Great tips. Watch what happens to his arms when he gets in the incorrect position. They won't absorb the bumps nearly as well, like that. BALANCE is super important in everything in life. There's a saying practice makes perfect. That's wrong. Practice makes permanent! If you practice wrong techniques. They will be locked into muscle memory. Get the good techniques, locked into muscle memory!!!!!
I’m below average rider (not skilled at all, never had a dirt bike just atv’s) And bought a KTM 450 EXC. (big mistake) Following videos like this help me a lot to ride safe. Advice: Buy the best helmet you can pay and invest in some training lessons don’t waste money on the bling. Just having the right riding position had saved me countless times from having a bad crash. Whenever you hit a Stone buried in the sand or the whoops are deeper than they appear having the right body position, let the bike “work” and most of the times you can save it and avoid the fall.
The difference between stand straight and bend like he showed is riding enduro or motocross. Enduro cone from endurance and that fir you stand straight, enything other lije he shows is exhausting and for short heacy rides not all long day for a week or more
Great video. I live in Laos where jungle roads are the norm for riding. I have a Honda CRF 300L and there tends to be lots of standing and I am all over the place wondering if I am anywhere near the sweet spot. Thank you. I will subscribe.
Very well explained video! I always find it fascinating watching riders holding the attack position for so long while going over rollers and absorbing everything. Maybe I'm struggling to sustain the position because I don't do it properly! I'll have to film myself and see! Thank you!
I used to bring the handlebars back a little for riding soft sand dunes. This took weight of the front and gave better mechanical advantage over a sunken front wheel. From a 110kg rider.
Today, they all ride with the high bar freestyle set up. I can't stand it. Front end feels 'twitchy". They ride more forward, teasing front end rake and trail, and added 5mm to rear sag to offset that position. Thankfully, we can set up our bikes either way. I will stick with the set up we used before freestyle got big.
the B E S T off-pavement riding video I've EVER seen ! ! ! ... having watched the best instructors worldwide ( ` want names? ). Now, it's all starting to make sense (to me), including handlebar-to-peg geometry. Thanks; I wish you a most Happy New Year ... and safe riding. Now, if someone would explain how to shift while standing - without pushing the bike to the Right (handlebar)? 🙃
Also standing in that position with your head out over the bars to counteract the acceleration forces is about as close to taking a nap on a bike that you can get. I find it to be a lower energy state than sitting. Is great for desert racing or endurance races where you need to conserve energy anywhere possible. The Dakar guys are great at that position.
I'm 6'4, standing knee position was pretty difficult for me to learn - but AJ catanzaro told me to buy a guts wing seat and that's really helped. now i feel like i could remove it without losing my improved technique.
Yes, The attack position is often more difficult for taller riders. Taller riders typically have longer legs and arms. The whole Attack position becomes more pronounced and bigger. Try different foot peg positions, seat heights and handlebars. The rider triangle or cockpit area is really important and can definitely effect your ability to achieve the attack position. Focus on finding a position where you are balanced. Imagine you are playing defense in basketball or football. Try to assume that same position on the motorcycle. Adjust your rider controls to fit the position.
Whoops and improper knee positioning go together like peanut butter and gravel (; Let us know what you figure out next time you're able to get out riding!
Great advice! Will try. So we don't have to grip the tank or anything with our knees? That's only really possible if our knees are way farther forward. Have a great New Years! Cheers!
Continue squeezing and gripping the motorcycle with your legs, ankles and knees. For me I don't usually squeeze the tank area. I usually find myself squeezing the frame protectors, side panel and middle seat.
Dropping your heels is often a result of riding on the balls of your feet, and a good habit to practice in aggressive terrain! It also promotes (and would even require you) to have your knees where they should be. If you have more questions on foot positioning check out our video from last week! Thanks for watching Kevin
Thank you for sharing. It is my problem for sure. May I ask a question? It is a great way to handle offroad for some time. But what if I need to ride offroad for two hours? Should I a time to sit and rest or may I stay vertically to give my hips rest? They are killing me after 15 minutes of staying like that.
Yes, start implementing the technique as much as possible. If you are new to the technique you will be engaging muscle groups that haven't been worked for a while. You may only be able to sustain the position for a few minutes. With time you will strengthen those muscles groups and develop some muscle memory. Also a really big benefit to practicing it over time is you will learn how to maintain the position with the least amount of effort possible, becoming very efficient. With practice you will be able to sustain the position for 2+ hours during a cross country event. Sit down and rest when possible. Stand up and use the attack position when the terrain gets rough.
