So why do you need to grip the tank with your legs???

AlanDog · December 20th, 2011, 11:31 PM

I've been riding for over a year and I've seen these comments about gripping the tank... I don't know what problem this is supposed to solve... do people slide too far forward?

setasai · December 20th, 2011, 11:36 PM

During hard breaking... yes there is the sliding thing but also because I like to sit further back on the seat, I need to use my legs to keep me back there since the seat is slanted forward.

cuong-nutz · December 21st, 2011, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setasai

During hard breaking... yes there is the sliding thing but also because I like to sit further back on the seat, I need to use my legs to keep me back there since the seat is slanted forward.

^^^^This and it helps alleviate wrist fatigue and hands going numb as your core and legs are supporting your upper body.

alex.s · December 21st, 2011, 12:20 AM

gripping the tank with your lower body is the result of not putting weight on the bars. when you brake, when you accelerate, when you turn. you're being supported by your feet and the tank.

if you put weight on the bars you will crash the bike and kill kittens.

LoD575 · December 21st, 2011, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setasai

During hard breaking... yes there is the sliding thing but also because I like to sit further back on the seat, I need to use my legs to keep me back there since the seat is slanted forward.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuong-nutz

^^^^This and it helps alleviate wrist fatigue and hands going numb as your core and legs are supporting your upper body.

Solid points on why to grip the tank with knees.

Flying Pig · December 21st, 2011, 12:57 AM

A tank grip like TechSpec or Stomp Grip will allow you to easier hold onto the tank

Nemesis · December 21st, 2011, 05:21 AM

I don't grip the tank with my knees.

Only time I do is when I'm in the turns but with just one knee.

x 2

jstrain · December 21st, 2011, 07:00 AM

If you're coming into a corner hot and braking hard, gripping the tank with your legs helps prevent transferring all that weight into the bars. All that force on the bars makes setting up for the corner difficult.

Alex · December 21st, 2011, 07:37 AM

All good points. It can be especially helpful when going downhill. It's not quite as critical on our ninjette as it is on bikes with riding positions that place more weight on your hands to start out with.

Flying Pig · December 21st, 2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemesis

I don't grip the tank with my knees.

Only time I do is when I'm in the turns but with just one knee.

x 2

What about when riding bikes with better brakes than the ninjette? I'd go flying with the kind of braking force my R6 is capable of if I didn't grip the tank.

I'm dying to take my new ninja to the track though. Should be a fun change of pace

Nemesis · December 21st, 2011, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flying Pig

What about when riding bikes with better brakes than the ninjette? I'd go flying with the kind of braking force my R6 is capable of if I didn't grip the tank.

I do the same (no gripping on tank when braking or hard braking) on my CBR600RR.

In fact, one butt cheek is off the seat preparing for the turn and braking...braking hard & late. Same thing MotoGP guys do. I'm crazy like that.

csmith12 · December 21st, 2011, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemesis

I do the same (no gripping on tank when braking or hard braking) on my CBR600RR.

In fact, one butt cheek is off the seat preparing for the turn and braking...braking hard & late. Same thing MotoGP guys do. I'm crazy like that.

werd!

Firehorse · December 22nd, 2011, 12:15 AM

I steer with my leg grip and pegs when I'm in that mellow relaxed cruising mood.

Give the peg a push downward and the tank a gentle squeeze and the bars move to countersteer themselves in the direction you want to go. I'm guessing that's how all the stunters steer when their hands are off the bars but I won't be going no hands now or anytime in the future

One hand sometimes for that mellow puttering through back country but never no-hands.

Jiggles · December 22nd, 2011, 12:33 AM

There is a reason it is a girls bike. You want to stay away from this area as much as possible

Firehorse · December 22nd, 2011, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

There is a reason it is a girls bike. You want to stay away from this area as much as possible

Or a bike for men with strong parts and good body positioning.

