Shifting body weight for a turn - Revision history

Bokonon: /* What ''not'' to do */

2009-11-19T16:09:32Z

What ''not'' to do

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:09, 19 November 2009
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	[[image:IMG_5147.jpg\|150px]]		[[image:IMG_5147.jpg\|150px]]

	Try arranging yourself so that your outside thigh is against or just a little behind the gas tank. Then, lean forward to lower your upper body somewhat toward the inside grip, while still keeping your head upright and turned~~. This rider has that part right~~. That way, your whole inside hip-to-chest-to-shoulder axis is hanging off, more or less parallel to the bike.		Try arranging yourself so that your outside thigh is against or just a little behind the gas tank. Then, lean forward to lower your upper body somewhat toward the inside grip, while still keeping your head upright and turned. That way, your whole inside hip-to-chest-to-shoulder axis is hanging off, more or less parallel to the bike.

	[[image:d13.jpg\|150px]]		[[image:d13.jpg\|150px]]
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	As you start going faster, you'll find there is a balance between using your entire outside thigh or just your knee to support your body. If you sit tight to the gas tank, hanging off is very tricky, as you can't spread your legs wide enough to move the body over the side. You'll have to experiment as you learn and see what works best. Some people find they have to sit back a little from the tank. If you sit on the back of the seat, though, the bike will tend to wheelie more (particularly if you have a bike with a little more power than an EX250).		As you start going faster, you'll find there is a balance between using your entire outside thigh or just your knee to support your body. If you sit tight to the gas tank, hanging off is very tricky, as you can't spread your legs wide enough to move the body over the side. You'll have to experiment as you learn and see what works best. Some people find they have to sit back a little from the tank. If you sit on the back of the seat, though, the bike will tend to wheelie more (particularly if you have a bike with a little more power than an EX250).

			Follow the tips in this article and learn how to move your body when you turn. You'll turn better, and the bike will have to lean less, which will give you more traction. Then, when you're ready to go faster and hang off more, head to track school and get pointers from people who have been doing this for years.

Bokonon at 12:45, 19 November 2009

2009-11-19T12:45:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:45, 19 November 2009
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	When you start to exit the curve, it's time to shift your weight back to the center of the bike. Use the power in the outside leg against the tank, not your arms and shoulders, to haul yourself back on board.		When you start to exit the curve, it's time to shift your weight back to the center of the bike. Use the power in the outside leg against the tank, not your arms and shoulders, to haul yourself back on board.

	~~===Riding position===~~

	Standard sportbike position on the street is far forward on the seat, sitting on the edge of the tank and using your knees to hold your body in place. As you start going faster, though, you'll find there is a balance between using your entire outside thigh or just your knee. If you sit tight to the gas tank, hanging off is very tricky, as you can't spread your legs wide enough to move the body over the side. You'll have to experiment as you learn and see what works best. Some people find they have to sit back a little from the tank. If you sit on the back of the seat, though, the bike will tend to wheelie more (particularly if you have a bike with a little more power than an EX250).

	===What ''not'' to do===		===What ''not'' to do===
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	[[image:d13.jpg\|150px]]		[[image:d13.jpg\|150px]]
	[[image:d16.jpg\|150px]]		[[image:d16.jpg\|150px]]

			As you start going faster, you'll find there is a balance between using your entire outside thigh or just your knee to support your body. If you sit tight to the gas tank, hanging off is very tricky, as you can't spread your legs wide enough to move the body over the side. You'll have to experiment as you learn and see what works best. Some people find they have to sit back a little from the tank. If you sit on the back of the seat, though, the bike will tend to wheelie more (particularly if you have a bike with a little more power than an EX250).

Bokonon at 12:38, 19 November 2009

2009-11-19T12:38:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:38, 19 November 2009
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	When you start to exit the curve, it's time to shift your weight back to the center of the bike. Use the power in the outside leg against the tank, not your arms and shoulders, to haul yourself back on board.		When you start to exit the curve, it's time to shift your weight back to the center of the bike. Use the power in the outside leg against the tank, not your arms and shoulders, to haul yourself back on board.

