[Ratboy1050]

Thanks to some of the more experienced forum members I can a) make this post and b) already know some of the remedies that I now HAVE to address!

I am no riding deity, and although I have been fortunate to have owned a nice Ducati before, this forum gave me a perspective which meant on a ride back from a work meeting today (which I was given duff homeward directions from), I had the chance to reflect and ponder a view of life's riding mysteries according to me:

Namely (or viz, if you are up for it)

My bottom is almost as flat as Pinocchios' according to my wife (and how come saying that to a woman can get you slapped?) Anyway, seeing that it is - the gel seat is great for helping with short inside-leg measurements (mine) but offers no support (typically) after 60 miles or so.

I suffer from 'singing'wrists - after my ride home, when I stopped for fuel, my wrists seemed (when flexed) is this an álien trait' or do any of you suffer likewise?

On tonight's homeward leg, my left knee started to sieze up, I need to accept age comes to us all, even though I am only 42, I suffered in the forces with my left knee (too much physical too young I say).

Having had top advice and read no end of posts on suspension - some hard braking today REALLY woke me up to the fact that I need a) some better oil up front and b) better rear spring, or at least the settings changed by some in the know to help me help myself more. Full braking and that amount of dive from the front is not to be recommended!

After all of the negatives on the stock Bridgestones - I found they behaved impeccably for me and in the wet (drizzle) to, so that is at least a plus.

On the whole, the bike and me keeping gelling more, so as the summer rolls on and the lighter evenings I can get out for longer.

Oh and yes, the lights suck as is.

NOo, once we get the business I am in fully funded (an innovative super insulation material - sorry about the plug) , I can stop worrying about that and make the necessary changes to the bike.

Anyone know of a good suspension outfit, ideally in Essex, UK, or South East UK?

Thanks and happy days

 

[DaveM]

Nice post Ratboy1050.

Thank you for taking the time to post your findings.

Regarding the wrist issue, the best advice is to;

a) check your gloves to not have a seem cutting off circulation (quite common actually)

b) try using your knees on the tank and your core (abs etc) to lift your weight more off your wrists.

c) you may need to have bar risers if you have wrist damage that is causing this.

I have experienced (a) with a pair of Dainese gloves I had once.
If you do not have a wrist injury (I have a bone floating in my rh wrist) or back injury, most wrist pain is easily avoided by using (b) from time to time so all your upper body weight is not on your wrists.

Seats;
now that is like suspension set up. (Read personal)
ie I have a gel seat on my Sprint and love it.
I have the stock seat on my D 955 and like it too.

I am 5' 10" with short legs and long torso, I am also very broad shouldered (read brick), I am currently a tad over 230lbs and dropping (lost 4 kilos in last month). I am 49yo.

I also have two bad knees (trade and accidents) and one shoulder that has been very badly dislocated (read severe).


I have no problems with my knees on my '04 Sprint ST or my Daytona 955, but 1 hour caused knee lock up on my last bike of many years, a GSX R600.

I get a tingly (pins and needles) rh wrist on my Sprint on trips or longer rides which i fix on the fly by using (b) and flexing all my fingers rapidly and it fixes it as it is a circulation issue.
I also get that on the Daytona and releasing bar pressure on my rh temporarily fixes it.

Hope that helps Ratboy

cheers,

DaveM

 

[Ratboy1050]

Thanks Dave

Exactly the sort of spot on advice I have come to really appreciate!

The gloves issue is an interesting one, I am not sure that mine are cutting off my circulation - but worth focussing on that tomorrow (another work trip and bike is the transport!)

As for the lifting weight off my wrists, I do need some stickies for the tank, as I think that would help with the grip issue to enable that to become a more habitual action.

I think I can live with the gel seat, and the padding that is appearing in front of my waist needs to be re-directed!

I could do with a 4 kilo weight loss - your secret is...?!

More time on the bike will also help, but having had access to a pair of scales today eek I need a) the weight loss programme and quick and b) the suspension doing and like, now!

Thanks again Dave, most appreciated.