Jiggles · December 22nd, 2011, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firehorse

Or a bike for men with strong parts and good body positioning.

I simply retract mine inside my body while riding. Hmm, it is turning me into a girl....

Firehorse · December 22nd, 2011, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggles

I simply retract mine inside my body while riding. Hmm, it is turning me into a girl....

Hey, cool, your IQ is probably going up. What a bonus.

Heh, heh...lol!

massacremasses · December 22nd, 2011, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firehorse

Hey, cool, your IQ is probably going up. What a bonus.

Heh, heh...lol!

but his sense of direction is getting worse...

and suffering from mood swings

alex.s · December 22nd, 2011, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jstrain

If you're coming into a corner hot and braking hard, gripping the tank with your legs helps prevent transferring all that weight into the bars. All that force on the bars makes setting up for the corner difficult.

like they said before its best to setup for the turn before you start braking, that way you can trail brake it in without changing your body setup, because changing your body position upsets the bike a little bit... best to do it when you are on the gas and the bike is stable. when you are hanging off, your gripping outside leg is partly against the tank in front so it keeps you from sliding forward

Dragone · December 22nd, 2011, 07:41 PM

Since my legs and mid section are stronger than my arms, I use the pegs, tank and frame to help out with any arm weaknesses. Even then, arm pump is a beatch

Cab305 · December 22nd, 2011, 07:44 PM

When leaned over I grip the tank with my elbow.

Firehorse · December 22nd, 2011, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by massacremasses

but his sense of direction is getting worse...

...but now he's not afraid to ask for directions...

Quote:

and suffering from mood swings

...which everyone loves when it swings in the the excessively happy direction...

Tank grip:
Took a few slowish twisties last night and kept my legs from touching the tank to see the difference. Was kind of weird. Had to lean the top bits over with extra effort, kind of like a shoulder swing??
Take more effort to turn without touching the tank.

Did you guys notice in MotoGP, they use their legs like airplane flaps when they need to really slow down quickly. Look at a shot coming out of a corner when someone cuts in front of another rider, as the back rider brakes, both his knees fly open to help catch a bit more wind. Only make sense to keep them totally tucked against the tank for speed, less resistance.

Firehorse · December 22nd, 2011, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cab305

When leaned over I grip the tank with my elbow.

Don't think I've ever tried that. Hmm. My next learning curve..

choneofakind · December 22nd, 2011, 11:09 PM

^^^ intended pun?

Firehorse · December 23rd, 2011, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

^^^ intended pun?

I'd love to say, yes, I'm brilliant, but that one was actually totally not intended..

It's a good one though. Too bad it went right over my head the first time.

ally99 · December 23rd, 2011, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

gripping the tank with your lower body is the result of not putting weight on the bars. when you brake, when you accelerate, when you turn. you're being supported by your feet and the tank.

if you put weight on the bars you will crash the bike and kill kittens.

JLinde1339 · December 28th, 2011, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firehorse

Did you guys notice in MotoGP, they use their legs like airplane flaps when they need to really slow down quickly. Look at a shot coming out of a corner when someone cuts in front of another rider, as the back rider brakes, both his knees fly open to help catch a bit more wind. Only make sense to keep them totally tucked against the tank for speed, less resistance.

That technique also helps immensely to alleviate swamp ass...
Posted via Mobile Device

Live2ride · December 28th, 2011, 12:42 PM

Gripping the tank with your knees keeps the gnargles away.

Firehorse · December 29th, 2011, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLinde1339

That technique also helps immensely to alleviate swamp ass...
Posted via Mobile Device

Eeew.
Remind me not to ride behind you.

December 20th, 2011, 11:31 PM	#1
AlanDog ninjette.org guru Name: Alan Location: Woodland, California (Sacramento area) Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2019 Ninja 400, 2009 KLX250-SF, 2014 Zero S Posts: 269	So why do you need to grip the tank with your legs??? I've been riding for over a year and I've seen these comments about gripping the tank... I don't know what problem this is supposed to solve... do people slide too far forward?

