What is Proper Body Position?

I see a lot of questions on a lot of different forums regarding "Proper" body positioning. Riders post pictures and ask what is wrong with their BP and other riders suggest hanging off more or leaning the bike over further etc....So, what exactly is the purpose of good body position and what does it look like?

Misti

not everyones is the same, it is what you are comfortable with to get you around the track in the fastest safest means possible. over time body position will change as your skill level changes or you figure out what works best for you. Ben Spies has what looks like ideal body position, but again, it is what works for him.

This is a loaded question. She know's the answer, she's just testing our forum. I dont really like it to be honest. Feels kind of elitist, like she doesnt think there are good track riders here.

Originally Posted by freeride

This is a loaded question. She know's the answer, she's just testing our forum. I dont really like it to be honest. Feels kind of elitist, like she doesnt think there are good track riders here.

it is nothing more than starting a intelligent conversation. it has nothing to do with elitism or who rides what here.

ok, sorry then...

whatever way i get around the track faster.

^ +1

To be honest though I think that aside from body positioning, mental state is the biggest reason people don't get around the track fast enough (for their own standards anyway). Really, if we could get on the bikes and already be in the zone we'd be good to go because then everything else would just come naturally.

I guess I might piss everyone off but here I go. Since there is a lot of science involved in riding, I believe there is a perfect way to ride for each situation. With that said, a rider must be able to adjust their riding style, however, everyone should have a base. Troy Bayliss is said to have poor form, yet he is one of the fastest riders in the world. I believe he is fast despite his form not because of his form. In addition, the average rider will not be too successful doing things incorrectly.

So, in general, I think everyone's base should be pretty close as far as foot position, body position, and head position. From there, I think each rider's form should only differ depending on physical limitations or physical differences. However, riders with same limitations or differences should have the same form in theory. I am not factoring in a riders mental ability or personality.

Sorry to be so complicated but that's me.

^ Hey, +1, I agree. Thats why I posted those videos. I think those are a perfect explanation of good form and the purpose of body positioning.