			===Riding position===

			Standard sportbike position on the street is far forward on the seat, sitting on the edge of the tank and using your knees to hold your body in place. As you start going faster, though, you'll find there is a balance between using your entire outside thigh or just your knee. If you sit tight to the gas tank, hanging off is very tricky, as you can't spread your legs wide enough to move the body over the side. You'll have to experiment as you learn and see what works best. Some people find they have to sit back a little from the tank. If you sit on the back of the seat, though, the bike will tend to wheelie more (particularly if you have a bike with a little more power than an EX250).

	===What ''not'' to do===		===What ''not'' to do===
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	[[image:IMG_5147.jpg\|150px]]		[[image:IMG_5147.jpg\|150px]]

	Try arranging yourself so that your outside thigh is against the gas tank. Then, lean forward to lower your upper body somewhat toward the inside grip, while still keeping your head upright and turned. This rider has that part right. That way, your whole inside hip-to-chest-to-shoulder axis is hanging off, more or less parallel to the bike.		Try arranging yourself so that your outside thigh is against or just a little behind the gas tank. Then, lean forward to lower your upper body somewhat toward the inside grip, while still keeping your head upright and turned. This rider has that part right. That way, your whole inside hip-to-chest-to-shoulder axis is hanging off, more or less parallel to the bike.

	[[image:d13.jpg\|150px]]		[[image:d13.jpg\|150px]]
	[[image:d16.jpg\|150px]]		[[image:d16.jpg\|150px]]

Bokonon: /* What ''not'' to do */

2009-11-19T02:58:11Z

What ''not'' to do

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:58, 18 November 2009
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	===What ''not'' to do===		===What ''not'' to do===

	~~These~~ photos are from a track ~~day~~. Going to [[Track Days\|a track school]] is the best way to learn and practice this technique. However, ~~this~~ is an extension of the weight-shifting techniques discussed above. Shifting weight for a turn is something that should be done as a matter of routine, but go slowly and work up to this level.		The photos in this article are from track days. Going to [[Track Days\|a track school]] is the best way to learn and practice this technique. However, hanging off on the track is an extension of the weight-shifting techniques discussed above. Shifting weight for a turn is something that should be done as a matter of routine, but go slowly and work up to this level.

	The following photographs show common mistakes and how to remedy them.		The following photographs show common mistakes and how to remedy them.

Bokonon at 02:46, 19 November 2009

2009-11-19T02:46:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:46, 18 November 2009
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	In this picture, the rider's outside leg is very separated from the bike. That makes it hard to control your body position, and to bring yourself back on board from hanging off. It can also mean you are supporting your weight almost entirely with your arms and shoulders, which can compromise your ability to keep a relaxed, sensitive arm/hand connection to the steering. Keep the outside knee against the bike. Using the big muscles in the outside hip and thigh should make your whole body more relaxed. This lets the bike work better and reduces the amount of negative inputs from you.		In this picture, the rider's outside leg is very separated from the bike. That makes it hard to control your body position, and to bring yourself back on board from hanging off. It can also mean you are supporting your weight almost entirely with your arms and shoulders, which can compromise your ability to keep a relaxed, sensitive arm/hand connection to the steering. Keep the outside knee against the bike. Using the big muscles in the outside hip and thigh should make your whole body more relaxed. This lets the bike work better and reduces the amount of negative inputs from you.

	[[image:IMG_0049.jpg\|~~150px~~]]		[[image:IMG_0049.jpg\|100px]]

	With your body next to the bike on the inside of the corner, your outside knee/calf is what stops you from falling off the inside. You shouldn't be supporting your body weight with your arms. They are steering. Your leg muscles are what should move your body from side to side, not your arms.		With your body next to the bike on the inside of the corner, your outside knee/calf is what stops you from falling off the inside. You shouldn't be supporting your body weight with your arms. They are steering. Your leg muscles are what should move your body from side to side, not your arms.

Bokonon at 23:56, 18 November 2009

2009-11-18T23:56:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:56, 18 November 2009
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	[[image:body shift.jpg\|150px]]		[[image:body shift.jpg\|150px]]
			[[image:250a.jpg\|150px]]

	When you start to exit the curve, it's time to shift your weight back to the center of the bike. Use the power in the outside leg against the tank, not your arms and shoulders, to haul yourself back on board.		When you start to exit the curve, it's time to shift your weight back to the center of the bike. Use the power in the outside leg against the tank, not your arms and shoulders, to haul yourself back on board.
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	With your body next to the bike on the inside of the corner, your outside knee/calf is what stops you from falling off the inside. You shouldn't be supporting your body weight with your arms. They are steering. Your leg muscles are what should move your body from side to side, not your arms.		With your body next to the bike on the inside of the corner, your outside knee/calf is what stops you from falling off the inside. You shouldn't be supporting your body weight with your arms. They are steering. Your leg muscles are what should move your body from side to side, not your arms.

