{"id":6711,"date":"2021-05-10T11:41:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-10T11:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-859531-2988066.cloudwaysapps.com\/?page_id=6711"},"modified":"2021-05-19T03:11:30","modified_gmt":"2021-05-19T03:11:30","slug":"riding-positions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/speedymoto.com\/motorcycles\/riding-positions\/","title":{"rendered":"Motorcycle Riding Positions – Detailed Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your body position when riding a motorcycle is more important than you think.<\/p>\n

An uncomfortable posture can lead to discomfort, aches, and pains. Poor riding position will also lead to tense muscles, which in turn will affect your handling ability and reaction time. <\/p>\n

We\u2019ll take a look at the correct riding postures.<\/p>\n

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Motorcycle Riding Positions: TL;DR<\/h2>\n

Before we head into the detail of each position, here\u2019s a quick overview of what we\u2019ll be covering. You can browse over this quickly to see what each section entails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Position<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Description<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

\n

Standard Riding Position<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Natural, neutral position<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Sports Bike Riding Position<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Leaning forward with chest on tank<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Cruiser Riding Position<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Relaxed, leaning back<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Scooter Riding Position<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Upright, arms at 90\u00b0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Dirt Bike Riding Position<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Adapt to terrain<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Adventure Riding Position<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Upright, arms bent to handlebars<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Motorcycle Riding Positions<\/h2>\n

Let us take a look at the correct riding postures and put them into context. Different types of motorcycles<\/a> call for different postures.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Reddit.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Standard Riding Position<\/h3>\n

This is an ideal position for riding in many ways. Known as the standard position, this was the traditional posture used by motorcyclists from the beginning. In this position, the body posture is the most neutral, not leaning forward or back. The upright stance means that your vision is directed straight ahead, neither looking upward nor downward. <\/p>\n

This position allows for a relaxed and more comfortable posture, resulting in a less tiring ride. This position also allows for a good level of control over the bike in most situations and is unlikely to cause strain.<\/p>\n

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Photo credit: motorcyclecruiser.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Body Position<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Your arms will be extended in front of you, but not fully extended, and this will allow for a relaxed position, with enough flexibility for movement in the arms. Your legs will be straddling the bike, with your knees placed on either side of the tank, and bent in such a way that they too aren\u2019t overly extended. <\/p>\n

Your feet should be able to rest perpendicular to the pedals, with ease of movement. You should be able to stand on the footpegs when necessary, without difficulty. The upright position will mean that there will be some air resistance at speed.<\/p>\n

Best For<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This position is most suited to traditional motorcycles<\/a>. Most touring and road motorcycles allow for this type of posture, as do some off-road, and semi-off-road bikes. Delivery bike riders also use this riding position. <\/p>\n

Sports Bike Riding Position<\/h3>\n

The sports riding position is totally different from the standard one. The rider adopts a leaning forward stance with the upper body and is generally lower than normal. Vision too is different in that the rider will be looking forward with the head raised, and your height of vision is also lowered, meaning that your distance of vision ahead is less. <\/p>\n

Aerodynamically, the position is superior, in that your frontal profile is reduced, thereby reducing drag from wind resistance. Another advantage is that your center of gravity will be lower, which will be an aid when cornering, allowing the bike to lean further over without becoming unstable.<\/p>\n

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Photo credit: hondaprokevin.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Body Position<\/strong><\/h4>\n

You\u2019ll be sitting lower on the bike, by design. Leaning forward, your chest will be resting on the fuel tank, with your knees drawn up beside it. The forearms will be bent. Your legs will be bent more, and your feet slightly behind the knees when on the footpegs. <\/p>\n

The position dictates that your back muscles will be supporting your upper body, so there will probably be a strain on longer journeys. Ideally, you should keep your ears, shoulders, and hips in line. Avoid hunching the back, as this will lead to more discomfort.<\/p>\n

Best For<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This position is best for sport bikes and motorcycle racing. Most manufacturers offer sportbikes, including Ducati, Triumph, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this riding position, but clearly, overall comfort isn\u2019t one of the advantages. Handling and increased speed are advantages.<\/p>\n

Cruiser Riding Position<\/h3>\n

Cruising bikes allow for a relaxed-looking, laid-back style of posture. While similar in outward appearance to the standard position, this one is quite different, as you\u2019ll see. The lower position on the bike may aid your center of gravity, but that can be negated by the higher position of the upper body and outstretched arms. <\/p>\n

Your physical size and shape will also determine whether this position will be comfortable for you, so you may have to make some adjustments to your posture to accommodate this.<\/p>\n

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Photo credit: c-magazine.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Body Position<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The body position on a cruiser is relaxed, with the upper torso leaning further back than the traditional position. The arms are outstretched to the handlebars, limiting the flex in the arms. Vision is still straight ahead, through the arms and handlebars. Your lower legs will be angled more forward to reach the footpegs and controls, which are placed further forward on a cruiser. <\/p>\n

