Correct riding position?

**discotex** · 12th April 2009, 21:14

Originally Posted by t3mp0r4ry nzr

I need to qualify my statements RE: arch on pegs. I was alluding that the foot weighting the peg should, from a physics point of view, be better with the arch than ball/toes.

Physics isn't the issue. Biology is. Our legs are designed to produce the most force from the ball of the foot. That's how we run/walk/jump/etc. It makes your natural suspension an extension of the bike's suspension.

Following your argument it would be best to ride with your heels on the pegs. Actually I think that'd be better than the arches for force as it would at least isolate your quads properly.

But totally agree that aside from theory doing whatever works for the individual is paramount.

**JJ58** · 12th April 2009, 21:39

Check out this dude (#6). He's only just turned 17 and is on his 3rd year as a factory rider.......... NZ seems old skool in terms of riding position.......... He can teach us a thing or two.... But then critics say Doohan had a really bad riding position too.

http://mcracing.sasktelwebhosting.com/Rnd7SB4.jpg

I've only seen two riders in NZ with the more modern style, and neither of them was on a SB or 600.

**Tim 39** · 12th April 2009, 21:44

Originally Posted by wbks

I know this is probably a little early for such a slow noob to be pondering but I was just wondering (for next time I'm on a track) the "correct" cornering position according to you racers? I get the general idea that (as told by any racer I ever asked) you are supposed to have your lid out off the side as much as your butt to avoid the twisted riding position and look through the corner. The only opposite example I can think of is Andrew Stroud, but it seems to work for him. But then there is the amount you should hang off... I've read on this site that it's pointless (or at least impractical) to hang off any more than one cheek, but on the other side there is that the more you hang off, the more you can straighten it up and hence get on the gas harder and earlier. Could someone enlighten me on this? Thanks!

My honest answer to that, is that there is no right and wrong riding position. Try all of the different ways you've seen and see which feels best for you and your riding style. The whole learning thing is trial and error so take the opportunity in practice sessions or watever, to giv things a try

**wbks** · 12th April 2009, 21:57

Originally Posted by JJ58

Check out this dude (#6). He's only just turned 17 and is on his 3rd year as a factory rider.......... NZ seems old skool in terms of riding position.......... He can teach us a thing or two.... But then critics say Doohan had a really bad riding position too.

http://mcracing.sasktelwebhosting.com/Rnd7SB4.jpg

I've only seen two riders in NZ with the more modern style, and neither of them was on a SB or 600.

How do you define the "modern" style, then? Head right down and off the side with the boot/knee/elbow scraping as apposed to knee down and head up by the windshield?

**discotex** · 12th April 2009, 22:03

Originally Posted by JJ58

Check out this dude (#6).

http://mcracing.sasktelwebhosting.com/Rnd7SB4.jpg

That is a cracking photo. Exactly the body position I aspire to. When I get it right it feels totally natural. Especially on high speed corners.

**Two Smoker** · 12th April 2009, 22:16

I love how there are so many experts on KB... I have NEVER seen a photo with a Racer with his inside foot, arch on the peg... The outside foot is always arch on the peg.

Everyone go out to their bikes, put it on stands, and see if it is easier to move your weight from the inside back to centre on the ball of your foot or arch...

And those with an arguement "what about using the rear brake?" Well most top guys run a thumb rear brake.

Physics of weighting the pegs? ride in a straight line and take your hands off the bars, then weight the pegs. See what happens? Thats right, what ever peg you put weight on the bike turns towards. Still want to argue? Ill happily meet you at any race track in NZ and beat you.

**scracha** · 12th April 2009, 23:09

Originally Posted by JJ58

I've only seen two riders in NZ with the more modern style, and neither of them was on a SB or 600.

Oh cool...my style is officially "modern"

Shame I'm shite at racing tho.

**wbks** · 13th April 2009, 09:34

Originally Posted by Two Smoker

I love how there are so many experts on KB... I have NEVER seen a photo with a Racer with his inside foot, arch on the peg... The outside foot is always arch on the peg.

Everyone go out to their bikes, put it on stands, and see if it is easier to move your weight from the inside back to centre on the ball of your foot or arch...

And those with an arguement "what about using the rear brake?" Well most top guys run a thumb rear brake.

Physics of weighting the pegs? ride in a straight line and take your hands off the bars, then weight the pegs. See what happens? Thats right, what ever peg you put weight on the bike turns towards. Still want to argue? Ill happily meet you at any race track in NZ and beat you.

Calm down bud...