December 20th, 2011, 11:36 PM	#2
setasai ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Brian Location: Detroit, MI Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.	During hard breaking... yes there is the sliding thing but also because I like to sit further back on the seat, I need to use my legs to keep me back there since the seat is slanted forward. __________________________________________________ 2009 Ninja 250R SE Green Sport Touring Style: ZG ST; Symtec heated grips; RAM GPS w/ mUSB; DIY reshaped seat; DIY Givi E21 Sidecases; 15T sprocket

December 21st, 2011, 12:20 AM	#4
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	gripping the tank with your lower body is the result of not putting weight on the bars. when you brake, when you accelerate, when you turn. you're being supported by your feet and the tank. if you put weight on the bars you will crash the bike and kill kittens. __________________________________________________

December 21st, 2011, 12:57 AM	#6
Flying Pig Resident Lurker Name: Solomon Location: Bay Area, CA Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): R6, Strom, 250R, CH80 Elite Posts: 78	A tank grip like TechSpec or Stomp Grip will allow you to easier hold onto the tank __________________________________________________ When was the last time you checked your tire pressure?

December 21st, 2011, 05:21 AM	#7
Nemesis CVMA #74 WSMC #750 Name: Nemesis Location: On the track Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): All of them Posts: A lot.	I don't grip the tank with my knees. Only time I do is when I'm in the turns but with just one knee. x 2 __________________________________________________

December 21st, 2011, 07:00 AM	#8
jstrain ninjette.org guru Name: Jeremy Location: Philadelphia Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): '04 Aprilia RSV, '10 Bonneville, '10 Ninjette Posts: 359	If you're coming into a corner hot and braking hard, gripping the tank with your legs helps prevent transferring all that weight into the bars. All that force on the bars makes setting up for the corner difficult. __________________________________________________ -Jeremy

December 21st, 2011, 07:37 AM	#9
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	All good points. It can be especially helpful when going downhill. It's not quite as critical on our ninjette as it is on bikes with riding positions that place more weight on your hands to start out with. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

December 22nd, 2011, 12:15 AM	#13
Firehorse ninjette.org sage Name: Ms.T, Queen of the Night Location: Ontario, Canada Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250 Posts: 938	I steer with my leg grip and pegs when I'm in that mellow relaxed cruising mood. Give the peg a push downward and the tank a gentle squeeze and the bars move to countersteer themselves in the direction you want to go. I'm guessing that's how all the stunters steer when their hands are off the bars but I won't be going no hands now or anytime in the future One hand sometimes for that mellow puttering through back country but never no-hands.

December 22nd, 2011, 12:33 AM	#14
Jiggles Jigglin' your Jiglets Name: Sean Location: San Jose, Ca Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 1 MOTM - Apr '13	There is a reason it is a girls bike. You want to stay away from this area as much as possible __________________________________________________ If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs

December 22nd, 2011, 07:41 PM	#20
Dragone ninjette.org member Name: Ted Location: Nevada Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): '86 VFR 750, '90 ZX7, '92 KZ1000, '05 ninja 500, '05 6RR, '06 10R, '07 ninja 250 Posts: 122	Since my legs and mid section are stronger than my arms, I use the pegs, tank and frame to help out with any arm weaknesses. Even then, arm pump is a beatch

December 22nd, 2011, 07:44 PM	#21
Cab305 ninjette.org sage Name: Cab Location: Miami Beach Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): Blue 10 250r Posts: 697	When leaned over I grip the tank with my elbow.

December 22nd, 2011, 11:09 PM	#24
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	^^^ intended pun?

December 28th, 2011, 12:42 PM	#28
Live2ride ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cody Location: NoVa Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 06 yzf r6r previously: 09 ninja 250r, black 07 zx6r Posts: A lot.	Gripping the tank with your knees keeps the gnargles away. __________________________________________________

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