Triumphrat

DahktahJay · 05-09-2005, 02:37 PM

I have been riding my '00 ST and as it is my first bike only riding in general for about 2 months/2000 miles. I have only take a few trips more lengthy than 40 miles. I noticed that right at (50scenic/70hwy) miles my ugly face gets pretty sore and 15 miles past that I absolutely have to get off. I did a lot of research on bikes and found that a sports tourer was the kind of bike I wanted and found the Sprint was generally thought of as the best in that class and also most comfortable. Although I have never ridden anynthing else but I wouldn't consider 50-65 miles at a time is touring and is more like taking the old lady on a road trip and having to stop and pee every 45 minutes. I will say that I have only taken 1 50+ mile highway trip and found that my neck and shoulders hurt from the helmet lift and was able to last about 80 miles until I had to get off which makes me think that 90 minutes regardless of mileage is the cut off point. I have the stock seat and am looking at ordering the Sargent/Corbin seat sometime this week. Anyhow I wanted to hear from other sprint owners about thier limits with the stock seat and especially from Sargent/Corbin owners on how much longer they can last on that seat compared to the stock.

DahktahJay · 05-09-2005, 02:37 PM

I have been riding my '00 ST and as it is my first bike only riding in general for about 2 months/2000 miles. I have only take a few trips more lengthy than 40 miles. I noticed that right at (50scenic/70hwy) miles my ugly face gets pretty sore and 15 miles past that I absolutely have to get off. I did a lot of research on bikes and found that a sports tourer was the kind of bike I wanted and found the Sprint was generally thought of as the best in that class and also most comfortable. Although I have never ridden anynthing else but I wouldn't consider 50-65 miles at a time is touring and is more like taking the old lady on a road trip and having to stop and pee every 45 minutes. I will say that I have only taken 1 50+ mile highway trip and found that my neck and shoulders hurt from the helmet lift and was able to last about 80 miles until I had to get off which makes me think that 90 minutes regardless of mileage is the cut off point. I have the stock seat and am looking at ordering the Sargent/Corbin seat sometime this week. Anyhow I wanted to hear from other sprint owners about thier limits with the stock seat and especially from Sargent/Corbin owners on how much longer they can last on that seat compared to the stock.

dnlwthrn · 05-09-2005, 02:52 PM

The day I got my Sprint I put 110 miles on it on the BRP. When done, my legs were a little sore but the rest of me was fine. Since then the most I've done is around 150 or so (sorry, I have kids at home and don't get out much). I found that a proper seating position helps, as well as shifting around occasionally... If you stay in the same place too long you're going to hurt, even in a cage.

I also found that when riding two-up I tire more quickly. I think most of this has to do with not being able to move around as much, and part of it is from the extra weight on my arms during braking...

Best thing to do is just ride. Take it out and ride till you're sore, then stop, stretch, and go farther. Also, work on building up endurance. Ride a little farther each time you go out, and you're body should get used to the longer distances after a while. I don't think an aftermarket seat will help you yet. Most people seem to think that stock seats are good for up to 100-200 miles...

Dan

dnlwthrn · 05-09-2005, 02:52 PM

The day I got my Sprint I put 110 miles on it on the BRP. When done, my legs were a little sore but the rest of me was fine. Since then the most I've done is around 150 or so (sorry, I have kids at home and don't get out much). I found that a proper seating position helps, as well as shifting around occasionally... If you stay in the same place too long you're going to hurt, even in a cage.

I also found that when riding two-up I tire more quickly. I think most of this has to do with not being able to move around as much, and part of it is from the extra weight on my arms during braking...

Best thing to do is just ride. Take it out and ride till you're sore, then stop, stretch, and go farther. Also, work on building up endurance. Ride a little farther each time you go out, and you're body should get used to the longer distances after a while. I don't think an aftermarket seat will help you yet. Most people seem to think that stock seats are good for up to 100-200 miles...

Dan

tradedinmyharly · 05-09-2005, 03:30 PM

i assume from you post that you are new to riding? I go through the same thing every spring. Your body has to get adjusted (or re-adjusted) to doing long trips. I would think you'd be adjusted now after 2,000 miles but maybe not. if it's possible, take your bike to work everyday. Assuming you work more than 2 minutes away you should build up enough endurance so you can hit some 3 and 4 hour trips on weekends (or more). I will say one thing... I've been on some long rides (14-16 hours per day) and I don't know anyone that doesn't stop every hour or so to take a break and stretch. Get off the bike for 10-15 minutes and you should be set for another hour ride. The soreness in your neck and shoulders is probably because you don't use those muscles everyday (in the way you do on a motorcycle). That goes away for me after a few weeks being back on the bike. You should also consider something like a genmar riser that will sit your body up another inch or so. That can help take some of the strain off your neck and wrists (and ultimately shoulders).

