long distance riding position

I got in about 5 hours this weekend.

I'm always looking for ways to last longer. I've been able to give up my death grip on the bars, for the most part.
I noticed my elbows are locked and my weight is on my hands. I managed to bend my elbows but I had to sit more upright.
And that took using my back. It wasn't too bad. Maybe it'll strengthen my back.

What do you guys do to relieve fatigue?

I know there was a thread on the subject a couple weeks ago but I couldn't find it.

 

For really long distance riding, you sort of have to sit up fairly straight to put the work on your core and not your wrists. To do this comfortably, you need to have your screen sorted. For some, the stock screen is probably fine, others will need an aftermarket solution as the buffeting when you sit up straight can really wear you down and cause neck pain.

The short answer is probably this: MRA vario touring screen + heli bars.

 

Heading out on a long trip sometime soon, Rob??

Firstly .... exercise exercise exercise. Lots of ab and back exercises.

Here's what I do, it may or may not work for you:

- Keep good posture (straight back - shoulders back - no slouching)
- Loosen grip on the bars AND your arms. Elbows should be hanging and almost flapping.
- Grip gently with your knees on the tank (get tank protectors).
- Your entire weight should be on your abs and back muscles.
- Stand up on the pegs for a mile or two every now and again, whether your getting sore or not. It helps circulate your blood.
- Use a throttle lock and allow one of your hands to drop to your side occasionally to allow different blood flow again
- Extend your pillion pegs and throw your feet back on them as well to change position every once in a while.
- Pull over in the parking lot after filling up and walk around while grabbing a snack / hydrating. Fluids are VERY important.
- Outfit your bike to make it more comfortable (seat, grips, throttle lock, windscreen, bar risers, lower pegs, etc). The more comfortable you are, the less fatigued you'll become.
- Wear earplugs. Your brain is trying to process all the wind noise and it will mentally fatigue you faster if you're not wearing the ear plugs.

AM should chime in this, she's got some great little techniques she uses ....

 

Got Heli bars, lower pegs, Sargent seat. Maybe a new screen is in order.

I do most of your list Jeff.
Have tank protectors but don't usually squeeze the tank. Haven't tried the pillion pegs yet.
Probably need to rest more between stop. Oh, and slim jims

 

It's called yoga and work your gut into shape. Actually so much so that your abs hold you up, not your back. That and hug the tank with your inner thighs, amazing how that takes so much off the arms and wrists and shoulders. Thing is it won't happen over night. Add to it a life style change in how you use you body too.

 

I'm going to use the BB technique..

JUST DRIVE FASTER....

You will cover miles quicker, the air pressure will keep the weight off the wrists, you will have more time...

No excercise required, no special techniques needed...

You already have all the kit / tools to do this...

Win, win, win.

 

Slim Jims / Beef stick are very important!

 

I ride as fast as I can. Seems to ward off fatigue.

 

You my dear can go right ahead and assume anything you like.

I assume you meant riding- your moto.

Ear plugs are a godsend. You can actually relax a lot more with them. I tried the old mp3 player and earbuds but they kept falling out.

 

Get some decent noise cancelling ear buds if you don't get an intercom ... and hey, what you do on the privacy of your own bike is your business.

 

I have a favorite riding position, but now Google banned the photos...

 

Build up your core muscles ("everyone" neglects that) and your legs to get weight off your arms, back, wrists, shoulders, and hands. They just can't hold up for very long periods of time. Also, stop and get off the bike regularly if only for five minutes. Works for me. ; ) A strong back is good but it takes more than that to support your body. Also, stay hydrated and keep food in you. If all else fails, go back to sentence one. ; ) I did all of this and don't need or want helibars or lowered pegs. Twisty riders know the value of strong legs. So do their girlfriends and boyfriends.........; 0

 

Not sure how this is for long distance ...

 

So, I've ridden my Gold Wing for 24 hours with only fuel and bathroom stops (I know it isn't the same) and, I've ridden over 16 hours on a "10 speed" where I am in a more aggressive position than on the VFR so I've some experience.
1) PRACTISE! Keep doing longer and longer rides.
2) On the wing I stopped every 2 1/2 to 3 hours for fuel. On the "10 speed", I stopped every hour. In both cases I walked around, did stretches, did jumping jacks, hydrated, ate something, did squats. Got the blood flowing. Oh, and usually peed.
3) Drink often. Figure it out. Water, maybe some sports drinks but go easy on the calories.
4) I have custom molded ear buds that I can hook into an MP3 player. AND I have a second set with no hook up, just sound deadening.
5) Get some kind of throttle lock / lever so you can move that right hand around. I also learned to ride with my left hand crossed over to the throttle so I can give my right hand a rest. Figure out different positions for your hands, arms, legs, neck etc. Do some exercises on the bike. Vary your speed.

And the stuff others have already said. BUT test all the stuff out before your long trip.

 

I put in 600 miles in a 12-hour day!

 

I did 500 in 9 hours today. Would have been less but I took extra long breaks. I wasn't in a hurry.

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