Should We Hang Off the Bike If We’re Going Fast on a Public Road?

We discuss the importance of location and speed dependency in motorcycle posture, and the significance of focus and visual lead over posture in becoming a better rider.

[shaundisch]

As a bicyclist I lean off the bike to stand it up when surprised by gravel, shady sections and big wet painted areas. It is a tool I use when needed. Same on a motorcycle.

[deauvilledad]

Wise words Dave. If you need to hang off your bike on public roads then it is just showing off.

[MrDingus]

My priority is getting constantly better at the basics. Knee down and body position stuff on the street is (or seems) directly connected to vanity and ego.

[mrbookends]

I'll weigh in: after 26 years of riding, CA Superbike School, and club racing; I think I can say I'm "pretty quick". I've only had a knee down in Colorado canyons once and it was an emergency maneuver to avoid elk (plural), and then immediately off to the side of the road to shake it out and take a few

[distancejunkiemonkey]

Thanks for the reply. I agree that the consequences for mistakes are significantly more severe on public roads, but some of us are still gonna do it. Also can’t ride for other people’s opinions of how I ride. There will always be anti motorcycle people out there, see it every time I lane split. There’s always one who purposely blocks the path. I do feel there is a good medium between knee and elbow dragging vs staying planted in the saddle, more like just half of the inside butt cheek. But this is one of the reasons we ride, we all get to do our own thing and have fun. 👊

[Zenasanatomy]

fundamental riding for street, spirited rides for track. easier said than done i admit😅

[JelloThatsMellow]

Don't be a street Rossi. Save it for the track!

[machinedgod]

Related to this - if only I'd have a dollar for every cage jackass that wants to race when they see R1 at the streetlight... no matter how slow I start, they burn the tires and endanger literally everyone else in traffic, and for what? To "prove" their puny cage can beat a top of the line sports bike?

Big sad...

[benmiller]

I'll argue both sides of this.
1st, physics are physics. Even at the slower speeds of public roads hanging off is going to keep the bike more upright & provide more grip.

2nd. Hanging off can put you in a more aggressive mindset & lead to more aggressive, faster, more dangerous riding.

So, know yourself & know how hanging off will affect u & whether it will make u safer or more dangerous.

[mojosdad]

Unless you’re riding canyon type twistiest, there’s no scenario on public roads – even at a spirited pace – that calls for knee dragging. Simply shifting your butt and moving your torso into the turn is sufficient. I see some guys trying to hang off, it looks ridiculous, is completely unnecessary, and reduces the possibility of an evasive/defensive line change should it be needed.

And I f hanging off is needed to mange a corner on public roads, that bike is moving at a pace that is endangering both the rider and other road users. Save it for the track.

[literal_lee]

"Riding by that seems obvious, right !? How would one not ride by direction ? By praying for good luck and fortune continuously when riding ?
I am lost. Enlighten me, please ?!

[jamesmclaughlin]

I never hang off . Even when i ride at my spirted pace. They want to be Rossi lol.