Riding Posture

[paerez]

Hey guys,

I am a new rider and I currently have a buell blast. The problem is that I am 6'3" and most of my height is in my legs. Combine that with dropped bars, and they hit my knees!

So, I'm thinking about upgrading my bike when the spring rolls around, and I have a question mostly directed towards those on the firebolt.

I test rode a firebolt and it was the first time I rode a sport bike (as opposed to a street bike) and the leaning over posture was uncomfortable for me.

How many of you bought your first sport bike, found it uncomfortable, and got used to it? Do you just develop stronger arm, shoulder, and back muscles from riding?

Do most people not have any trouble at all just hopping on them and it feels comfortable (i.e. is it just me?).

Thanks for your input.

 

[dave_xb12r]

After about 1500 miles, I got use to it completely. You have to learn to keep your elbows bent and rely on your stomach muscles to hold you up. That way your hands don't fall asleep.

 

[buellxb]

I thought it felt slightly awkward when I first bought my Honda CBR in 2000, but after I rode it for one summer I couldn't stand sitting on a cruiser or anything with a more upright sitting position. You'll get use to it and love it. I think it feels much better for fast braking, handling, etc. I guess that makes sense seeing that they are sport bikes.

 

[paerez]

Cool. Thanks for the input.

About how long can you ride your sport bikes before getting tired? Although I guess that is also something you build up.

 

[dave_xb12r]

I can go a full tank of gas. Thats as far as I've gone in one one siting(obviously I guess)

 

[matt415]

Dave xb12r - good comment on keeping your elbows bent. I just started riding this past summer and I had the toughest time with downhill heavy braking and learning to corner faster. Once I bent my elbows and used my abs/lower back to keep me in the right posture, riding was soooo much more enjoyable. I'm 6'1" 220 lbs. with long legs and my xb9r took awhile to get used to but after about 500 miles it's gotten more comfortable.

 

[paerez]

I occasionally have problems with my back, so I was worried about leaning over all the time. However it will probably be good for my back since it will become much stronger.

Thanks again.

 

[XBear9S]

Well, when yer butt starts aching,
you'll forget all about your back.

A good friend of mine, who's NOT a little guy,
rode his R all the way from Austin, Tx to Homecoming...

Seems to me, it's all about the bitchin' factor.
Either yer hardcore, or yer not...

Special K

"It's a friggin' Buell, it's not supposed to be comfortable, quiet or safe. The wind noise is supposed to hurt your ears,
the seat should be hard and riding it should make you $hit your pants every now and then. It's a fricking motorcycle, suck it up!"

--Scary MC, ADV Rider

 

[03fire9r]

Another thing that I found helpful with getting used to my XB9R was how far back on the seat you sit. that really helps me if I start to get uncomfortable on longer rides. Just my input.

 

[Stevenc150]

I know if I'm cruising, a lot of times I'll lean on my left arm on the airbox, reducing some strain on the back. Don't do it a lot, just if I'm on a long ride or such.

 

[SeabeeBueller]

You definately get used to it. I have put over 3000 on my 12r since June, most of it city riding and I do not notice the tension anymore. Btw I am 6'0 220 as well. Bend the elbows and youll be good to go!

 

[FIDOSOL]

Ya'll are friggin' huge. I'm 140-150 (depends on the week) 5'9. I have to tip-toe my XB9SX or lean it over to one side and plant my foot. I got the comfy seat though, as far as stock seats go that is. Worst time so far was a few hour stint in the rain (think quarter sized drops, like little liquid pellets of hurt) at about 80mph heading back to ky from sc. Lots of fun ripping through traffic in the rain. Change your seating position, also, if you are lazy like me and not really stopping anytime soon, just lay down on the airbox cover and put your feet on the rear seat, let your knees hang, or if you have the rear pegs on still, just put your feet up on them. If you nestle the chin portion of your helmet in between the airbox and speedo cluster just right you can still see and you can use the helmet to support your head and neck, instead of using your neck for it.

 

[paerez]

Heheh, I am 6'3" and 175-185ish. At one point a few years back I was 165.

Also, I saw these:
http://www.crampbuster.com/

Anyone have one?

 

[mrdozer2you]

. I'm 140-150 (depends on the week)

You a motorcycle rider or a Jockey?

 

[FIDOSOL]

Motorcycle rider, the reason it depends on the week is because my base is about 140-145 but if I eat a lot of junk food one week and don't get to do PT regularly then I will gain 3-5lbs of junk weight, mostly water. I'm a hard gainer but water weight is useless no matter who you are.

 

[dave_xb12r]

Don't feel bad Fido. I'm even smaller than you. I'm 5'5" and I weigh 138lbs. [sad]

 

[FIDOSOL]

Don't get me wrong, I don't feel bad about my size, most people bigger than me can't hang with me anyway. Especially outdoors.

 

[1sexynucca]

Im also 5'5" 138 lol at 23 yrs of age [mad] started riding at 22... I had no problems riding my sportbike, only until I took an hour ride for the first time.... started to feel it in my lower back and the seat was uncomfortable but other than that, I dont mind the posture. of course Im not too tall in the first place

 

[rndrkeagle]

Heheh, I am 6'3" and 175-185ish. At one point a few years back I was 165.

Paerez,

I'm pretty close to you in overall height/weight, however very different in one big way:
I'm 6'3" 180lbs, but most of my height is in my spine and I have relatively short legs for someone that's 6'3".

Having Longer legs you will definitely want to get the Firebolt begs from ASB (lowers the pegs down about an inch and costs you a couple degrees on the soft contact lean angle)... I have them and would not own another XB__r without them... you will need them that much more.

As for the issue that I face that is probably worse than what you'll encounter, in addition to having a very long spine I also have a minor case of scoliosis. (mine is a twist instead of a curve). Because of that, I am very prone to pains and other issues in my lower back. I am able to go for up to about 2 hours on my 'bolt at a time before I need to get off and stretch out... If you take Dave's advice above, you'll find that you'll get very comfortable in the forward leaning position.
My rules for riding:
1. Keep your elbows bent.
2. For longer rides, keep at a speed that allows your helmet to slip smoothly in the slip stream without buffeting. This will enable you to lift up a bit an relieve the pressure on your lower back by letting the wind "hold you up" for brief periods of time.
3. loose clothing is a no no... (this is a personal thing)... in addition to the fact that it offers you virtually no protection in a fall, if you're wearing a T-Shirt... the constant whipping back and forth that it does in the wind stream will literally tire you out.

Always ride safe and live by the golden rule,

Buells are like ladies! Slowly enjoy the curves and she'll reward you. Speedily race the straights and she'll hurt you.

 

[Poohspot18]

I agree But you can get the 1 inch drop pegs from a Stealership for $25 new. that helped me a ton, and I've dont the Lay down thing that FIDO describes but I just set my left fist on the gas cap and under my chin. and part of it just comes with using muscles you're not used to using. after a few hundred miles or a few weeks of short trips you develope the strength in new areas. And Yeah definately don't lock your elbows. That was one of the things I got busted for a lot at the Kieth Code course. which I recommend to EVERYONE. It was like Night and Day.