[naeem]

So this weekend I took my first long distance ride, from NW Arkansas to Dallas, a 5.5 hr ride. Overall I was pretty comfortable, a little sore of course, and cold riding in, also my forearms and wrists were somewhat sore. I expected most of this - as I'm a new rider.

I've looked and read about some accessories here, and am curious if you guys (and gals) think these things are really worth getting, I'm not worried about cost, but don't want to buy stuff, that'll just sit in the back of the garage collecting dust.

1. Vibration reducing bars: http://hvmp.com/yamaha.htm or http://www.throttlemeister.com/
2. Soft grips and crampbusters: Street Bike Grips Handlebars-Controls Accessories Viewing All Available Items - Motorcycle Superstore

Also, anything else you think may be worth looking into.

Thanks!

 

[usernamedoug]

i've heard reeally good things about corbin seats, and that they were worth every penny on a long ride.

Cant comment on the grips.

 

[Guitar Man]

I'm all about being comfortable while riding. Too me it makes the overall experience more enjoyable. I think that the kind of things that you are thinking of getting will be money well spent.

The cramp buster is definiely worth it. For $10 you can't go wrong. I also do the O-ring cruise control thing. Both of those really help relieve discomfort for me and they're cheap.

Haven't really felt the need for vibration reducing bars. Hasn't seemed to be a problem with me.

 

[bam0680]

The crampbuster is completely worth it. Its nice to have it on any ride more than a couple hours long. Definitely saved my wrists on the cross country trips ive done.

 

[bimmerx2]

For me the long distance rides are much more enjoyable if I'm not too hot/cold and my butt isn't getting numb!

If you plan to do day long rides you want to wear gear that will keep you dry and warm (or cool for a lot the year here in the DFW area). My favorite is my Olympia AirGlide jacket and some Fieldsheer mesh riding pants. They both come with good liners that make them very decent 3-season options. For the REALLY cold stuff I have dedicated winter wear.

A good comfortable seat is a must because once the butt goes you're either done or miserable for the rest of the day. Lot's of guys like Corbin, I have a Seargent I like but haven't compared to a Corbin. Seat pads like Sheepskins or a few others get overall good reviews. I have a gel pad that helps a bit but I'm looking for something better. Good riding shorts under your gear can be a lifesaver, trust me on that one. I found that on my last long trip I was able to ride at least an extra hour when wearing a pair of padded riding shorts before I started feeling like it was time to call it day.

 

[Guitar Man]

^^^^I use bicycle shorts with the gel pad in the butt. Works great for longer rides. That and seat beads. Those keep the air flowing under you and keeps you from sweating and getting rashed. They look funky, but they work.

 

[scottie]

I have a 2009 FZ6 and was suffering a little from vibrations through the handlebars. A pair of GRIP PUPPIES ™ fixed that.

 

[Guitar Man]

I have a 2009 FZ6 and was suffering a little from vibrations through the handlebars. A pair of GRIP PUPPIES ™ fixed that.

I don't have problems with vibrations so much but the Grip Puppies look worth it for the price.

 

[Tripped1]

Thottlemiesters are worth their weight in gold if you really go distance or get caught slabbing.

 

[teedubyaw]

I keep a crampbuster in the tail. Haven't ever needed it outside of testing it. I don't willingly ride over 250 miles in a straight line on my bike. Worth the 11 bucks, though.

If touring style riding is what you have in mind, then by all means spend the money to make yourself comfortable on the bike.

 

[qubert]

+1 on the bicycle shorts. I have never had problems with vibrations either, so I dunno about the grip puppies, but it wouldn't hurt you too bad to try would it?

 

[weirdooh]

try riding with more weight on your feet. I have to really make myself do that. I tend to put too much weight on my wrists. helps me to focus on bending in the middle, which is hard with the middle -aged gut.