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Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 3 Aug 2012
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All responders have it right. My DL is hard to control when standing because it's not set up correctly (and too heavy anyway for off-road, but that's another story). My KLR is often easier and/or more safe, depending--but it does help to apply certain riding skills, without which there's no advantage. A true off-road bike is much more safe standing, even in my own inept hands--but it still has to be set up for your size, reach, etc.

I don't stand up unless it seems likely to help (or to stretch, see over traffic, or play around). On good gravel or dirt, seldom. Among densely-clustered potholes or other riding impediments, I'll stand even on the DL. Variety is the spice of life (or something).

Mark
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  #2  
Old 3 Aug 2012
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Something I've noticed amongst both 'overlanders' and also 'trailriders' back here in the UK. They stand up as soon as they get onto a gravel road, but the moment the going gets tricky their arse is back on the seat like a flash, and often their feet are stuck out trailing above the ground.

The latter is particularly dangerous if you value your ankles. Plus if you always ride tough terrain like this, you'll kill your dab reflex for when you come across a bit of hidden loose ground.


I think it's written in Chris Scott's handbook something like: 'No need to standup on loose ground, taking the weight off your arse and putting it onto your feet is enough'. And this is very true and appropriate advice for overland travel.

The only time as a novice I've felt it 100% natural to stand up is when going down hill slowly on loose/rocky ground.

But undoubtedly mastering standing up all the time is going to be a massive benefit off the tarmac. I don't think anyone would argue against this. But I think the original poster's point was that the majority of riders standing up are doing it because they think they should do, and not because it helps them. If you're not used to it, standing up will reduce your balance, and definitely reduce your control of the bike.
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  #3  
Old 4 Aug 2012
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out of control
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Originally Posted by Nath View Post
Something I've noticed amongst both 'overlanders' and also 'trailriders' back here in the UK. They stand up as soon as they get onto a gravel road, but the moment the going gets tricky their arse is back on the seat like a flash, and often their feet are stuck out trailing above the ground.

The latter is particularly dangerous if you value your ankles. Plus if you always ride tough terrain like this, you'll kill your dab reflex for when you come across a bit of hidden loose ground.


I think it's written in Chris Scott's handbook something like: 'No need to standup on loose ground, taking the weight off your arse and putting it onto your feet is enough'. And this is very true and appropriate advice for overland travel.

The only time as a novice I've felt it 100% natural to stand up is when going down hill slowly on loose/rocky ground.

But undoubtedly mastering standing up all the time is going to be a massive benefit off the tarmac. I don't think anyone would argue against this. But I think the original poster's point was that the majority of riders standing up are doing it because they think they should do, and not because it helps them. If you're not used to it, standing up will reduce your balance, and definitely reduce your control of the bike.

yes nath i totally agree with you and mr scott.when riding 70% or more my ass is hovering a few inches above the seat while transfering weight to the pegs as thats were the control and comfort is at.
your last paragraph hit the nail on the head.
thanks for the reply bud.
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