Why should you rise off the seat when crossing an obstacle?

When crossing an obstacle, rising off the seat allows the rider to use their legs as shock absorbers, which helps absorb the impact. This technique minimizes the jarring effect on both the rider and the motorcycle. By reducing the impact travel through the bike’s suspension, the rider can maintain better control and stability when navigating over bumps or obstacles.

Using legs in this manner also helps redistribute the rider's weight, allowing for improved handling and balance, especially when facing uneven terrain. This technique is particularly important in off-road or rough road conditions where maintaining traction and stability is essential for safe riding.

Other options may not directly address the primary need for enhanced control during such situations. Rising off the seat can indeed influence acceleration and aerodynamics, but these aspects are secondary to the vital need for shock absorption and control when dealing with obstacles.