Standing on the footpegs will be virtually impossible without pulling on the handlebars, which isn\u2019t an ideal situation. Cruiser bikes generally have lower seats, so your legs would be straighter and your feet flat on the pedals.<\/p>\n

Best For<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This position works best for cruiser bikes, such as Harley-Davidson, and some Japanese cruiser-style motorcycles. The posture can be relaxed, but this is also dependent on your body dimensions and your weight. If you feel comfortable in this position on short trips, then longer journeys shouldn\u2019t present a problem to you.<\/p>\n

Scooter Riding Position<\/h3>\n

This calls for a completely different style of riding posture. The main criteria here is that you try to keep your forearms as parallel to the ground as possible, with your upper arms at a right angle to the forearms. Position your body around the placement of your arms. <\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t really matter whether you sit forward or further back on the seat, a lot of that will be dictated by your physical size anyway. Place your feet flat on the floorboards, anywhere is fine, as long as they don\u2019t protrude over the sides of the floor.<\/p>\n

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Photo credit: visordown.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Body Position<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Your body should be upright, with your arms bent at 90\u00b0, and your forearms parallel to the ground. Your legs will be bent at the knees, with your feet flat on the floorboards, kept inside of the edges. The head will be upright, allowing for clear vision ahead. <\/p>\n

The length of the seat allows you limited movement for more comfortable positioning forward or to the rear and altering your upper body posture to a position that suits you. Generally, this position does allow a good level of control over the scooter.<\/p>\n

Best For<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This is suited to scooter riding. A fairly comfortable position, with the added advantage that your legs are protected to a degree by the floorboard. Most scooters, for example, Vespa, are of a very similar design, so this posture is suitable for just about any scooter on the market.<\/p>\n

Dirt Bike Riding Position<\/h3>\n

There are many kinds of dirt bike riding positions. Start off with the standard position. Before long, and depending on where and how you\u2019re riding, you could find yourself standing on the footpegs, sitting back on the seat, or forward on top of the tank. <\/p>\n

You\u2019ll be using your body a lot more to control the dirt bike than any other form of a bike, which means you get a workout too. Generally, dirt bikes are quite high, so those with shorter legs may find difficulty in reaching the ground with their feet.<\/p>\n

Body Position<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The basic position will be the standard one, but as your ride gets rougher, you will need to adapt your posture to whatever situation you find yourself in, moment by moment. Depending on the terrain you\u2019re riding in, you could be constantly changing your position on the bike, and any wrong moves could lead to an awkward fall. <\/p>\n

The positions can hardly be described as comfortable, but more of you becoming one with the bike. You\u2019ll be controlling the dirt bike with your entire body.<\/p>\n

Best For<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This is best for off-road or all-terrain activity. That could involve trail rides, off-road, ice, and snow, hillclimbing, or any other form of riding on an uneven or changing ground.<\/p>\n

This applies to both off-road and semi off-road bikes. Dirt bike manufacturers are abundant, with KTM, Husqvarna, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Honda being the most prominent.<\/p>\n

Adventure Riding Position<\/h3>\n

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Photo credit: offgridweb.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Adventure bikes are built for <\/span>long-distance riding<\/span><\/a>, on either tar or dirt surfaces. Your posture should be similar to the standard position, with a neutral lean. The seat on an adventure bike may have a lower point somewhere just behind the tank, and that, ideally, is where you want to be sitting to begin setting up your posture. <\/span><\/p>\n

As you may be riding over a long distance, it\u2019s important to find that comfortable setup as early as possible. You may be changing your position during the ride, depending on the terrain.<\/p>\n

Body Position<\/strong><\/h4>\n

With your pelvis seated in the lowest point on the seat, keep your torso as upright as possible. Your arms should be bent slightly, and the reach to the handlebars should be comfortable. <\/p>\n

Avoid hunching your back, as this will lead to tension and discomfort. You should easily be able to stand on the footpegs if necessary and to change your position for more control in certain situations. <\/p>\n

Best For<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This is suited for adventure bike riding, which invariably means long distances on varying surfaces. It\u2019s important, therefore, to find a position that suits you. Body size and weight are factors in finding the ideal position on an adventure bike. Notable adventure bike brands are BMW and KTM.<\/p>\n

How to Determine Your Ideal Motorcycle Riding Position<\/h2>\n

There are a few factors that\u2019ll influence you in finding the best position on a motorcycle, and here are some of the more important ones.<\/p>\n

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Your Body Size and Weight<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re small in stature, there will obviously be some motorcycles that you shouldn\u2019t consider if you want to be comfortable and in control. If you\u2019re sitting on a bike and can\u2019t touch the ground with both feet at the same time, then that\u2019s probably not the bike for you. <\/p>\n

Similarly, a heavy bike, such as the Kawasaki Z1300, will be a handful for a small rider due to its weight, and even a heavyweight will struggle to pick one up if it falls over.<\/p>\n

