A Beginner's Guide To Motorcycle Riding Posture

Those who have never ridden a motorcycle before might find it difficult to appreciate just how important your posture is when it comes to comfort and control. Mastering motorcycle riding posture is a great way to reduce fatigue and improve your overall riding experience. If you’re a new biker who needs to learn the basics about riding posture or an old hand in need of a refresher, this guide from Beach House Harley-Davidson® has what you need to know.

Motorcycle Riding Posture Essentials

It’s essential that you keep your back and arms relaxed at all times. This will help your body to absorb the impact of any bumps your motorcycle hits. You should also keep your head/chin up and facing the direction of travel. This is important for two reasons. One, it will maximize visibility. Two, our bodies tend to naturally align with the direction we are looking. Allowing your gaze to wander can cause your body to unconsciously tilt in that direction, steering the motorcycle in that direction. 

Standard Motorcycle Riding Posture

The standard motorcycle posture is good for beginners since almost anyone can do it and it's designed to minimize strain. It should serve you well on your typical city ride. Start by sitting upright and leaning forward by about 5 degrees. Your hands should be positioned lower than your elbows, and your knees should be bent at 100 degrees. 

Motorcycle Riding Posture For Long-Distance Trips

Long-distance motorcycle rides can put a lot of strain on the rider. That’s why good posture is especially important on these kinds of marathon rides. Your knees should be kept bent at 100 degrees, while your hips should be bent at around 90 degrees. If you do it correctly, you should be able to ride comfortably for long periods of time even without breaks. 

Motorcycle Riding Posture For Racing

When motorcycle racing, your goal should be to make yourself more aerodynamic while remaining in control of the vehicle. You can do this by getting low and leaning forward. Keep your knees at a right angle (90 degrees) and your hips at a 75 degree angle. You should also tuck your feet back as far as possible, positioning your body so that you are “hugging” your motorcycle.

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