Triumphrat

purplelinny

Hi all,

I am looking for some pearls of wisdom about cruisin' in comfort...

In the past I rode sportys and a custom with standard controls. Now I am on a Speedmaster and this forward controls thing is taking a little getting used to. I'm 5' 5" so the position is probably less natural for me than it might be to most men or taller women.

I only have about 50 miles on the bike, 30 of which I did today. Each time I ride I have been getting a cramp at the top of my left leg. I rode enough today to realize that I needed to relax my legs a little and not grip the tank as though my life depended on it. I felt a bit silly with my legs lolling out a bit, but it was more comfortable. However, I'm still breakin' her in and don't think the lolly legs would work at higher speeds!

Also, because I have to lean forward just a tad to reach the bars, I am not in the full armchair position anyway, which I gather should be very comfortable.

I have more or less gotten used to putting my legs forward now, after putting my feet through the non-existant standard pegs a few times

All this to say, are there any cruising ergonomics secrets that I need to be aware of? Or suggestions on how I could make it more suitable for my size? I do not want to put crash bars on the bike to give me adjustable pegs - no, no, no, no - I've been looking to see what I can strip off my speedy.

It may just be a case of "it's been a while girl, and you're no spring chicken anymore," and that's fine, I just won't admit it

Thanks in advance for any help!

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drharveys

"Forward Controls" is a lot easier sell than "Coccyx Cracking Ergonomics", but they are synonyms.
:

However, if your riding jeans have any looseness around the cuff the cruiser riding position does funnel air flow up your legs. This is good in hot weather, not so sure about this time of year.

amanger

I think to assume the cruiser position you need very long arms (ie. drag knuckles on ground) and a hairy back.

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"Fusion White" Street Triple, Arrow 3>1 + Power Commander III, DNA Filter, No O2 sens. ,No SAI, Flyscreen + Visor,R&G Tail Tidy, Triumph Tail Bag, Pazzos,Gel Seat,Radiator Cowl,Hugger,Crash bungs, Grabrail.......

RonD

a lot of people wont agree with this ,there are even people out there that ride with ape hangers and think there great, from my perspective forward controls,with,your feet out front and your body in an upright position is absolutely painfull when riding into the wind, but we all have different ideas on comefort ,i had a harley back in 92 and and the riding position was awfull ,just killed my back and it was my biggest joy in motorcycling to get rid of the thing so maybe iam out of line here but if your suffering sell the thing ..

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Regards Ron
Hurricane pictured(Harry)

purplelinny

*sigh* That is what I am fearing...

Well, there's hope yet then... especially when it starts warming up here in hot n' humid Houston.

Talking of air flow up the legs, that reminds me that I should have a bit more reach when my Triumph boots arrive as they are thicker soled than the boots I am currently wearing. If that fails, I'll get my Kiss boots out...

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Binnsy

At 5'5'' I am guessing that the problem is in your reach?? I find the Speedy riding position a little more agressive (over the tank) than most cruisers. I am 6' and notice the difference from my America with wider swept back bars. I like the position but a few of my Harley buddies find it uncomfortable.

No great science here, you may need to consider changing the bars so you are less hunched over? or tolerate it for a while and see if you get used to it.

I would like pegs in the centre position just so I can move around a bit on long rides, it would also help when jumping the bike over speed bumps (ha ha)

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Scientists say too much alcohol damages your memory, I forget why...

purplelinny

I'll look for a rack and implants in ebay...

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purplelinny

No, I don't think you're out of line. We're all entitled to an opinion
I don't want to even entertain the idea of getting rid of it - not yet anyway - as it was a Christmas present from my hubby and probably the best darn gift ever. So, I'm kinda determined to make it work. I will consider all the options first.

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purplelinny

Yes, I am thinking it's a reach issue. The reach over the tank would be okay if it weren't for the foot position. I was reading some usenet groups about riding positions and someone nailed it... I feel like I need to put more weight on my feet. So, I am hoping that thicker soled boots will make a difference. Boots made a big diff on my last sports bike, which was a reaching the floor thing, but as you said... it's reach.

Yes, hubby mentioned that. I do love those drag bars, but it's definately an option.

Oh, I remember the speed bumps from when I lived in the UK... great fun

Thanks for the input guys!

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Old Scratcher

Have you had the bike's controls & bars adjusted for you?
Your dealer should have done it when you picked the bike up. But even if they did, I'd still take it back & tell them that you're finding the bike uncomfortable, & see if they can do anything about it. If you are at max adjustment already, they should be able to advise you on your best options (e.g. new bars, or different controls).
It might just be you, getting used to the new ride position. In which case you'll either learn to live with it, or loath it until you sell it.
But I think it's worth trying to find a ride position you can handle, before doing anything rash.
So go back to your dealer, & make them earn that sale.

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"They told me I was goin to have to work for my living, & all I wanna do is ride. I don't care where we're goin from here. So Honey you decide" Jackson Browne (the Road & The Sky)