Some of our bikes have them, some of them do not. I prefer to have a steering stabilizer for high speed racing scenarios often found in desert racing. When trailing riding or riding motocross I prefer to not have a stabilizer set up. They definitely have benefits and improve the riding experience for desert racing.
I have been running the EVS TP199 Knee/Shin Guards for years. They are a knee guard, but my brothers run the Asterisk Carbon Cell Knee Braces. They both find those to be one of the less restrictive options when it comes to actual knee braces. Both are still being sold at Rocky Mountain www.rockymountainatvmc.com/?ref=1058&RideWithTheKnights& If you have any other questions on equipment let us know!
Lean your upper body forward, head over the bars. Your legs will help control the rear end, and the head over the bars with bent arms will control the front end. You should be relaxed.
Do you get mid/lower back pain when in the standing position for longer than 20 mins? I find I always get back pain, especially in a higher speed race and have to sit to relax it.
I get it too. It comes from arching my back forward to reach the bars when I lock my hips out. Keeping the back in a straight line is much easier when the hips hinge
Yes, the proper attack position will require a lot of lower back strength. Practice keeping your back straight and finding opportunities to sit for a quick recovery. Over time you will strengthen and build stamina with this new muscle group.
@@ridewiththeknights Thanks so much! I have been doing reverse leg raises, back extension holds with weights and back extensions to try to help since we can't ride up here right now
very important tips! Where i live (Greece) people still race SITTING and i'm done trying to convince them of the difference after trying for years! Yet.. One thing i don't understand about this video. Why are your toes on the pegs instead of the middle of the feet? I only ride standing and to have my feet on the gear/brake my foot needs to be closer to the pedals. One thing i do for consistent standing is lower my levers and pedals as low as i can get them so there's no weird angles in my joints that might push one to sit earlier. I try having a consistent straight line to my whole arm and hand while riding.
Riding on the balls of the feet provides additional control through ankle flexion. This allows pressing each peg individually for improved stability, as well as a few inches of greater leg "suspension travel." The pegs offer steering control somewhat similar to ailerons on an airplane wing. Pressing on the left peg can help initiate a turn to the left, and so on, and this is best performed from the balls of the feet.
@@motrock93b Thank you for the response! Yeah, i control the bike that way too, but enjoying going fast in trails/hard trails i want my feet closer to the controls so i am quick to respond to the terrain. I think the balls to pegs action relates to high speed on predictable terrain, like MX starts/flats etc.? "balls to pegs" is very fitting to high speed too 😂
What the hell this guy looks like he is riding a mini bike he must be 6’6” His stance tutorial would be better displayed with a normal size rider that looks more proportional
All these years and no one’s ever said anything about this. Now I need to relearn. Thanks!
It’s never too late to learn!
Great tips. Watch what happens to his arms when he gets in the incorrect position. They won't absorb the bumps nearly as well, like that. BALANCE is super important in everything in life. There's a saying practice makes perfect. That's wrong. Practice makes permanent! If you practice wrong techniques. They will be locked into muscle memory. Get the good techniques, locked into muscle memory!!!!!
Great video. I'm getting back into riding after twenty years off, and tips like yours will help me ride better immediately.
Glad you're back in the saddle!
I’m below average rider (not skilled at all, never had a dirt bike just atv’s)
And bought a KTM 450 EXC. (big mistake) Following videos like this help me a lot to ride safe. Advice: Buy the best helmet you can pay and invest in some training lessons don’t waste money on the bling.
Just having the right riding position had saved me countless times from having a bad crash. Whenever you hit a Stone buried in the sand or the whoops are deeper than they appear having the right body position, let the bike “work” and most of the times you can save it and avoid the fall.
I also have a KTM 450. Not a big mistake once you master the bike’s power delivery and good handling qualities.
This is GREAT instruction and explained so well. It's kind of easy to forget how important this is. Thank you!
I'm glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching Dan
You are a big dude. Thats how I look on a cfr 100
Excellent, must practice. I definitely stand straight up. Its such an effort to stand as I am tall, so I just end up sitting.
The difference between stand straight and bend like he showed is riding enduro or motocross. Enduro cone from endurance and that fir you stand straight, enything other lije he shows is exhausting and for short heacy rides not all long day for a week or more
Great video. I live in Laos where jungle roads are the norm for riding. I have a Honda CRF 300L and there tends to be lots of standing and I am all over the place wondering if I am anywhere near the sweet spot. Thank you. I will subscribe.
