Hanging off and counterbalancing
Hanging off and counterbalancing change the body's position relative to the motorcycle and the motorcycle's required lean angle.
Neutral position
In a neutral position, your torso leans with the motorcycle, at roughly the same angle.
Fewer unnecessary body movements
If you do not swing your torso around, it is easier to keep your arms relaxed and avoid transmitting unnecessary movements to the handlebar.
Support with your legs
Hold yourself on the motorcycle with your legs, without leaning unnecessarily on the handlebar. Relaxed arms and shoulders let you control the motorcycle without transmitting every movement of your body to the handlebar.
When a neutral position is enough
For most ordinary road situations, a neutral position is enough, and no additional body movement is required.
Hang off to the inside
Moving your body toward the inside of the turn lets you follow the same arc with less lean from the motorcycle itself.
On the road
On an ordinary road, a small shift of the body is usually enough. On a wet or uneven surface, a moderate amount of hanging off may help keep the motorcycle slightly more upright on the same arc, but the grip reserve depends primarily on choosing an appropriate speed and using smooth throttle and braking.
Limitations of hanging off
Hanging off alone does not increase grip and does not compensate for excessive entry speed.
It does not replace steering
Body position changes the balance and feel of the motorcycle, but the turn is still initiated with the handlebar.
Counterbalancing
Your torso stays closer to the outside of the turn, while the motorcycle leans more beneath you.
Where counterbalancing is useful
- low speed
- tight U-turns
- loose surfaces and dirt
- quick direction changes at low speed around an obstacle
What changes with counterbalancing
Your torso stays more upright or moves toward the outside of the turn, while the motorcycle itself has to lean more at the same speed and radius. The greater lean reduces the available ground clearance.
Compare body positions on the same circle
In a practice area, ride the same wide circle once in a neutral position and once while counterbalancing. Keep the speed and radius roughly the same so you can feel the effect of body position itself.