Pain?
 

So, I have a 2000 VTR which I've done a variety of things to, including a Sargent seat and bar risers. (And a bunch of performance mods, but those aren't particularly relevant to this question.)

I love the bike, I love it to death. It's a blast to ride, I love the way it looks and sounds, I have enjoyed tweaking it and will probably continue to enjoy further tweaks.

But I can't ride it for more than about an hour without everything hurting. My back, my shoulders, my butt... My nethers can handle about two hours but by then my back and shoulders are ready to bail. Wearing a back brace helps somewhat but really mostly just means I am okay for a while, then hit a wall, rather than moving the 'okay, I can't ride anymore' point out. Wearing a sports bra helps a bit as well, but similarly doesn't really move out the hitting the wall point.

I had an '84 VF1000F that I rode for 13 hours straight once and regularly took 4-5 hour trips on with no problem, and that was with a stock seat. I've considered doing the Iron Butt rally before on other bikes. It's possible this is just me getting old, but I feel like I'm just missing something.

I am quite tall (6') and long-legged and my legs mostly feel fine on this bike (not true on many bikes), but my upper body is really not particularly happy with the geometry of the seating position I end up in.

I really don't want to get rid of this bike for something more comfortable and less fun, but I'm running out of things to try. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Ysabel;

Your dilemma has a very simple solution...you need two bikes!

One for touring and one for fun (read Superchicken):gatlin:

Is the suspension properly set-up for you? That could be creating some of the problems.

the thing that i have found that works best.
is to target your back muscles with a weight training routine.
riding a bike like the hawk puts a lot of weight on your arms and the front
of your shoulders.
over a period of time that can cause your shoulders to be pulled forward
and cause pain in your back and neck.
what causes this is your chest muscles and front deltoids tightening and pulling
everything forward.

doesnt have to be heavy weight ,just get those muscles in better shape.
worked wonders for me,i used to get terrible back and shoulder pain.

Unfortunately, I really need to buy a bike for my partner before I buy myself another bike, or she'll have my head. *grin* But maybe after we get her one I can work something out...

@reaper: How would I tell? I think it is set up reasonably, but at this point I'm willing to question anything. Assume I know my preload from my spring travel and make suggestions for checking whether the setup is what I ought to be using...

Thanks!

Ysabel,

You just need to ride someone's stock RC51 and then get back on your Hawk and you
will find that your Hawk is wonderfull...

there's always the superbling superbar conversion. that made quite a difference for me. Search for posts by "superbling" to find it.

Between the higher bars and lower footpegs, it's quite a bit more ergo

Tom

did someone say long legs???

LOL...I know...

You could always sell it and git yourself one of dem dare 08' KLR six fitties.....Made a huge difference on my back...

Can you post a pic in the sports bra?

Ysabel,

Here is a link to set-up your suspension, front and rear, it says Triumph but the set-up is universal for sport bikes.

http://www.triumphnet.com/st/acc/racetech/setup.htm

Yes two bike is a good idea and so is weight training ( I do it -I rode 750 miles in one day last summer and that is a big reason I can at 56). You sould get some bar risers also I have them on my VFR (the bike I ride long distances on).

Just my 2cts.... My riding position was fine and then I got a Wilbers shock and put two thick washers on top of it. Steering was steeper and riding position a bit more on top of the front wheel....a little more uncomfortable. Then I swapped the whole front for a 954 set up. Those forks are a little shorter and so my steering got a bit steeper and twitchy for the street and riding with MY sweety was a nightmare...like wearing a 100lb backpack! Stopping was PAINFUL! Yesterday I took out the washers from above the rear shock and will go riding today. Bet my wrists and arms are much happier. If you are running the stock front end you could easily lower the forks a little, in the top triple clamp, and get more comfort that way. Helibars? Small changes up front make huge differences in handling and comfort.

Ha Ha Ha! So you won't be touring on the RC?

Had similar problems until adding Helibars.
http://www.helibars.com/products.php?cat=10&pg=3

I did not say that... I said a STOCK RC....

Oh... so you converted it to a sports-tourer, eh?

Ride more! Up here in the great white north of upstate NY the off-season is long. The first 9 or 10 rides is pretty painful. Once you build up the correct muscle groups it shouldn't be an issue any longer, unless there are other medical things holding you back. As they say, "The more you ride, the better it gets."