	Here, the outside leg is far back when hanging off. The butt is hanging off, but the upper body is still mostly over the bike. Try arranging yourself so that your outside thigh is against the gas tank. Then, lean forward to lower your upper body somewhat toward the inside grip, while still keeping your head upright and turned. This rider has that part right. That way, your whole inside hip-to-chest-to-shoulder axis is hanging off, more or less parallel to the bike.		Here, the outside leg is far back when hanging off. The butt is hanging off, but the upper body is still mostly over the bike.

	[[image:IMG_5147.jpg\|150px]]		[[image:IMG_5147.jpg\|150px]]

			Try arranging yourself so that your outside thigh is against the gas tank. Then, lean forward to lower your upper body somewhat toward the inside grip, while still keeping your head upright and turned. This rider has that part right. That way, your whole inside hip-to-chest-to-shoulder axis is hanging off, more or less parallel to the bike.

			[[image:d13.jpg\|150px]]
			[[image:d16.jpg\|150px]]

Bokonon: /* What ''not'' to do */

2009-11-18T23:33:29Z

What ''not'' to do

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:33, 18 November 2009
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	With your body next to the bike on the inside of the corner, your outside knee/calf is what stops you from falling off the inside. You shouldn't be supporting your body weight with your arms. They are steering. Your leg muscles are what should move your body from side to side, not your arms.		With your body next to the bike on the inside of the corner, your outside knee/calf is what stops you from falling off the inside. You shouldn't be supporting your body weight with your arms. They are steering. Your leg muscles are what should move your body from side to side, not your arms.

	Here, the outside leg is far back when hanging off. The butt is hanging off, but the upper body is still mostly over the bike. Try arranging yourself so that your outside thigh is against ~~or close to~~ the gas tank. Then, lean forward to lower your upper body somewhat toward the inside grip, while still keeping your head upright and turned. This rider has that part right. That way, your whole inside hip-to-chest-to-shoulder axis is hanging off, more or less parallel to the bike.		Here, the outside leg is far back when hanging off. The butt is hanging off, but the upper body is still mostly over the bike. Try arranging yourself so that your outside thigh is against the gas tank. Then, lean forward to lower your upper body somewhat toward the inside grip, while still keeping your head upright and turned. This rider has that part right. That way, your whole inside hip-to-chest-to-shoulder axis is hanging off, more or less parallel to the bike.

	[[image:IMG_5147.jpg\|150px]]		[[image:IMG_5147.jpg\|150px]]

Bokonon at 23:07, 18 November 2009

2009-11-18T23:07:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:07, 18 November 2009
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	When shifting weight for a corner, the butt, hips, and upper body should move together and remain parallel to the bike. Use the big muscles of the outside leg pressing against the tank to support your body weight. These principles apply whether you are shifting just a bit for an easy curve, are hanging off a fair ways in the twisties, or [[Dragging a knee\|dragging a knee]] at the track. Don't just lean your upper body and leave your butt on the seat, and don't leave your upper body over the gas cap with your butt off to the side. Your head should be upright with your eyes level with the horizon. Note that the head/elbow/knee are off board about the same amount.		When shifting weight for a corner, the butt, hips, and upper body should move together and remain parallel to the bike. Use the big muscles of the outside leg pressing against the tank to support your body weight. These principles apply whether you are shifting just a bit for an easy curve, are hanging off a fair ways in the twisties, or [[Dragging a knee\|dragging a knee]] at the track. Don't just lean your upper body and leave your butt on the seat, and don't leave your upper body over the gas cap with your butt off to the side. Your head should be upright with your eyes level with the horizon. Note that the head/elbow/knee are off board about the same amount.

