Turning the torso in turns

[duke]

Recently I viewed a riding tape by Dick Burleson. In it, Burleson advocates that when negotiating turns, its advisable to turn the upper body in the direction of the turn. IE, in going left, bring the right shoulder forward slightly, going right, bring left shoulder forward slightly as you look in the direction you want to go. Now the "looking in the direction of intended travel" is a given. And pressing against the gas tank/seat with your knees is also standard advice. But what of the notion of twisting the upper body slightly? Any thoughts, opinions, arguments?

 

[smb_racing]

turning your torso slightly does help in balance through turns from what I've noticed. By having your upper body more in line with the bars I think you can better react should anything happen (unforseen downed tree, ruts, etc.)

http://www.gasgas.com/Pages/Manniko/Basic-turns/Basic-turns-1.html
this is for trials riding, but it has some good advice if you're more of a stand up rider.

 

[Skid Jackson]

ok now i'm a little confused???
How does that relate to counter steering?? Having spent the summer pretending to road race, you would lead with your left shoulder going thru a lefthander. I realize things are different in the dirt. While i've never given it any thought until smb posed his question. If you turned your torso in the direction your are turning this would screw up your counter steering.... I think....Damn! now i'm really confused!! Which leads me to ask... do we do any counter steering out there in the dirt?? Damn! how did i manage to miss all those trees!! .... excuse me but i think i better go dust off that "Pro Motocross & Off Road Motorcycle riding techniques" Book by donnnie bales and gary semics, laying over there on my book shelf.

 

[Anssi]

Originally posted by Skid Jackson
Which leads me to ask... do we do any counter steering out there in the dirt??

Oh yes, we do.

 

[Kramer]

It's just to keep you oriented with the front end. If you stay balanced with the front wheel, it doesn't make much difference what the rear does.

I'm sure he's not suggesting you ride with locked elbows, so countersteering should be fine too.