Questions on correct riding position

[liraz]

I've been told by an experienced rider (+racer) that the correct riding position is to be relaxed, elbows out, without applying pressure to the handle bars, working with your lower back.

"You have to ride the bike like it's a horse".

Taken to the extreme, riding like this can become very uncomfortable. If you can't transfer your weight to the bike, you're holding yourself up with the lower back... which can be... painful after a while.

Is this good sense? Perhaps I am taking his advice too literally?
What *is* the correct riding position?

Cheers,
Liraz

[cernunos]

I know that it is IMPOSSIBLE for me to ride the Baby while holding myself in position with my back muscles. I place weight on the bars and that is why I am looking for another bike. The White Owl is an '89 and has clip-on's. But I love the White Owl and this forum too.

C.......

[dyran]

Squeeze the tank with your knees.

[Kerry]

Squeeze the tank with your knees.

Hmmm ... like a horse?  

[GeeP]

Hmmm ... like a horse?  

:lol:   Just remember, on some horses that's the throttle.  :mrgreen:

[callmelenny]

I've been told by an experienced rider (+racer) that the correct riding position is to be relaxed, elbows out, without applying pressure to the handle bars, working with your lower back.

Liraz

I took a MSF course after being off bikes for several years. The instructor was constantly slapping my elbows DOWN and telling me to keep my knees IN. I think both habits come from Motocross riding.   :dunno:

At highway speeds I find the pressure on my chest offsets the slight forward lean on the bars. I'm a shorty though, I think most folks sit pretty much upright on the GS.

[wraithR1]

Here's a tip:

Grip the clipons like you would eggs or baby chicks.  The less tight your grip on the clipons, the less rider input on the bike chassis.  

Too much rider input = bad.  If you grip too hard, you increase the chance of disrupting the bike.  Let the bike's chassis and suspension do the work, not your arms, shoulders, back, etc.  This applies to all conditions....windy, rain, the track, etc.

[scratch]

You may have to slide forward or back, too, to get into this "perfect" riding position. Everybody is different, and you'll find a different position for a few certain instances, such as:
Downhill - for our bike not a problem, that is in stock form, but even then the generally upright seating position allows greater ability to keep your weight off the bars. Typically, some of us will slide forward in the saddle to allow an even more upright position (still gripping the tank and flexin' the back).
Downhill, bumpy goat trail - add to that - getting your butt off the seat and using your legs to absorb some of the bumps.

Also, try flexing your abs to 'hold' you up (like grittin' your teeth, give something for the back muscles to work with/against).

[Scott_DC]

I was always told to make sure your arms are loose. As in you should be able to do the chicken wing dance while riding down the road. And yes - you will look funny when you flap your arms while riding your motorcycle.

[scratch]

AhA, YES a good reminder!! If you can't flap your arms, you're too tight on the bars!