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Comfort is not what I remember... Any answers please
Okay so I'm am a seasoned rider from 17 to now 45 years old and I this is the first forum I've ever joined because it looks like it could be a knowledgeable place to find any and all info I needed for another look on things as well as I could help others too. Anyways to the problem at hand.
I decided to drop the hammer and buy a superhawk because my 64 bug decided not to engage the clutch anymore hence getting another bike would be cheaper and give me time to fix the VW.
anyways sorry for the life story.
so my last bike was a 99 VFR800 and after I sold it. it's been 2 years since. So now is where everything is happening. I drove out near Napa Cali gave it a decent clean bill of health and rode it back to Tucson. The ride on the freeway was okay until 36 miles into it. My knees started to cramp, my mid lower back was also cramping with a slight burn also. The guy had a Corbin seat with it as well but it was dried out and whatever gell tech it had in it was spent. That seat was well over 10 years old so I rode it on the stock seat. it feels like I'm in a squatting position all the time while I was riding it. I know I will get use to it or something? but is there any modification I can do to the subframe or buy those lowered foot pegs on eBay or even buying a new aftermarket seat that could raise me about another inch or so? Because the next day which is right now? Feels like I actually got in an accident. My knees hurt, the top of my thigh mussels feel severely pulled, and weirdly my feet hurt which is expected. The really funny ironic part my mid lower back feels fine. I was diagnosed with a bunch of back problems, arthritis all over my body, and a few other things. Yes they said my M/C days would be over but I've never listened to that and I've been fine before. It's just the riding position is really different on the superhawk than any of the other bikes I've owned I mean hell I even had an RC51 and had very little issues with that one. Please please please give me help and ideas??
I'm a six footer but the leg position never bothered me too much. A little too much over a long ride, but not out of the ordinary. The stock bar position was my biggest gripe.
Maybe you'll get used to it?
Bar risers are a common mod to get a little more upright. The main issue is clearance from the upper fairing so that will let you know how high you can go with risers.
Look for something like this.
As suggested, risers or taller, adjustable bars are going to make the biggest difference. How much it helps is somewhat a function of your height and arm length and faring interference. There are some minor solutions for foot peg position, but they don't offer much change.
I'm surprised that you feel the RC51 was more comfortable. I'm thinking time has had something to do with that.
I hesitate to mention this, but I feel it necessary. Inflammation is the issue. You need to educate yourself, if you haven't already, and I don't mean main stream corporate/government information.
Heli made slightly taller bars. Certain model year VFR bars also fit to help get you more upright. Another option is Apex. A search would produce results on those.
A taller seat will just lean you over more IMO. And yes, the Corbin is a bit firm. Most say the Sargent is more comfortable.
Welcome to your mid 40's lol. In all seriousness, without going into a whole rant on diet and exercise, if you're not already doing it, yoga helps immensely. It's not a magic pill, you have to stick with it, but it makes a huge difference. At this point, ANY position I have to stay in for an extended period becomes uncomfortable, whether it's riding a GSXR600 or a Dyna Wide Glide. In addition to the previously mentioned lifestyle stuff, I like to cycle through several different minor position changes, whether on my motorcycle or my bicycle, to stay comfortable.
I agree while heartedly. Building your core strength will do wonders for your wrists, elbows and shoulders. Get a set of tank grips and use your inner knee/thigh to hold the weight instead of relaxing on your hands.
The biggest problem I had with the stock VTR 1000 (I am 6ft in height), was my wrists. I really love the way this bike runs and being 63 of age I decided to have a project in converting the stock bike position ETC. (had a second VTR while doing the mod) After doing this so called upgrade, I wish Honda had made these changes. Obviously the cooling system is designed for a full fairing etc, but I really...really love the new riding position. If you are a speed junky, the change in the handle bars, does make me feel that the handling is not the same, but that could be suspension changes.
MFW Vario adjustable pegs lower -3/4" & forward 5/8"
Had the Genmar bars (sold) and the Tommaselli adjustable clip-ons (for Sale) until I got the sweet DanMoto 3D clip-ons which did the trick. Unfortunately they are now unobtainable; I checked, even directly with them. They do not hit the tank or fairing but I did drill & tap in a screw limit steering lock a few degrees. There ARE other adjustable clip-ons out there...
With herniated C5 & C6 discs even up as I am now my neck still is a pain.
After 65 everything hurts after a long day (L4&L5 fused), bad wrists, left thumb, knees and ankles but my right hip is a killer. Bursitis on the hip bone gone injected a week ago but haven't riden yet. It even hurts on my FJ-09, which is comparatively a couch.
Still a real Gentleman's Express!
Last edited by skokievtr; Oct 17, 2023 at 05:12 PM.
Thank you for all the ideas I did do the adjustable foot pegs so far but I did discover the most smallest thing about this. My shoes. So when I rode I had doc martins on then later I put my DC shoes on and less stress on my calf and hip because I'm not having to keep my feet at an awkward stress position. I've been slowly getting use to the vtr again. Granted I have spinal stenosis, lower bulging disc, disc degenerate near hip a little bit of scoliosis and a few other things. Either way I'm still going to ride and not let it affect me. I will start to do stretches and other things also I'm 6'1 my leg seam is I believe 32 maybe 34. But mainly my last bike was my 99 VFR and of course very different. I love all the Honda's I ride and no matter what health issues I have I will keep riding but I will not go past my limits. I will strengthen myself to that bike. I really enjoy my super hawk. Thanks everyone and if you have links to parts for ideas please let me know. Thanks in advance you all are awesome. 😁
Reading thru the post. And being 52yrs old riding the Superhawk (pictured, one of 5) and RC-51 (pictured, plus 3 others). The 2001 is equipped with Heli bars, and stock rearset and being 5'10" . This bike carried me , and my wife about 8500 miles this past year (04/23 to maybe more this season).. Riding curvy roads all over WNC mountains ...
All the suggested mods (riser clip-ons, padding seat, etc.) Cycle Pirates makes an adjustable set of 40mm foot pegs.
Now at this age. and after taking multiple track days.. Most sessions have a yoga, or stretching before getting on the motorcycle... And to make the observation of a GREAT... Valentino Rossi use to squat before getting on the bike, and it has been discussed that is an possible answer to the leg dangle (referred to balancing under braking)
Stretching, valerian root, Corbin or Sargent seat helps... Just the best us old guys can do.......................................
Anything lower than about an inch and the foot brake lever can't be lowered enough and that's with removing the locknut and shortening the actuator rod end 3 threads
Stenosis and sciatica are unbelievable and foot paralysis and leg nerve damage means I have disabilities.
But I told my wife 43 years ago I'll stop riding when they uncurl my cold lifeless fingersoff the handgrips...
