How should a rider position their weight when accelerating?

When a rider accelerates, leaning forward slightly helps to maintain control and balance of the motorcycle. This position allows for better weight distribution towards the front tire, which enhances traction and stability during acceleration. As the bike accelerates, weight shifts backward; leaning forward counteracts this effect, helping to prevent the front wheel from lifting off the ground and ensuring that the rider maintains a solid grip on the handlebars.

In contrast, leaning back could potentially cause a loss of control since it may unbalance the rider and shift too much weight away from the front wheel, leading to decreased steering control. Staying completely upright doesn't provide the necessary weight shift to stabilize the motorcycle during acceleration, which could lead to instability. Shifting weight to one side is typically done in cornering rather than during straight acceleration, as it is intended to counteract the centrifugal force while turning.