tradedinmyharly · 05-09-2005, 03:30 PM

i assume from you post that you are new to riding? I go through the same thing every spring. Your body has to get adjusted (or re-adjusted) to doing long trips. I would think you'd be adjusted now after 2,000 miles but maybe not. if it's possible, take your bike to work everyday. Assuming you work more than 2 minutes away you should build up enough endurance so you can hit some 3 and 4 hour trips on weekends (or more). I will say one thing... I've been on some long rides (14-16 hours per day) and I don't know anyone that doesn't stop every hour or so to take a break and stretch. Get off the bike for 10-15 minutes and you should be set for another hour ride. The soreness in your neck and shoulders is probably because you don't use those muscles everyday (in the way you do on a motorcycle). That goes away for me after a few weeks being back on the bike. You should also consider something like a genmar riser that will sit your body up another inch or so. That can help take some of the strain off your neck and wrists (and ultimately shoulders).

garry · 05-09-2005, 04:47 PM

Part of it is simply working up to longer rides. Your body/butt will start to get used to it. Kind of like going to the gym. When I got my RS, I needed a break every hour, then every 90 minutes, 2 hours, etc. I'm at the point where I can do 8 - 10 hours in the saddle a day, taking breaks every 2 - 2.5 hours. Burning a whole tank of gas without stopping is not unusual if I'm having fun. Changing positions and moving around on the bike helps a lot. I'd much rather ride twisties that require body movement than sit in one position on the interstate.

The important thing is to be relaxed and focused. If you're not mentally on your game due to being distracted by hunger, thirst, body aches, you're more likely to make mistakes and/or crash. Don't ask me how I know this.

A few other tips to improve comfort in the nether lands:

0) Avoid clothes with seams on the butt. Sitting on seams sucks (how's THAT for alliteration!)
1) Padded bicycle shorts are a big help for many people
2) Under Armour underwear (or similar) helps wick moisture away and prevent "monkey butt" (chafing, rash, etc)
3) Gold Bond Medicated Powder down the shorts also helps prevent "monkey butt".

If you don't want to spend $300 - $400 on a new seat, I've read that some car upholstery places will redo motorcycle seats for under $100. Might be an option. Chances are good the custom cruiser/chopper guys have contacts.

garry · 05-09-2005, 04:47 PM

Part of it is simply working up to longer rides. Your body/butt will start to get used to it. Kind of like going to the gym. When I got my RS, I needed a break every hour, then every 90 minutes, 2 hours, etc. I'm at the point where I can do 8 - 10 hours in the saddle a day, taking breaks every 2 - 2.5 hours. Burning a whole tank of gas without stopping is not unusual if I'm having fun. Changing positions and moving around on the bike helps a lot. I'd much rather ride twisties that require body movement than sit in one position on the interstate.

The important thing is to be relaxed and focused. If you're not mentally on your game due to being distracted by hunger, thirst, body aches, you're more likely to make mistakes and/or crash. Don't ask me how I know this.

A few other tips to improve comfort in the nether lands:

0) Avoid clothes with seams on the butt. Sitting on seams sucks (how's THAT for alliteration!)
1) Padded bicycle shorts are a big help for many people
2) Under Armour underwear (or similar) helps wick moisture away and prevent "monkey butt" (chafing, rash, etc)
3) Gold Bond Medicated Powder down the shorts also helps prevent "monkey butt".

If you don't want to spend $300 - $400 on a new seat, I've read that some car upholstery places will redo motorcycle seats for under $100. Might be an option. Chances are good the custom cruiser/chopper guys have contacts.

DahktahJay · 05-09-2005, 04:56 PM

Would I want to redo it softer or firmer to get a longer ride out of it? I have heard that firmer is better for extended periods of time but wanted to hear opinions/facts about that. I feel if the seat was wider distributing pressure across a larger area I wouldn't have sore ass or at least so soon. Maybe your right about take longer trips each time and allow mother nature to figure it out. I will surely find out eventually.

[ This message was edited by: DahktahJay on 2005-05-09 14:59 ]

DahktahJay · 05-09-2005, 04:56 PM

Would I want to redo it softer or firmer to get a longer ride out of it? I have heard that firmer is better for extended periods of time but wanted to hear opinions/facts about that. I feel if the seat was wider distributing pressure across a larger area I wouldn't have sore ass or at least so soon. Maybe your right about take longer trips each time and allow mother nature to figure it out. I will surely find out eventually.

[ This message was edited by: DahktahJay on 2005-05-09 14:59 ]