On the flip side, if you\u2019re of a particularly large build, a tiny 125cc road bike won\u2019t be comfortable at all. You\u2019ll be hunched over, with knees and elbows all over the place, and we can\u2019t imagine that to be very appealing.<\/p>\n

Adjust the Bike to Suit You<\/h3>\n

So do you do when you find a seating position that more or less feels comfortable but isn\u2019t quite perfect? Most motorcycles have adjustable handlebars and footpegs. Set those to your preference, after all, that is why they\u2019re adjustable. <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re missing an inch or so in reaching the ground with your feet, have a look at your suspension settings. The majority of bikes will have a setting ring on the rear shock absorbers that can slightly raise or lower the ride height as required.<\/p>\n

Try It Out<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re about to purchase a bike, sitting on it in the showroom may feel comfortable at first, but taking it for a ride will reveal a lot more. Your seating comfort may feel good standing still, but what will it feel like while cornering, braking, and accelerating? <\/p>\n

Can you comfortably move the bike with your feet while sitting on it? All these are factors to be considered, and they can only be understood by a test ride.<\/p>\n

Relax Your Posture<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re tensed up, no position is going to feel comfortable. Try to relax and allow yourself to become more supple. Try and maintain a straight back at all times, not only when riding. A slouched posture will lead to an unnatural riding position and will certainly result in back pain after even a short ride.<\/p>\n

What is the Comfort Triangle and How Do You Find Yours?<\/h3>\n

The comfort triangle refers to the three main body parts that have contact with the motorcycle, namely, your hands, buttocks, and feet. You\u2019ll want your feet to remain secure while being in a comfortable position for your rear.<\/p>\n

You can find the best hand position by letting someone hold the bike for you, closing your eyes with your feet on the pegs, and reaching out for the handles. When you find the right position, open your eyes to memorize it. It shouldn\u2019t place any extra strain on your lower back or butt.<\/p>\n

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Photo credit: cycleworld.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Benefits of a Proper Riding Position<\/h2>\n

The correct riding position can only be beneficial to you. Below we\u2019ll go into the reasons why.<\/p>\n

Safety<\/h3>\n

Being able to comfortably reach and operate the controls and pedals is crucial. You need to access and fully manage all the controlling functions of your bike. Make sure the reach is comfortable without over-extending limbs or incurring cramps from controls that are too close.<\/p>\n

Handling<\/h3>\n

You need to adopt a position that maximizes your ability to handle the motorcycle. Keep your center of gravity low on sportbikes, or adopt a higher stance for more control of a dirt bike. Make sure that you can easily lean a bike when cornering. A light person struggling to make a 700lb monster lean over is a recipe for disaster.<\/p>\n

Speed<\/h3>\n

The reason sport bikes are designed the way they are is to keep the rider as low as possible, hence the almost crouched riding position. This keeps the rider\u2019s and bike\u2019s total frontal area to a minimum, reducing wind resistance as much as possible. The position allows the rider to \u201chug\u201d the bike more tightly for precise cornering and handling. <\/p>\n

Comfort<\/h3>\n

You also want to be comfortable while riding, so you should choose a position that suits you, based on the aspects above.<\/p>\n

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Conclusion<\/h2>\n

We have discussed the various riding positions and where they should be used. Your comfort and your safety<\/a> are important if you\u2019re to continue enjoying your riding experience. Remember that you can also adjust your bike to suit your preferences and not just conform to the bike.<\/p>\n

People Also Ask<\/h2>\n

Here are some common questions that riders ask. We hope the answers will help you.<\/p>\n

Is Riding a Motorcycle Bad for Your Back?<\/h3>\n

It doesn\u2019t have to be. Adopting the correct posture for the specific type of bike will help eliminate discomfort. Remember to keep your back as straight as possible, and try to relax. Tension will lead to back pain, so use a position that\u2019s comfortable.<\/p>\n

How Do Motorcycle Parts Help in Maintaining Proper Riding Posture?<\/h3>\n

All your control parts on a motorcycle are adjustable. Handlebars, brake and clutch levers, brake pedal, gear lever, and even the controls on the handlebars are all adjustable, to assist you in finding the optimum riding setup.<\/p>\n

Does Riding a Motorcycle Build Muscle?<\/h3>\n

It depends on the type of bike, but most riding will lead to developing muscle strength to a varying degree. Dirt bike riding, for example, can be quite punishing to the unfit. In time, you\u2019ll notice that certain muscles are becoming more developed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Your body position when riding a motorcycle is more important than you think. An uncomfortable posture can lead to discomfort, aches, and pains. Poor riding position will also lead to tense muscles, which in turn will affect your handling ability and reaction time.  We\u2019ll take a look at the correct riding postures. Motorcycle Riding Positions: … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":13,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false},"yoast_head":"\nMotorcycle Riding Positions – Detailed Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/speedymoto.com\/motorcycles\/riding-positions\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Motorcycle Riding Positions – Detailed Guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Your body position when riding a motorcycle is more important than you think. An uncomfortable posture can lead to discomfort, aches, and pains. 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