Question - Leg off Peg during heavy braking

[johnn]

Watched the Spanish MotoGP2 and MotoGP on the SPEED channel yesterday. During the MotoGP, several riders hung their left leg way off the peg while braking heavily into a left turn. I hadn't seen this before and was curious why they do it.

[burning1]

The question comes up all the time, and I've never heard an answer that pleases me, other than 'because Rossi does it.'

[Twism86]

The question comes up all the time, and I've never heard an answer that pleases me, other than 'because Rossi does it.'

Well that means there is a good enough reason 

[burning1]

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=270076

Please update your thread title 'question' is rather ambiguous.

[Eduardo]

I read an article on this a while ago. It didn't really offer an exact answer. But the most logical conclusion is that the 800cc machines have a higher centre of gravity then the 990cc bikes. Dangling the foot lowers the centre of gravity and lessens rear wheel lift going into heavy straight line braking areas.

[tt_four]

Does anyone have a picture of what's going on so I know what I'm missing? I've never seen this, but I don't watch much racing either. Does he stick his right knee out when he's leaning left, or is it his entire leg and foot?

[Deros514]

Found on link to thread on BARF

[numnutz]

Simple physics... more drag by hanging more of your body off the bike.

[burning1]

Having spoken to a number of racers and race instructors about this subject... Again, there's no conclusive answer as to why Rossi does it.

I've heard one answer that sounded believable, but it's something that would only apply to a rider like Rossi.

[black and silver twin]

Dirt trackers take there legs off like that, Maybe its habitual

[burning1]

It's a different technique for the dirt-trackers and motard riders. They actually put their foot on the ground.

[black and silver twin]

maybe his balls get cramped, oh yeah, I went there.

[jeremy_nash]

maybe his balls get cramped, oh yeah, I went there.

I was thinking balls of his feet, until you said you went there!

[tt_four]

I keep forgetting to try this just to see what it feels like. 

My friend who is brand new to riding thought I was doing something similar last week when we went out riding, until I explained to him that I was pointing to a giant pothole with my foot so he didn't hit it.

[Bluesmudge]

I couldn't believe how quick this technique caught on after rossi started doing it. It looks ridiculous and Rossi doesn't even know why he does it.

[pandymai]

just to ask, do they hang their legs off during heavy braking into ANY turn? or just a left turn?

[tt_four]

Glad I checked this board this morning. I'm going for a ride this morning and now that I remember I'm gonna try this.

[Firewalker]

So did it feel any different?

[black and silver twin]

I actually tried it on a few freeway ramps this weekend (because of this thread making me curious) and it really felt weird like an extra distraction. But it did let me know exactly how far I was leaning, but it does make gripping the tank hard. I definitely don't recommend it. But im not a "pro" either.

[tt_four]

I still forgot to do it the day I read this and was going for a ride, but I tried it into a turn on my Sunday morning ride. It really didn't feel like much at all. I couldn't remember if it was the right or left leg, and which leg corresponded with which way you were turning, so I could've done it wrong, but eh... who knows. Maybe I'll keep trying it when I get bored. You might notice something if you do it enough.