Body position in corner

[Jarda]

I looked through an old topics about cornering and haven't found any infos about body position in corner. I understand why should I keep my chin over the triple clamps in attack position-because in triple clamps is a pivot point of whole bike. But watching pros in corner - they are sitting straight like on chair. Thats mean their chin is not above a triple clamps! Why they are not leaned forward? Is the pivot point in corner above the pegs? What is the proper body position in corner at all?

Thanks for help
Jarda YZ250

 

[CaptainObvious]

You need to be in a position that will allow (1) maximum traction into the apex of the turn and (2) maximum acceleration out of the turn. This isn’t one position during the turn and it varies depending on many factors such as type of turn (bermed, flat, up/down hill), condition of the soil (hard pack, mud, sand) and amount of braking.

For example, if breaking hard into a flat, hard packed turn I would want to be close to the center of the seat (between 1/3 and 1/2 use) with a lot of weight on the outside peg. I’m also sitting at the highest point of the seat (the top edge). As I hit the apex I’m starting to stand the bike up with a lot of throttle so in order to keep the front tire down (I’m still turning) I’ll slip up closer to the tank. When the bike is upright I’ll move more towards the center of the seat.

If the all of the above were the same, except the turn has a berm, I would want to be closer to the tank (between 1/4 and 1/3 use of the seat). The difference? The rear tire will want to slide out on the flat turn so I add some weight to the rear (remember we are breaking) by staying back on the seat. In the bermed example I can move forward because the berm acts as a rail for the rear tire. Moving forward allows me to break harder and accelerate sooner.

So the answer to your question is it depends on the turn.

 

[Jarda]

I'm just trying to improve my cornering on flat hard pack ground running cycles or 8's figure. You are right - my rear wheel is sliding out without control and sometimes my bike fall. I will try to sit a little bit back on the seat. I should add some weight to the rear tire. I'll keep you informed....

 

[CaptainObvious]

On hard pack you want to sit back, and just as important, sit high on the seat. Doing 8's is a great drill.

 

[Jarda]

Thanks for reply. Last (hope:-) question is: Should I everytime keep my chin over the handlebars(triple clamps)? A few peoples told me: "Everytime keep your balance centre (ears) over the triple clamps, because only this way you can avoid self induced vertigo."

 

[CaptainObvious]

It would be tough to get vertigo on a dirtbike, unless of course your eyes were closed. If you stay focused and look WHERE you WANT to go you shouldn’t have trouble with vertigo. Always look through the turn. If you are staring at your where your tire is, you can’t see where you are going.

As far as head position, once again, there is no set place for your head. You would be in an awkward position if you were trying to set back on the seat and keep your head above the bars.

 

[Luft]

Getting forward up to the gas tank puts more weight on the front allowing for better traction and shortening the wheelbase as the suspension is compressed so the bike can turn quickly. The head may be behind the bars as the rider may shift his weight slightly from the front. The head darts back over the clamps just prior to acceleration to lead the bike.

 

[Jarda]

Thanks for answers. I'll make a practice when wheather conditions allow.
Jarda