Beginning To Ride: Basic Skills

Body Position and Its Importance in Safety

On a motorcycle, your body is, effectively, an extension of the machine.

• Each component of body position affects your ability to steer, turn, control the throttle, maintain balance, and spot obstacles quickly.
• To master control of your motorcycle, always use correct body position.
• Whether sitting or standing, maintain this position.
  • Stay forward with your weight directly over the footpegs.
  • Keep your feet on the footpegs with your knees slightly bent.
  • Press your knees lightly into the gas tank.
  • Hold the handlegrips firmly to control the motorcycle in tough terrain. Grip with the right wrist down to avoid accidentally giving too much throttle.
• If your position is correct, your arms should have to bend slightly to hold the handlegrips.

Proper Level Riding Position