How narrow do you like your bikes?

peaz23
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peaz23
Edited Date/Time 2/7/2016 4:18pm
I just got a new KTM 250sx and am having a really hard time gripping my bike with my knees. There is so much taper to the frame and seat that I have to awkwardly point my toes and knees inward to even touch the seat. Even when I pinch the bike the narrow profile of the seat and rear end allows my knees to slide off the back of the bike under sudden acceleration. I have tried the stick on grip pads but they dont add enough width to make any difference.

How narrow is your bike and do you like it? It seams like the newer bike are getting really narrow, e.g., Tomacs honda last year. Is there a limit to how thin bikes should be? Im interested in your opinions.
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jeffskii
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jeffskii 2/7/2016 2:07pm
2/7/2016 2:07pm
You should try out a set of knee braces. I personally haven't used them but a lot of people say they help with gripping the bike.
peaz23
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peaz23 2/7/2016 2:12pm
2/7/2016 2:12pm
jeffskii wrote:
You should try out a set of knee braces. I personally haven't used them but a lot of people say they help with gripping the bike.
Thanks for the reply! I should mention that I run Fox POD braces and I am 5' 11". The braces do help but there is still nothing to grip on the narrow bike.
Husqvarnahustla 2/7/2016 2:16pm
2/7/2016 2:16pm
I never have a bike that's too narrow as every bike I own gets an oversized tank put on it haha, but a good seat cover goes a long way with helping with grip. I have the factory edition seat cover for my husky and it's great. It gives plenty of side grip for the knees and keeps my butt planted while sitting down.
moto0852
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moto0852 2/7/2016 2:30pm
2/7/2016 2:30pm
this has been a common problem for me as bikes have gotten thinner over time. Every pro tells you to grip and control the bike with your core and legs, not your arms and I tend to do the opposite.

One solution to help grip the bike better is a set of Fastway foot pegs. You can cantilever them in a little so it forces your legs into the bike. Its been a great help to me.

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Rowlands
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Rowlands 2/7/2016 2:37pm
2/7/2016 2:37pm
Buy a Yamaha yzf. Them things makes your groins split I swear Tongue
deltadestroyer11 2/7/2016 2:44pm
2/7/2016 2:44pm
My CRF450 feels a little too narrow also. Its kinda irratating.
Dtat720
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Dtat720 2/7/2016 3:00pm
2/7/2016 3:00pm
Rowlands wrote:
Buy a Yamaha yzf. Them things makes your groins split I swear Tongue
I have one, a 2016. Doesnt feel any different than any of my other bikes. Aside from handling like a frikken dream. Now other bikes ride funky and feel top heavy. Cant wait to see what the 16 2 stroke feels like next week. Prolly wad it up a few times before i adjust lol
BobPA
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BobPA 2/7/2016 3:03pm
2/7/2016 3:03pm
Rowlands wrote:
Buy a Yamaha yzf. Them things makes your groins split I swear Tongue
For sure, they are like having Kim Kardashian's turd cutter between your legs..
Gringoe
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Gringoe 2/7/2016 3:07pm
2/7/2016 3:07pm
Bro, the "awkwardly pointing your toes in" is the correct way to ride and grip the dirtbike. Balls of the feet with your toes pointed in.
Beast666
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Beast666 2/7/2016 3:13pm
2/7/2016 3:13pm
I don't have any problem gripping narrow or wide bikes with my knees. In fact i can stand on the pedals of my mountain bike and still grip the tongue of the seat with my knees if needed. Of course it help that I am "Knock Kneed". For those of you that are not sure what that is my lower legs point outwards, standing my knees can be touching and my feet are 8" apart.
KMC440
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KMC440 2/7/2016 3:53pm
2/7/2016 3:53pm
Unlock your hips.
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 2/7/2016 4:18pm
2/7/2016 4:18pm
Grip with your heels and ankles more so than your knees on a KTM. That's what I had to do.

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