	[[image:body shift.jpg\|150px]		[[image:body shift.jpg\|150px]]

	When you start to exit the curve, it's time to shift your weight back to the center of the bike. Use the power in the outside leg against the tank, not your arms and shoulders, to haul yourself back on board.		When you start to exit the curve, it's time to shift your weight back to the center of the bike. Use the power in the outside leg against the tank, not your arms and shoulders, to haul yourself back on board.

Bokonon at 23:07, 18 November 2009

2009-11-18T23:07:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:07, 18 November 2009
Line 4:		Line 4:
	When shifting weight for a corner, the butt, hips, and upper body should move together and remain parallel to the bike. Use the big muscles of the outside leg pressing against the tank to support your body weight. These principles apply whether you are shifting just a bit for an easy curve, are hanging off a fair ways in the twisties, or [[Dragging a knee\|dragging a knee]] at the track. Don't just lean your upper body and leave your butt on the seat, and don't leave your upper body over the gas cap with your butt off to the side. Your head should be upright with your eyes level with the horizon. Note that the head/elbow/knee are off board about the same amount.		When shifting weight for a corner, the butt, hips, and upper body should move together and remain parallel to the bike. Use the big muscles of the outside leg pressing against the tank to support your body weight. These principles apply whether you are shifting just a bit for an easy curve, are hanging off a fair ways in the twisties, or [[Dragging a knee\|dragging a knee]] at the track. Don't just lean your upper body and leave your butt on the seat, and don't leave your upper body over the gas cap with your butt off to the side. Your head should be upright with your eyes level with the horizon. Note that the head/elbow/knee are off board about the same amount.

	[[image:]		[[image:body shift.jpg\|150px]

	When you start to exit the curve, it's time to shift your weight back to the center of the bike. Use the power in the outside leg against the tank, not your arms and shoulders, to haul yourself back on board.		When you start to exit the curve, it's time to shift your weight back to the center of the bike. Use the power in the outside leg against the tank, not your arms and shoulders, to haul yourself back on board.

Bokonon: /* What ''not'' to do */

2009-11-18T23:06:39Z

What ''not'' to do

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:06, 18 November 2009
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	In this picture, the rider's outside leg is very separated from the bike. That makes it hard to control your body position, and to bring yourself back on board from hanging off. It can also mean you are supporting your weight almost entirely with your arms and shoulders, which can compromise your ability to keep a relaxed, sensitive arm/hand connection to the steering. Keep the outside knee against the bike. Using the big muscles in the outside hip and thigh should make your whole body more relaxed. This lets the bike work better and reduces the amount of negative inputs from you.		In this picture, the rider's outside leg is very separated from the bike. That makes it hard to control your body position, and to bring yourself back on board from hanging off. It can also mean you are supporting your weight almost entirely with your arms and shoulders, which can compromise your ability to keep a relaxed, sensitive arm/hand connection to the steering. Keep the outside knee against the bike. Using the big muscles in the outside hip and thigh should make your whole body more relaxed. This lets the bike work better and reduces the amount of negative inputs from you.

	[[image:]]		[[image:IMG_0049.jpg\|150px]]

	With your body next to the bike on the inside of the corner, your outside knee/calf is what stops you from falling off the inside. You shouldn't be supporting your body weight with your arms. They are steering. Your leg muscles are what should move your body from side to side, not your arms.		With your body next to the bike on the inside of the corner, your outside knee/calf is what stops you from falling off the inside. You shouldn't be supporting your body weight with your arms. They are steering. Your leg muscles are what should move your body from side to side, not your arms.
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	Here, the outside leg is far back when hanging off. The butt is hanging off, but the upper body is still mostly over the bike. Try arranging yourself so that your outside thigh is against or close to the gas tank. Then, lean forward to lower your upper body somewhat toward the inside grip, while still keeping your head upright and turned. This rider has that part right. That way, your whole inside hip-to-chest-to-shoulder axis is hanging off, more or less parallel to the bike.		Here, the outside leg is far back when hanging off. The butt is hanging off, but the upper body is still mostly over the bike. Try arranging yourself so that your outside thigh is against or close to the gas tank. Then, lean forward to lower your upper body somewhat toward the inside grip, while still keeping your head upright and turned. This rider has that part right. That way, your whole inside hip-to-chest-to-shoulder axis is hanging off, more or less parallel to the bike.

	[[image:]]		[[image:IMG_5147.jpg\|150px]]