How To Sit Correctly on a Motorcycle

Riding body position can be a dead giveaway of a new or inexperienced rider. Sometimes just by looking at how a rider sits on his bike you can instantly tell he doesn’t really know what he’s doing. So today let’s discuss proper body position for riding our bikes!

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On Moto Control channel you will find videos about motorcycles, motorcycle riding techniques, tips & tricks and online motorcycle training for beginner and advanced riders!
A little info about me. My name is Andrei Bodrov, originally I'm from Moscow, Russia, and now I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Back in Moscow I was a motorcycle instructor and creator of Moto Control Beginner & Advanced motorcycle rider courses, which quickly became the most popular courses in Moscow (well, at least the advanced one😁). My advanced training course makes emphasis on slow speed riding techniques at first (such as good clutch and throttle control, proper riding posture, proper use of vision, etc.), then proceeds to more advanced techniques (such as aggressive braking, trail braking, maximal lean angle). The course incorporates a lot of exercises from DOSAF slow speed riding (similar to police rodeo like motorcycle training in USA), braking and cornering exercises and motogymkhana style riding. And now, since I actively learn English - I decided to post some useful videos for both your and mine practice!😉
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Since everyone writes this, it's necessary, I suppose 🤷, so here we go. Disclaimer: Ride at your own risk, you are responsible for your own safety. Me, Andrey Bodrov and my channel, Moto Control disclaim any liability incurred in connection with the use of riding techniques from this channel. Use common sense, wear full protective gear and ride in a safe and predictable manner!
#motorcycle #motorcycles #moto

[person.X.]

As an inexperienced rider I realise that I have been sitting slightly too far back in the seat. I am touring at the moment so experimenting and am now sitting in the correct position and it makes a world of difference to the stability and control of the bike.
Your video style is excellent. Very clear instructions and straight to the point. Very helpful and useful to an inexperienced rider like me.

[tedmeeder]

I have been riding fast for 30 years. I watch hours of motorcycling videos each week. BTW I have never commented on a youtube video before. I had to stop what I was doing and go to the laptop to comment: YES! This guy gets it! Every single part of this video should be studied by the new rider who thinks he is just naturally better than most other riders. Toes on the pegs, forward to the tank, knees clamping, elbows loose and down to the tank, zero handlebar input at the apex of a turn. Your spine should never be "erect". This shit is life or death info for those who want to push it. Watch the video again, maybe twice. Nice job bro.

[vijayam]

Not many people understand how crucial this informatio is.. Very well put and each position mentioned is what differentiates from a comfortable position to an awkward and painful position.

[greggo]

I would like to add, as someone who raced motocross, and has been a motorcycle rider on and off the road for almost fifty years.Before anyone thinks that these videos are unnecessary or a waste of time, believe me when I say, any one or all of what this gentleman is showing you in this video can save your life while riding and will save your life or at the very least, keep you out of the hospitals emergency ward.
Both of which I guarantee Noone wants.
Bless you all, protect what you have and who you are because there is only one of you, and regret is a terrible thing to have to live with.

[joeyb]

Good clear advice for the inexperienced. I’m 38 and have had motorcycles since the age of 3. Raced motocross my whole life, got my first road sports bike at 17 and knew the massive difference in position straight away. I have never had an accident on road due to always being on a bike and instinctively knowing how to position for the most controlled ride. Take note newbies this guy is spot on and could save your life on the road.

[volatile]

I have been riding for 17 years at least and I must say, it is very nice to refresh and check my technique with videos like this to make sure I am not developing bad habits. I am no stranger to finding that good habit practice and checking one's self can save one from what could have been a crash. Good technique will vastly increase your chances of a safe riding experience, not just for yourself but for others you may be riding with.

[kitsura]

I've corrected so many basic mistakes even though I have been riding for 5 years. Too bad my previous instructors didn't give such clear instructions.

[Mrasd]

Interesting ! great video for beginners.I'm 74 street riding since 16, track racing since 13. Your one of the few that mentions importance of engaging your core, SO important especially riding on the track. My 2 Ducaties give me a workout. I average over 15, 000 miles annually and about 6 track days a season..

[davidtruong]

Good morning! Woke up and watched your video first thing and now your lesson is saved in our brains 😃 Your teaching style and technique is excellent and we love your personality and realistic expectations you add to all of your wonderfully informative videos. My wife & I are fairly new riders and we feel strongly that you have played w major role in our improvement. Keep up the great work & God Bless.

[dash]

04:10 time mark: Comment on wrist position.

I was taught not to position my hand the way that you prefer (slightly bent forward) because if the motorcycle suddenly jerks forward, like when a novice engages the clutch too quickly, that your body will slam backward. When the body lurches backward, the wrist will straighten out (rotating the throttle) while the rider hangs on for dear life. This will further accelerate the bike - not a good thing when trying to control a bucking motorcycle.

So, for an experienced rider, this may not be a big deal. He won't get into situations where he inadvertently rotates the throttle. But it is an important detail for new riders.

[thefilthydjinn]

The paper technique is a great idea. I tried it out and it works great. It gives an instant feedback, so it is way easier to correct the moment the error happens.

[chrisscott]

Absolutely superb - clear advice, clearly & logically presented & just in time for me to resume motor biking after a 40 year gap !

[stephenlee]

I'm buying my first ever motorcycle this Friday, a 2013 Honda CB500X. I took the Motorcycle Safety Course, I'm brand new to motorized, two-wheeled vehicles. I plan on commuting, exploring the back roads and eventually start taking it on some forest service roads. I'm so excited to start learning! This video was helpful, thank you! I appreciate the details you added and examples you showed, it added a lot of clarity! Great video, thank you!

[Avensur]

The most essential information, we don't want to stress out in a long journey having the incorrect body position. Our body always relax and ready to adjust to the tarmac and off-road. Thanks mate!👍

[ginuwineleather]

This information is half correct, Arm and body position depends also on seating position of the bike design, whether it's Rearward, Neutral or Forward.. pegs are set either forward like on cruisers, or Rearward like on sports bikes or neutral like on dirt bikes, dual sport, cafe racers, or some touring bikes. Other than that.. Great information for beginners..

[myousic]

I don't care if someone thinks I'm a noob when seeing me. I did 5200 km in 2 weeks. You sit differently depending on situation - I don't care how do I sit when I'm on highway with cruise control enabled. For doing hours of that kind of riding I can look as a noob - the only thing I care is my comfort. When it comes to riding twisty roads I focus and sit differently - exactly how you describe. Don't judge someone chilling at town or highway - you don't have to always be a Rossi.

[soosnorbert]

bro you put cover photo a ducati and you show how to seat at one Enduro is not the same thing sitting in a sport bike or enduro

[howardfreedman]

I was always told not to have your wrist bent forward over the throttle or even flat on the throttle. If you accelerate too hard and get thrown back, and pull on the handlebars, that will force you to open the throttle even more, then more thrown back, etc.
The wrist should be bent slightly under the throttle, so if you're thrown back, the pulling back on the bars will force you to close the throttle. Someone correct this if it is wrong. Thanks.

[andreasmerkel]

40 years ago I started riding and at the same time bought a motorcycle. I have to say that the experience of sitting correctly on a horse is very close to that of sitting correctly on a motorcycle. Legs close to the saddle or tank, relaxed but stable upper body, relaxed grip with stretched hands, even the foot position on the footrests and stirrups is also identical.
Helped me a lot

[samurijder]

It's always a little treat when you release a new video.
Thank you, once again.
Cheers from the Netherlands