Very well explained video! I always find it fascinating watching riders holding the attack position for so long while going over rollers and absorbing everything. Maybe I'm struggling to sustain the position because I don't do it properly! I'll have to film myself and see! Thank you!
I used to bring the handlebars back a little for riding soft sand dunes. This took weight of the front and gave better mechanical advantage over a sunken front wheel.
From a 110kg rider.
Today, they all ride with the high bar freestyle set up. I can't stand it. Front end feels 'twitchy". They ride more forward, teasing front end rake and trail, and added 5mm to rear sag to offset that position. Thankfully, we can set up our bikes either way. I will stick with the set up we used before freestyle got big.
the B E S T off-pavement riding video I've EVER seen ! ! ! ... having watched the best instructors worldwide ( ` want names? ). Now, it's all starting to make sense (to me), including handlebar-to-peg geometry. Thanks; I wish you a most Happy New Year ... and safe riding.
Now, if someone would explain how to shift while standing - without pushing the bike to the Right (handlebar)? 🙃
Glad the video helped! It's a challenging skill to master, but it comes with practice and a little bit of technique.
Also standing in that position with your head out over the bars to counteract the acceleration forces is about as close to taking a nap on a bike that you can get. I find it to be a lower energy state than sitting. Is great for desert racing or endurance races where you need to conserve energy anywhere possible. The Dakar guys are great at that position.
Great tip, would you agree this is especially hard for taller riders...?
I'm 6'4, standing knee position was pretty difficult for me to learn - but AJ catanzaro told me to buy a guts wing seat and that's really helped. now i feel like i could remove it without losing my improved technique.
Yes, The attack position is often more difficult for taller riders. Taller riders typically have longer legs and arms. The whole Attack position becomes more pronounced and bigger. Try different foot peg positions, seat heights and handlebars. The rider triangle or cockpit area is really important and can definitely effect your ability to achieve the attack position. Focus on finding a position where you are balanced. Imagine you are playing defense in basketball or football. Try to assume that same position on the motorcycle. Adjust your rider controls to fit the position.
Thanks for sharing. Cheers from OZ
My Dad taught me this when I was 5, back in 1971
@jophoto934 You're SO old! I was only four in 1971 :)
@@Davran2742 I wasnt born yet, 1976 🤣
That’s absolutely fascinating.
You aught to make a movie about that.
Riding on whoops in the desert I have been trying to figure out why my lower back starts to hurt so bad. I will try this
Whoops and improper knee positioning go together like peanut butter and gravel (; Let us know what you figure out next time you're able to get out riding!
Hold your knees tight to the seat also in the whoops. It helps relax your upper body.
Thank you
Do heaps of squats and calf raisers for your legs and core exercises to strengthen your abs. Ride like a jockey it seems. Thanks for the tips.
Great advice! Will try. So we don't have to grip the tank or anything with our knees? That's only really possible if our knees are way farther forward. Have a great New Years!
Cheers!
You can still grip with your knees, but it won’t be the tank per se.
Continue squeezing and gripping the motorcycle with your legs, ankles and knees. For me I don't usually squeeze the tank area. I usually find myself squeezing the frame protectors, side panel and middle seat.
Mark on the seat plastic where ur knees need to be
🎯🎯🎯🎯❤❤❤
Great video thanks. I have found by dropping my heels it helps me stay in that position. Is this a good or bad habit? Thanks
Dropping your heels is often a result of riding on the balls of your feet, and a good habit to practice in aggressive terrain! It also promotes (and would even require you) to have your knees where they should be. If you have more questions on foot positioning check out our video from last week! Thanks for watching Kevin
At 1:50 you say to keep your knees behind your toes but in the picture when you say that your knees are way in front of your toes??
Yes not the clearest there
The best advice, thanks . 🙏
Thank you for sharing. It is my problem for sure. May I ask a question? It is a great way to handle offroad for some time. But what if I need to ride offroad for two hours? Should I a time to sit and rest or may I stay vertically to give my hips rest? They are killing me after 15 minutes of staying like that.
Yes, start implementing the technique as much as possible. If you are new to the technique you will be engaging muscle groups that haven't been worked for a while. You may only be able to sustain the position for a few minutes. With time you will strengthen those muscles groups and develop some muscle memory. Also a really big benefit to practicing it over time is you will learn how to maintain the position with the least amount of effort possible, becoming very efficient. With practice you will be able to sustain the position for 2+ hours during a cross country event. Sit down and rest when possible. Stand up and use the attack position when the terrain gets rough.
