Does being righthanded make you a better rider?

**Matt Bleck** · 31st May 2007, 13:38

Do you think that righthanded people would have better throttle and braking control making them a better rider?

I was thinking about this today (I have alot of spare time at the moment...), and it sorta makes sense in theory I think. Motorcycle controls are operated (generally) by the right side of the body, so in theory righthanded people would have an advantage as they have better control of that side of their body.

**JayRacer37** · 31st May 2007, 13:39

Originally Posted by Timmay

Do you that that righthanded people would have better throttle and braking control?

I was thinking about this today (I have alot of spare time at the moment...), and it sorta makes sense in theory I think. Motorcycle controls are operated (generally) by the right side of the body, so in theory righthanded people would have an advantage as they have better control of that side of their body.

Apparently so...
You know a certain Mr Rossi is Left handed??
I am too.
I don't think it makes a huge diffrence...or any. It still comes down to feel and control but it is a learnt thing.

**onearmedbandit** · 31st May 2007, 13:42

It certainly helps me!! Actually before my accident I was ambidextrous, used my right hand for 'skilled' work, my left for 'power'. I wrote with my right hand, but threw, bowled etc with my left. In tennis I had two forearms and no backhand. No I have little choice!

**Trudes** · 31st May 2007, 13:42

What an interesting thought, I certainly never considered that, maybe you do have too much time on your hands!! lol. It is an interesting theory though.

**Chickadee** · 31st May 2007, 13:48

Hmm if you're a lefty your more artistic in general. Wonder which side of the brain is best for riding/driving.

I think I'd ride the same whether I was a lefty or righty. I'm left handed by the way (folks are - my poor bro thought he was strange growing up as a righty).

Be interesting to know the ratio of riders that were lefthanded vs right.

**Toaster** · 31st May 2007, 13:51

I dunno, but anyone notice on American Choppers that the throttle revs away from the rider not towards.... how strange!

I suppose being a "righty" would provide best input to the controls, but I really don't know shit.

**JayRacer37** · 31st May 2007, 13:51

Originally Posted by Chickadee

Hmm if you're a lefty your more artistic in general. Wonder which side of the brain is best for riding/driving.

I think I'd ride the same whether I was a lefty or righty. I'm left handed by the way (folks are - my poor bro thought he was strange growing up as a righty).

Be interesting to know the ratio of riders that were lefthanded vs right.

Yes....maybe riding comes down to the artistic and creative parts of a person...left handed!!

I'd like to know that ratio too.
I feel another poll coming on..but I got no idea how to start one.

**terbang** · 31st May 2007, 13:57

I'm a leftie (handed).
It is common knowledge that when manipulating the controls of an aircraft, we stimulate the artistic portion of our brain. So why not bikes..?

**Matt Bleck** · 31st May 2007, 14:08

Leftie's are more artistic?

So if your righthanded and artistic then you must be extra special!!

Sorta like me really!

**WRT** · 31st May 2007, 14:19

Originally Posted by Timmay

you must be extra special!!

Sorta like me really!

Is that what yo mama told you?

**slinky** · 31st May 2007, 14:26

is it worth considering what foot ya kick a ball wit?

**Maha** · 31st May 2007, 14:40

Does being righthanded make you a better rider?

And lover...just ask Willy.....

**mdooher** · 31st May 2007, 14:48

If it matters why do commercial airliners require the pilot to use left hand on the controls and right hand on the throttle....co pilot is the oposite...fighter planes and gliders right had on the stick. Don't even start about LHD vs RHD cars

**sels1** · 31st May 2007, 14:57

Consider that when they first started making cars (in US and Europe) they were (and still are) left hand drive - you change gear with your right hand, being the average persons more dexterious one. But the Brits and their Commonwealth are RH drive and change gear with their left. Like a piano or guitar player you train your hands to do what is required

At work my mouse is on my right, at home it is on my left - reduces wrist strain and works just as well both ways after a bit of training.

**WRT** · 31st May 2007, 15:19

Originally Posted by sels1

At work my mouse is on my right, at home it is on my left - reduces wrist strain and works just as well both ways after a bit of training.

We have a few left handed people here (I'm right handed) who's computers I have to work on from time to time. Some of them have the left and right click reversed, others dont. No matter who's desk you sit down at, it doesnt take long for your brain to adjust.