Tips for stand-up riding

[longtrack156]

I ride standing all the time because of back problems, I find that the handlebars must be high enough for me to fully stand while holding the bars.
I'm 5'10" and added 5-1/2" to my old 98 PS and added 2" to my 06 M7.

 

[Ollie]

http://www.akmining.com/snow/powder1.htm

Pretty much explains stand up riding and why.

Stand on your machine.
Relax.
you should be able to reach out and put your hands around the bars without bending over. If you have to bend at the waist, raise the bars up.
You can determine how much of a lift you need by unbolting the bars and just holding them as if they were attached.
Messure the open distance and get a riser to match.

 

[ruffryder]

I ride standing all the time because of back problems

True that, plus you have much much more control over the sled over rough terrain at higher speeds. Plus it is smoother as your legs absorb some of the bumps instead of your back....

 

[76FOMOCO]

just a good read if your just getting started.

http://www.akmining.com/snow/powder1.htm
well worth the 5 min.

 

[H2SNOW]

do you think that riding with a purse might be the problem ??? lol

practise practise .....
the seat is for the ride back on the trail and eatin sandwiches....

make sure your bars are comfortable and everything lines up

 

[CoyoteGirl]

I use to have pretty much that same sled. Once I rolled the bars forward and raised them to a good height there was no need for a knee on the seat. One foot on each running board, input from your body (think shoulder towards where you want to go, not butt towards where you want to go) and these sleds are puddy in your hands. And even though these aren't "rider forward" I found my Edge to be easier to handle if I'd lean out over my handlebars and lean my shoulders towards the spindle for a carve.

(any of this make sense? LOL)

IMO, putting the knee on the seat leads to slower reaction time when when it comes time to bust a quick move. Instead of just moving your leg to the other side you now have to lift it up off the seat (and more than likely all your weight too) and then move it over. You are a big enough dude to stay strattled and finesse that sled around with body english, imo.

Another thing I did was rotate my throttle up. For some reason they seem to be pointed moreso down and when you are standing this is not a natural angle and can lead to wrist pain and/or fatigue.

Enjoy the new (and hopefully fun) style of riding.

 

[blackout94zr700]

study the Pro's

Also,, it never hurts to go buy a couple good video's (thunderstruck, boondockers, etc.) and study the riders in action..

and it really helps me to watch them right before you leave to have those actions stuck in your head

p.s. your sled is not the problem, just the bars...

 

[revrider1]

Bring the bars forward a bit and when you want to turn in the powder, weight the side you want to turn to and steer slightly the other way (countersteer) and hit the throttle. By the way, the seat is to sit on while you are on the trail on your way to the powder! Practice on flat ground and do both standing up and sit down turns and you will master it! Have fun man!! Rev

 

[Ollie]

Another thing I did was rotate my throttle up. For some reason they seem to be pointed moreso down and when you are standing this is not a natural angle and can lead to wrist pain and/or fatigue.

Enjoy the new (and hopefully fun) style of riding.

good point.
I rotate the throttle and brake levers to what feels good to me.
They install them for sit down riders.

 

[ruffryder]

Funny, as I rotate my throttle down.... I don't use the tip of the throttle, I use more of the "towards the bar side" It also allows you to grab underneath the handlebar when trying to do the quick turns back up the hill on the throttle side... Kind of like a leftie, but more so, if that makes any sense at all...

To each their own I guess. The best thing for stand up riding, is get those bars up there! Being kind of tall (6ft), it is always a mod to do to every sled...

I view the seat like on a motorcross bike... for turns only... or when you get tired! lol

I found my Edge to be easier to handle if I'd lean out over my handlebars and lean my shoulders towards the spindle for a carve.

(any of this make sense? LOL)

Most sleds seem to be like that... similar again to motorcycles. When you are over the bars, most of your weight is on your feet directly below you, with your arms being more neutral. Shifting weight on your feet does wonders in the pow.. and keeps your arms from getting killed too...

 

[76FOMOCO]

i do the same with the throttle down, this way you can use your point finger from over the top when in a hard right turn. if your looking at the bar end on the right side the throttle will be at about 7 or 8 O'clock.

 

[yardfarmer]

Ole's angled riser (reasonable priced and strong)..., gets the bars further ahead

i would not start riding with a knee on the seat, bad habits (IMO) are hard to break...., you are much slower to react to needed corrects..., (IMO).

I am looking for Ole's web site

 

[800Cat]

It helps to have your feet spaced apart to. Have one foot further ahead of the other one on the running boards to help with your balance as well. Relax and have a blast!

 

[Super A]

I would not ride with my knee in the seat either, a very bad habit that will have to be corrected. To side hill with both feet on one side straighten your back leg (put your weight back there too) and whack the throttle at the same time, that sled should roll right up on either side

Deeper snow will make it easier to learn

Best of Luck

A

 

[ruffryder]

IMO, the only people that ride with a knee on the seat, are those whose handlebars do not go high enough to comfortably ride standing up with both legs straight..... Just some thoughts...

 

[Rprecision]

Ole's angled riser (reasonable priced and strong)..., gets the bars further ahead

i would not start riding with a knee on the seat, bad habits (IMO) are hard to break...., you are much slower to react to needed corrects..., (IMO).

I am looking for Ole's web site

I like the looks of that..............

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, this is a gold mine. Like a tool I was leaning the right way but steering the wrong.

Hopefully in about 7 days I should have a chance to try it all over again.

 

[94fordguy]

Lots of good suggestions I see around here, I'd have to say that the whole concept of countersteering was a very strange idea to understand, but works wonders, really surprises ya after you get use to it!

I rolled my bars up this year as well as my back was tired after the long rides and seems to be much more natural, looks just like the pic posted above.


All it takes is time, you'll catch on and be a master in no time