How to get comfortable on long rides?

LDPosse · 06-15-2005, 03:14 PM

I have a '90 Katana 750. I've been thinking of taking it to FL for vacation this year (I am in PA), so I've been taking longer rides on the bike trying to get used to sitting on the bike for long periods of time.

I've been finding that after 45 mins or so, I really feel like I need to get off the bike and move around. I need to keep switching positions on the bike, from tucked in to sitting straight up, to keep comfortable.

I was thinking that a tank bag might help, as that would give me something to rest on while riding long distances. My biggest problem with tucking in behind the windscreen, is that my neck gets very tired and sore trying to hold it in an upright position relative to the rest of my body.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

likebikes · 06-15-2005, 09:39 PM

You might have some troubles with getting aftermarket parts for a bike of that vintage.

Look into a www.throttlemeister.com or throttle lock, it's basically a cruise control. It's meant more for straight flat roads but it gives you a chance to rest the right hand.

I still don't know how to deal with saddlesoreness. I can go for about 2 hours before I get into the hurting. Shifting helps some. I tried some bicycling shorts with a gel patch sewed in and those didn't help. I'm considering a Corbin seat, I can't imagine it being worse.

There are aftermarket windscreens that throw the air a little higher and those help some. Another thing is to postion yourself so the wind hits you in the chest and actually holds you up some, enough to notice.

If I don't have a tank bag sometimes I will put my hand across the tank and prop myself on my elbow.

Overall I think it's good to change your position every so often. Move around and try different things. You should have plenty of time to experiment going PA to FLA.

Those are more highway suggestions. No matter what, the highway on a sportbike is horrible. I know there are plenty of great backroads between PA and Florida. Go that way and you might have more fun than you would in Florida.

VIVID1 · 06-16-2005, 09:44 AM

My only suggestion is avoid the interstates. I get very sore riding interstates, but I can ride back roads all day. Or alternate some interstate with some back roads.

steeltoe · 06-24-2005, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VIVID1

My only suggestion is avoid the interstates. I get very sore riding interstates, but I can ride back roads all day. Or alternate some interstate with some back roads.

That is so true. It's freakish how you can spend all day in the twisties and within 15 minutes of str8 line riding be cramped.

japbike · 06-24-2005, 10:50 PM

DO IT! Take the bike to Fl. I just got back from there not more then 3 weeks ago and it was great. From Ky to Fl right around a 1000 one way. I also just got back from Milwaukee, WI. One way was about 8ish or so hours. The entire way I did interstate. Wasn't to bad. I did move around a lot tho. And may I suggest not only should you have an MP3 player, but that you enjoy your own company. It can get lonely. You will meet some cool ppl tho. I know I did.

Like what VIVID says, if you need a break from the Interstates, hit some side roads. Next trip back to WI, I may take a few days just so I can hit some side streets....

frank5079 · 06-25-2005, 09:37 AM

I've got an Audiovox cruise control installed on my bike and it is the best thing to use for long distance rides!!!

HiG4s · 06-25-2005, 09:36 PM

Suprisingly,, ear plugs to reduce wind noise will also reduce fatigue.

A Gel seat cover helps the behind, but also make your seating position more crouched and can make it harder on the wrists and arms. A Corbin seat would definitely help. Also set reasonable distances per day.. I had a friend do a tour last year from Seatle all around the country. One leg was from Philly to Jacksonville,, I met him in South Carolina, we spent the night and finished to Jax in the morning. That was as far as he wanted to ride in one day, and he was on a BMW K 1200

frank5079 · 06-28-2005, 10:25 AM

I use foam earplugs for the ears, UnderArmour shirt under my leather jacket, and wear a pair of bicycle shorts with the gel padding under my leather pants. Like I said earlier, cruise control really helps to relieve the buzzy feeling your right hand gets after an hour or two of riding not to mention maintaining a constant speed, which helps to improve fuel economy as well as the inadvertant speed increase which could result in a speeding ticket.....

tt600khatf · 07-25-2005, 07:44 AM

We stop every 110-120 miles for a smoke and a water break. We also take lots of Aleeve. Riding long trips is fun getting there but sucks getting back. On the way there we normally take the back roads and take the interstate to get home.

Keith

frank5079 · 07-25-2005, 08:07 AM

The range of my RF900 is about 180(highway) with cruise control before the low fuel light comes on and that usually means about a gallon left before empty; so by 200 to 210 it means a pit stop for gas and nature breaks.....also a great time to stretch and get some food and water.....

emf1600 · 07-27-2005, 03:32 PM

I've found that padded bicycle shorts and a Sargeant seat work well for saddlesoreness. Keep a bag of Gold Bond Medicated Powder with you as well...much more effective than Aleve or Tylenol, and won't dull your concentration. I also have a tall Givi tank bag that I can lean against when my lower back starts to hurt (usually only after about 750+ miles in one day).

It helps that my ZX-9R can only go about 150 miles between fuel stops...usually a perfect point to get off and stretch.

FordCrusherGT · 08-05-2005, 05:31 PM

Have any of you ever ridden a Harley Fat Boy, Moto Guzzi California, etc.? The reason I ask is that for those of you who have, you will understand what is necessary for a bike to be really comfortable on long trips. The bars are a big difference in terms of positioning that allows you to just sit in a comfortable position, a seat that makes you feel like you're in an La-Z-Boy (this is where the Corbin seat comes in). The windshield makes a huge difference. In essence, when you're riding one of these bikes, it makes you feel like you're just being magically transported through space. This is the appeal to them.

On your Katana 750, you may want to take a few cues from Harley and other similar folks. If you can figure out a way to get the handlebars up and back (HeliBars doesn't make anything for your bike as far as I know, but you could fabricate something yourself). A windshield will help, as will a Corbin seat. Absolutely correct on the cruise control statement from others.

For my Bandit 1200 I intend on buying HeliBars adjustable bars, a tall windshield (which I will probably swap out with the stock windshield around town) and a Corbin seat. When I get these things on my bike I'll take pictures and make a post with the improvement in comfort.

Should you take your Katana on the trip? I wouldn't, but that's because the way a Katana sits is far too uncomfortable for me. My roommate, on the other hand, loves his, so I must just be weird.

RickC1957 · 08-11-2005, 05:15 PM

My suggestion is get into good physical condition, work out every day for at least an hour, you'll be surprised how good you'll feel riding if your in shape. When I was on the Saddle Sore with Vivid nad the past weekend's 2800 mile trip to New England, I found standing on the pegs on long stretches helpful.

goldmember · 08-26-2005, 05:09 PM

I ride a lot down in Florida. There are NO TWISTIES in the whole state!!! I get neck cramps after about 4-5 hours. If it weren't for cruise control, it would almost be unbearable (I can alternate hands and rest my shoulders).

There is a shirt you can buy up at Deal's Gap that says:

"Ride Florida: 318 miles/11 curves"

That says it all.

harleyxlc · 08-26-2005, 07:08 PM

I know this sounds strange, but I find tightening up muscles helps. For example, for a mile I will tighten my butt cheeks. Then my left leg, then my right. Then my back, etc. And your stops don't have to be for hours. Just hop off and stretch a minute. The gel seat should do wonders. And if you decide to get a new seat, break it in before you head on your trip.

Ditto on staying off the straight highway if you can, too. I ride SD to LA alot and that 140 miles takes a bigger toll on me than 200 miles of back roads.