Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: how should i hold myself up on a sportbike?, suzuki gsxr, grab rails

Question
Hi, Pat. My boyfriend has a Suzuki gsxr and I'm not sure how I'm suppose to hold myself up and steady while I'm sitting in back.  The few times I've been on out with him on it I've been holding myself up on the gas tank. I didn't realize how tiring it was to just sit on the back, but I can't seem to hold myself up that well when I put my arms around his waist, and it throws him off balance, too.  What is the correct way to sit on the back of a sportbike?

Answer
Unfortunately there is no correct way. On a sportbike, generally I agree with what you're doing--holding yourself up by the gas tank. This is especially good when sport riding (as opposed to just putzing around).

But like anything, getting used to it is the real obstacle. You could use the grab rails behind your seat, though that can also be tiring and raises the center of gravity to some degree.

Generally, your hands on your b/f's hips is also a good spot. A firm grip there is good for keeping yourself balanced forward and backward, and side to side.

You could use a combination of all three of these: when you get tired in one position, switch.

Another thing to consider is that sport bikes handle best when the rider grips the bike with his/her legs and keeps his/her arms loose and relaxed. Depending on the bike configuration, you might be able to get your legs to do much of the work for you, as well. It will feel a little intrusive to your b/f as you each get used to you clamping on with your legs, but it will add to the enjoyment of the ride and make maneuvers on the bike (accellerating, braking, leaning) much easier to adapt to.

I hope that helps.

Pat