Stroker

Riding is never safe....

Interesting questions, which i asked myself when i was watching.My observations - They hang the left leg more than the right.The Spaniards do it, but Jorge seems to avoid it if he can.Some times though they let the foot drag like they are skating or something.Perhaps to steady the bike if they went in too hot? Some people seem to avoid it, like Dovi.I have seen the leg drag more when there are 2-3 guys taking the turn one behind the other, and not so much when they are more or less solo and chasing a pack ( later laps ). Long sweeping turns and turns at the end of a straight seem to bring the leg out.Which leads me to wonder if fast corners = leg dragging. Thoughts?

Interesting.Electronics make it harder to ride?

And everyone says Rossi struggles with new tracks...

What about his experience and knowledge of the tracks?

Good points Eirik. What then about Colin Edwards, who has been around for a bit? I think i remember Khenny Roberts saying even average riders can win with electronics ( hinting Colin was one such rider ).

It has become easier to go fast.Better tires, suspension, TC and what not.Remember Doohan and other guys moved about a lot on 500's but still managed to win. I saw the Le Mans race.He was running third but crashed.He seems to put in fast laps and all but never does manage to get ahead of Jorge.

If you saw Rossi these days, you would never believe he had won so many times. Marquez makes them all look dated now.

Yes they had a great run earlier on before the Japs started dominating.

Honda won a great many titles with the NSR's right?

No 500 titles?

But in the past two stroke era, they had some excellent bikes but never really won no? I have seen races where they jumped off the line but lost ground to Yamahas and Suzukis for no apparent reason

Why have Kawasaki never really won anything? They do have fast bikes...

Perhaps they can be sanded as needed? I used to reprofile my guitar picks when they were getting round to make them more triangularish again.

I stay clear of cycling because you kinda sit on your junk...but that is just me. Please do whatever helps you ride better, and that is a lovely ducati.

Squats and lunges would serve you better.

Was watching this race. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meosKxgJhVA I see that Rossi for instance did not hang his leg out at that time ( 10 years ago but still ) so is it that one guy does it and some copy his style? I think we all kinda copy Kenny Roberts today don't we?

I have a question - As a taller man can you get the bike over easier?

It is not a necessity.16 inch arms may look massive on a 5 4 guy.The same will look good or even average on a 6 2 guy. Similarly, tall people ( who tend to have taller necks and longer heads ) should have a little more development to support the bigger head and also to avoid looking scrawny in the neck region. As a 6 6 guy you may have spine problems later in life.People 6 2 and above usually do.So take care.

I see.Conversely, the guys who we do see in Moto Gp must not be doing anything for the sake of it - Like hanging the foot out during the initial turning effort. The antics we see must have some scientific basis then? I wonder if the school approves of the current crop of GP riders..?

HF, women's necks won't bulk like men's.I do recommend you work out to prevent back and neck problems later in life. IN fact everyone should workout to prevent future problems.Lord help you if you have a slipped disk or something....

This " Mystery " about GP rider's techniques is quite intriguing.Perhaps Keith will offer some perspective. Another thing - Gp riders climb the ranks doing local races and then Moto 3 etc.SO can we say their technique was honed in the lower ranks ie They learnt to do that there and by the time they were doing GP are just very good at it?

Unless HotFoot wrestled professionally and beat some rather large men i doubt it... If you are 5 9 then 16-17 in is a good size that can withstand cornering well. DO remember even simply rotating your neck in the morning can help a lot.

DO measure your neck in inches and tell me.You must be 6 feet or so? Remember neck fat does not mean you have a strong neck.You should have a good 18-19 inch neck for your frame.

I did observe their body position and was intrigued. Why do they hang their leg out? Extra drag? It is almost as if they touch the ground with their inside leg and then get it on the peg Is it to gauge lean angle? It may be of some use in the wet, some kind of support if case you tip the bike over too fast. I noticed they sit up and brake, and the leg comes out and cheek moves off the seat in one motion.They kind of make contact with their toes, and then get the inside leg on the pegs with the elbow of the outer side touching the knee cap of the outside leg...