Quote Originally Posted by MistressOfMayhem View Post
^ I agree that you shouldn't be bearing down on the handlebars. Let me see if I can express this clearly and concisely. I once learned from an expert on the subject that if you are bearing down on the handlebars you are actually creating resistance on the front end to do its job when coming into corners, hitting bumps, etc.

So lets say you are on the track and there is a corner where there is this bump that is notorious for throwing you off your line because it upsets the bike so much. Part of that is because you're "muscling" the front to stay in one position and it doesn't want to do that. So if you come around the same corner again and instead support yourself with your legs and back but place your arms in such a manner (as seen above) where you are ONLY using them to control the throttle and engage lean (you shouldn't even really be "holding on" with them) you'll find that while the front end gets a little upset, the bike takes the corner better because its allowed to absorb and disperse the energy from hitting the bump and it will feel like the bump is much smaller than it was the last time you came around. Hopefully that makes sense. So you should be pushing from behind, instead of bearing down from above. Anyone who knows more on this than I do feel free to elaborate or correct me.

You will also find that it hurts a lot less because your arms aren't absorbing the shock created from trying to muscle that much force. Of course, having your suspension adjusted will also help in optimizing stress management. But yeah, plus it will reduce your fear of those corners because they aren't screwing you up so bad.

The trick is consciously reprogramming yourself to A. relax, and B. change your positioning. When I ride its become pretty natural for me to do it this way (especially on the R6 because the gas tank is so much easier to grip than the kawi) and I've found that I'm a LOT less sore after canyon runs (which wear you out differently than track days in my opinion) and I've picked up a lot more speed with a lot less effort.

I agree that the gixxers are comfortable bikes. I rode one at femmoto last year and it was freakin' awesome. The body positioning made it a lot easier not to bear down on the handlebars and the design made it easier to grip the tank with your thighs. Obviously I was more partial to the Yamaha though.
Well explained. We always say that tired legs are good but tired arms are a sign that you are holding on way too tight and working too hard. Use your legs to squeeze the tank so that you can relax your arms and when you counter-steer, concentrate on pushing the bars FORWARD instead of DOWN....you will notice less resistance in turning and less pressure on your wrists.

I know that some people have suggested sitting closer to the tank to get the weight off the wrists but I tend to suggest the opposite. If you move back in the seat a little bit it often creates a bit more room so your elbows can naturally relax and bend a little bit more, plus it puts your legs in a better position to grip the tank. I'm only 5'3 but I sit in the middle of the seat, not way up close to the tank. Just a suggestion.....

Cheers,

Misti