Where Should Your Motorcycle Seating Position Be?

Are you wondering how to ride a motorcycle more comfortably?

You’re not alone. There are over 12 million of us cruising down American roads in a variety of motorcycle riding positions. Some people make motorcycle riding look easy, while others struggle with sore backs and achy joints.

To keep doing what you love most, you need to know how to sit on a motorcycle (the right way). In this post, we’ll review the basic motorcycle seating position and body mechanics to keep you cruising comfortably all day long.

Take a seat and read on!

Your Motorcycle Seating Position: 3 Styles

First, let’s review the three main styles of motorcycle riding. The style you choose will depend on the type of bike you ride and the distance you’re traveling, but it’s good to get familiar with all three.

1. Standard Riding Posture

The standard position is the most neutral option, with the rider neither leaned forward nor reclined back. You sit with your back upright and your shoulders squared over your hips.

Your arms should be extended (but not hyperextended), with your elbows slightly bent. Your knees should rest against the tank while your feet rest on the footpegs at a 90-degree.

This position is best for a dual sport or a touring bike and it’s ideal for both short commutes and long-distance trips.

2. Cruiser Riding Posture

As the name suggests, motorcycle riding in the cruiser position makes you look comfortable, confident, and relaxed.

Your body is slightly reclined towards the back of the motorcycle, while your arms extend almost fully in front of you. Your knees should be bent and almost level with your hips, with your feet resting on the footpegs ahead of your knees.

Many riders love this posture for its laid-back look and feel, but it can be taxing on the arms and upper body. It’s best for cruisers with lower seat heights and higher handgrips.

3. Sports Riding Posture

If you feel the need for speed, you’ll want to perfect your sport riding posture. This is the most aerodynamic position, resulting in less wind resistance for the rider.

In this position, you lean your upper body forward so your shoulders are in front of your hips. Your stomach rests against the tank, allowing you to bend your elbows and relax your arms. Meanwhile, your feet will rest on footpegs positioned behind your knees.

This position can improve your speed and performance, but it’s not as comfortable as the standard or cruiser positions. In fact, 58% of riders report pain in at least one part of their neck or back while riding. To keep yourself comfortable, save the sport posture for shorter stints and adopt the standard or cruiser position the rest of the time.

How to Sit on a Motorcycle: Now You Know

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or you just bought your very first bike, these motorcycle riding tips are invaluable. Bookmark this article and refer back to it to ensure you have the proper motorcycle seating position for your bike.

Of course, there are ways to make all of these different motorcycle riding positions more comfortable. Our ergonomic air cushions remove those pesky pressure points and allow you to ride comfortably no matter how many miles you travel.

Click here to visit our online shop and find the perfect Wild Ass seat cushion for you.