of travel. Otherwise, you might start to drift to the side, leading to a dangerous situation.
Standard Motorcycle Riding Posture
For a typical ride through the city, you should use the standard motorcycle riding posture. This posture minimizes strain yet is simple enough that almost anyone can learn it. Start by sitting upright and leaning forward by about 5 degrees, keeping your hands lower than your elbows. Your knees should be bent at about 100 degrees.
Motorcycle Riding Posture for Long-Distance Trips
Good posture is especially important on long rides since fatigue is a major risk on those kinds of trips. When riding your motorcycle long distances, bend your knees at about 100 degrees and your hips at about 90 degrees. This will allow you to ride farther and longer without becoming tired.
Motorcycle Riding Posture for Racing
When racing, it’s key to make yourself as aerodynamic as you can while retaining as much control over the vehicle as possible. This is done by getting low and leaning forward while “hugging” your bike. Your knees should be kept at a right angle (90 degrees), with your hips at about 75 degrees. You should also tuck your feet back as far as possible.
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