Jim wrote:
Before you laugh too hard, I refer you to the article "Body Postion, an Overview" in April's Cycle World, page 24.
http://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-ri ... ride-craftMuch respect for Nick Ienatsch, but IMO that article does a disservice to the sport bike community. What he says is technically correct (hanging off reduces lean angle for a given speed/radius) but there are no caveats presented. Indeed he encourages riders to emulate the riding positions of their favorite GP stars. Most will not have the cat like reflexes and certainly not the intensive riding experience to ride like that with impunity. The race track does not present the problems of surprise gravel, wet spots and slow moving Buicks. A more neutral riding position allows you to react much faster. If the bike does slide you have a much better chance of making the save. Ever see them hanging off dirt bikes? Watch riders at The Isle of Man, or GP riders in the rain. They're still hanging off but not quite as much.
Jim C,
Nice to meet you and I can say that it feels as awkward as it looks. I ride for a racing school and we have to demonstrate "correct" body position even at glacially slow speeds. It's an isometric exercise and I never want to see the photos.