Why do MotoGP riders stick their leg out when braking

It once looked like an accident. In 2005, Valentino Rossi instinctively stuck his leg out while braking and won the race. That moment gave birth to a technique that changed MotoGP forever.

Today, almost every rider does it. The leg helps stabilize the bike by shifting the rider’s center of gravity and keeping the motorcycle steadier under hard braking. It acts as a counterbalance, like a cat’s tail, creating slight aerodynamic drag and helping maintain balance. There’s also a psychological effect — the movement gives riders confidence and prevents rivals from attacking on the inside line.

Some, like Marc Márquez, do it all the time. Others, like Jorge Lorenzo, think it’s unnecessary. But the fact remains — this technique has become part of the modern MotoGP riding style.

Rossi may not have known why he did it, but he changed racing history by doing so.