Knees over toes make sense. That is the same thing I was taught in hockey
Same position as in Squats, which is one of the most important exercise for off road motorcycle racing😃
Do you use a steering stabilizer while racing desert? What is your opinion of racing without one.
Some of our bikes have them, some of them do not. I prefer to have a steering stabilizer for high speed racing scenarios often found in desert racing. When trailing riding or riding motocross I prefer to not have a stabilizer set up. They definitely have benefits and improve the riding experience for desert racing.
What braces do you use they seem very slim and unrestrictive
I have been running the EVS TP199 Knee/Shin Guards for years. They are a knee guard, but my brothers run the Asterisk Carbon Cell Knee Braces. They both find those to be one of the less restrictive options when it comes to actual knee braces. Both are still being sold at Rocky Mountain www.rockymountainatvmc.com/?ref=1058&RideWithTheKnights& If you have any other questions on equipment let us know!
Are you in Vegas?
Hey i didn’t approve my picture to be used as the thumbnail…😂 I swear that’s me 😂 hahha thanks for the class/info/edit!!! 🫡🇺🇸
Haha i thought the same!
I can see why you might think that’s you. Haha, thanks for watching!
I have been trying to get better at this, but I feel stretched out when I have my hips back and I feel that I pulling on the handle bars super hard.
Lean your upper body forward, head over the bars. Your legs will help control the rear end, and the head over the bars with bent arms will control the front end. You should be relaxed.
Great technique video! I'd love one of those black/white Sherco hats, can you please kick me a link where to get one? Thanks!
Unfortunately they are not yet available but will be soon. We'll have links to merchandise in the next couple months.
Do you get mid/lower back pain when in the standing position for longer than 20 mins? I find I always get back pain, especially in a higher speed race and have to sit to relax it.
I get it too. It comes from arching my back forward to reach the bars when I lock my hips out. Keeping the back in a straight line is much easier when the hips hinge
@@night1ish Thanks for the tip!! I will focus on that once our snow is gone, lol
Yes, the proper attack position will require a lot of lower back strength. Practice keeping your back straight and finding opportunities to sit for a quick recovery. Over time you will strengthen and build stamina with this new muscle group.
@@ridewiththeknights Thanks so much!
I have been doing reverse leg raises, back extension holds with weights and back extensions to try to help since we can't ride up here right now
I recommend core work and kettlebells for strengthening this. Great warmup and workout.
Brilliant..
What if your just riding around and standing straight? Is it ok?
Sure, the attack position is best for high intensity riding. If you're just putting around it doesn't make a huge difference.
I always was told to move my body, and so the knees, to the front, when riding off road... hmmm I'm kind of confused now.
Try both techniques and see which one you like better.
Those hips don't lie!
Didn't know Charlie Kirk was a biker!
Damn, should'a' watched this years ago! I'm not sure, but I'm willing to bet I'm doing it wrong.
Whats that large pile of sand behind you?
West desert of Utah.
@@ridewiththeknights Thanks. It looks awesome. Perfect dirt bike land.
🏁👍
very important tips!
Where i live (Greece) people still race SITTING and i'm done trying to convince them of the difference after trying for years!
Yet.. One thing i don't understand about this video. Why are your toes on the pegs instead of the middle of the feet?
I only ride standing and to have my feet on the gear/brake my foot needs to be closer to the pedals.
One thing i do for consistent standing is lower my levers and pedals as low as i can get them so there's no weird angles in my joints that might push one to sit earlier.
I try having a consistent straight line to my whole arm and hand while riding.
Riding on the balls of the feet provides additional control through ankle flexion. This allows pressing each peg individually for improved stability, as well as a few inches of greater leg "suspension travel." The pegs offer steering control somewhat similar to ailerons on an airplane wing. Pressing on the left peg can help initiate a turn to the left, and so on, and this is best performed from the balls of the feet.
@@motrock93b Thank you for the response!
Yeah, i control the bike that way too, but enjoying going fast in trails/hard trails i want my feet closer to the controls so i am quick to respond to the terrain.
I think the balls to pegs action relates to high speed on predictable terrain, like MX starts/flats etc.?
"balls to pegs" is very fitting to high speed too 😂
What the hell this guy looks like he is riding a mini bike he must be 6’6”
His stance tutorial would be better displayed with a normal size rider that looks more proportional
I met him in person once, I'm pretty sure he is closer to 6'10"
@@alecferrin3935 Josh is a bit under 6'5". Asked him during the Idaho City 100.
Is that a Yz 80 lol
better figure out stance or you'll become a broken old man. be 'that old guy on a dirtbike' for as long as you can. the youngerds need you to stay up.