 

[321Go]

I also find riding with the balls of my feet on the pegs help keep weight of the arms and wrists. The flexed position of the legs makes it easier to sit up a little removing the weight. Even if you 'flex' once in a while it really helps. Try that and see if it helps you.

 

[quik_d]

is the Gel seat lower than the standard one then? I was thinking of getting one to replace the standard one i have.

thanks

Quik

 

[Ratboy1050]

I also find riding with the balls of my feet on the pegs help keep weight of the arms and wrists. The flexed position of the legs makes it easier to sit up a little removing the weight. Even if you 'flex' once in a while it really helps. Try that and see if it helps you.

MArk (and DaveM!)

Both sets of tips worked a treat today - so many thanks.

Oh and to quik_d - yes the gel seat is slightly lower in profile, so good for those of us with shorter inside leg measurements!

 

[Mmagus]

Interestingly enough if the glove fingers are a little short or tight that can REALLY hurt the circulation. For me the key is core strengthing as I dont tend to be a tank gripper. I also find that relaxing into and "surfing the wind" with my torso helps. At 6'3" the only time I get wrist issues now at all may be is after a 100+ mile run of mountain twisties.

As you become accustom tot he position on this bike you will ntice these issues less and less.

 

[Ratboy1050]

Thanks Mmagus - I was definitely concentrating on my core today, plus some tank gripping (need a set of tank gripper stick-ons!) and was flexing like a pogo-ing space-man - so I felt fine but looked mighty odd!

 

[riptide262]

Easy finger fix

Ratboy
Try a set of QWI gloves. They are specifically designed with pads to eliminate pressure on hand nerves. Best of all is they are cheap and they actually work. http://www.qwinerveprotector.com/
If you still don't have any joy, you can try a set of LSL Superbike High bars. I added these to my 08 Sprint and haven't looked back. I posted a a bunch of stuff on the LSLs a while back. If you do a search on Riptide262 it should come up. If not, send me an e-mail and I can give you the details.

jpm

 

[Ratboy1050]

Ratboy
Try a set of QWI gloves. They are specifically designed with pads to eliminate pressure on hand nerves. Best of all is they are cheap and they actually work. http://www.qwinerveprotector.com/
If you still don't have any joy, you can try a set of LSL Superbike High bars. I added these to my 08 Sprint and haven't looked back. I posted a a bunch of stuff on the LSLs a while back. If you do a search on Riptide262 it should come up. If not, send me an e-mail and I can give you the details.

jpm

JPM - many thanks for the tips and link.

That might help a lot, and if not maybe the bars will.

Although my riding style (with the changes I made yesterday) did help.

The extra high-risers may be the final nail though

 

[CharlieS]

I'm really new to this, but have been reading and trying to find out what I can. I figured out that if I sit as far forward in the saddle as possible, right up against the tank, and arch the small of my back, I'm set up really well on the bike. The weight is off my hands, I'm on top of it nicely in tight turns, and the bike just feels like it's attached to my hips. I don't have to sqeeze the tank with my knees, but I can if I want to, and I'm in a nice position to tuck, up front over the tank. BTW, I'm 6', 190 lbs. This just feels really confortable to me, and has taken the weight off my hands. I'm 49, and was beginning to think that maybe I couldn't adapt to riding this bike.......but it looks like it's going to be fine, now. Just found it a little odd that I haven't seen many explanations of seating position and setting your body up. Just glad I stumbled accross it for myself.......hope that maybe it helps.

Charlie S.

 

[Ratboy1050]

Thanks Charlie

I may well incorporate some seating changes (i.e. body-wise) too

Thank you again

 

[Mmagus]

Another thought came to me as I was riding to the office yesterday. I have large hands and the grips in stock required me to get a bit of tiingle by the time I "gripped" them. So I got a set of "Grip Puppies" inexpensive, simple to instal and comfy as heck. They are not too padded and I still feel very connected to the bike.

 

[Ratboy1050]

Thanks Mmagus - have already looked them up.

Just one question, do they work over heated grips?

edit - sorry, just seen that they do!

Hooray