Cornering in sand. Stand or sit?

[SpikedPunch]

I used to sit in every corner cause, uh, that's what all the dirtbike mags say to do!
I have since been cured of this ailment and only sit (on purpose) when I need a real quick sharp one. Or when I get lazy. Too much standsitstand wastes energy I think?

[humai]

... sitting in fact gives a lower CG which is the main reason i sit while turning in sand.

No.

When you sit on the seat, a good chunk of your body weight becomes involved with your bike's pitch and roll movements. Since that added weight is all above the seat, the CoG of the mass comprising the bike and the bits connected to it (your arse) is raised relative to the bike's CoG alone.

When you are riding on the pegs, the bike can pitch and roll without your body being "connected" to the mass. You will be making adjustments on the pegs and with your arms to remain upright regardless of what the bike is doing.

A classic practical demonstration of how standing on the pegs lowers CoG is when hillclimbing. Try a hill that has good traction and is steep enough such that your bike is on the verge of flipping or "powerstanding" when ascending it. Now, try it sitting versus standing. The bike is much more inclined to wheelstand when your bum's planted on the seat. Anyone who does gnarly, steep hillclimbs regularly will know that you must try to stay on the pegs at all cost and once your arse kisses the seat and the weight comes off your pegs, your front wheel comes off the deck and you're basically toast.

[Reckless]

I stand nearly all of the time specially flowing corners in deepish sand remembering the most important thing about standing is gripping the bike with your knees not just standing, especially in sand!

I sit if

1/ The corner is so slow and tight (like round a tree) its better to sit forward weight the front a bit and flick the bike round.
2/- There is a nice berm to go into an ride it MX style.

But refering to the vid in question on those sandy tracks I'd be standing Central to the bike chin over the bars 99% of the time. Feet on a peg or both at all times. Even if I was semi sitting.
Noobi seemed to be loosing the front mostly. But he was pushing it pretty hard for the camera. Havin fun though! Good shit Noobi!

[telliman]

kezza needs to do a few laps at woodhill me thinks,yeah good stuff noobi, if your not falling off your not going hard enough!@

[kezzafish]

humai... i agree that standing is a good method and have already said that i stand most of the time including hillclimbs i also agree that standing on the pegs rather than putting weight on the seat gives you (i find) greater control however... it does NOT lower the CG. it is very simple physics which says that the lower the mass the lower the CG or CM (centre of mass)

Telliman you are speaking as if you are right and i am wrong when it really is a matter of opinion.

Booom you also said that you "disagree that there is a right or wrong way"... i never said there was a right or wrong way

I think it looks like noobi is standing up in corners then almost coming to a stop and overbalancing... his weight would be less overbalance while the bike is leaned over if he was lower.

[laserracer]

Hmmm i like to sit, then stand, then roll,and finally lay in the sand...then pick up bike and repeat

[laserracer]

Hmmm i like to sit, then stand, then roll,and finally lay in the sand...then pick up bike and repeat

Now mud is totaly different... i like to stand,sit then roll, and then lay in the mud before remounting to repeat

[telliman]

fair enough mate, didnt mean to sound condscending! your right though, different strokes for different folkes!

[L Rider]

this thread came from watching keithf's video of noobi riding at woodhill... have a watch 'cos it seems that noobi is dropping his bike a lot on bermed/rutted sandy corners. He also drops his bike while stationary at one wpoint which would suggest maybe the bike is quite tall (in comparison to himself)... sitting in the corners (while leant over) will be much more confidance inspiring for him i recfuck 'cos he'll be able to touch the ground.....

Think he was having one of those days if its the day i'm thinking of.

[L Rider]

As for riding position - i do whatever i can to try & stay on somedays its easier than others. I've gotta sort out changing gears when standing so often stuff up cause of that issue - will get there though

[crazyhorse]

One would assume you would have more control whilst sitting on the bike with legs out - But if I'm on the sand - be more fun on a Horse .....galloping faster and faster ....LOL BUt then again, that's why I ride on the road - more fun than dirt (or sand), to me anyway

[courts]

One would assume you would have more control whilst sitting on the bike with legs out - But if I'm on the sand - be more fun on a Horse .....galloping faster and faster ....LOL BUt then again, that's why I ride on the road - more fun than dirt (or sand), to me anyway

Reiterating the fact that you are indeed a pillow biter.

[Sammikins]

Reiterating the fact that you are indeed a pillow biter.

I second that. Gave up horseriding lessons and booked myself in for a Broxy rider coaching day. Haven't looked back since.

[crfchick]

As for riding position - i do whatever i can to try & stay on somedays its easier than others. I've gotta sort out changing gears when standing so often stuff up cause of that issue - will get there though

Yeah I know what you mean L-Rider! What is the trick to changing gears whilst standing up??!

[barty5]

Yeah I know what you mean L-Rider! What is the trick to changing gears whilst standing up??!

You just have to roll your foot further forward and if yah going quick enough for get the clutch i hardly ever use it changing up. And try not to look down at what your doin see lot people doin that eye on where you want to go unless you want to hit the ground.