First off, hello everyone. This is my first bike and so far I am loving it. Rode around most of the week practicing turning and shifting and all. Finally went on a longish ride (for me) yesterday of 90 miles and am very sore today. Mostly in the upper back/neck, hamstrings and forearms/hands (most likely from all the braking/shifting in the construction traffic I got caught in). I know it will take a little time to get used to the riding position, so I am not that worried. I do have some questions/comments: When riding do most people try to keep their head up or keep it in line with your body and raise your eyes up to look ahead? When I bought the bike, the person told me it should be revved higher than other bikes when riding, as I have nothing to compare it with I have been trying to keep it around 3,500 RPMs most of the time (caused compared at least to my car, which I usually try to keep in the 2,000-2,300 range when cruising) just because that seemed like a good point when riding, the engine didn’t seemed to be strained at all, but still responsive enough. Is that good or should be keeping it higher? I probably should ride a while before thinking about changing this, but to helibars make that much of a difference in riding position? Seems like I am a leaning over a little too much to my liking – but that could be just that I am not used to this bike, or really riding at all yet. (I am 6’0”)
pretty much in line but tilted just slightly for me... as you get used to it, you'll find where you like to cruise. If I'm playing in the twisties, I am hitting 9k and above, if I'm cruising on the hwy I am around 5-6k. Yeah, they are quite a bit different. I am 6'1" and my riding position is probably closer to an FZ than a VFR. They feel a bit funny at first and I have toyed with the idea of taking them off for years, but never have. The only time they bother me is I'm really tossing it back and forth a lot. The position makes it a little more work. oh, and welcome to VFRWorld. glad to have you.
I generally keep my head in line with my body and use my eyes. As far as RPMs, I try to stay above 4k, and on the highway around 5k. My bike's happy spot seems to be 4900-6500 rpms for cruise, and with the tall gearing, that's wider than it sounds. My VFR leans me a bit more than my FZ6 does, but it feels right. I'm only 5'9" though.
Pretty much in line but tilted up slightly. These are not car engines. They do not have the torque of a larger engine and they make up for that with RPM. I seldom let mine get as low as 3,500 rpm and normally keep it above 4,500. They are perfectly content to run at 5,500 or above all day long. Scoot forward on the seat, it's long. The closer you are to the tank the more upright you will be. I have Genmar risers on mine and did right at 500 miles yesterday at age 56.
As others have indicated keep it above 4000rpm around town and closer to 5k on the HWY, don't forget the VFR revs to 12K or twice that of most cars. :smile: On posture, as you say you need more ride time hopefully on twisting back roads. On a personel level have found the VFR's stock ergos perfect for 500+mile days, upright nakeds hurt my lower back over distance for some reason (?) thing to remember is to consciously detense your shoulders arms and hands from time to time using your thighs and abs to hold your bodies trunk. When you are more confident another trick I picked up a while ago from Sports bike riders doing long distance is to use your left arm on your left knee to brace yourself to gives abs a rest from time to time.
Ride more Ride more relaxed Whenever you find yourself tense, Relax. You got to change something or the tension will eat you up! Even a change for just a moment is enough. Have you ever watched animals in the zoo? Tigers pace, elephants sway. Muscles are made for motion. Just a little is enough. Piut in 200 miles yesterday two up with the wife. Just got back from 120 mi. solo. I'm trying out sheep skin and wooden bead seat pads. I like the stock set up alot. I'm 6ft, 180# and 56 yrs. (hey SCraig ;-) Ride more! Cal Keep a soft focus on the road far ahead
Hi Barley, You are a new rider and are using new muscles that have never been used. Generally you shift riding positions depending on what kind of riding you got going on for the moment. Working the corners? Scoot forward in the seat and get down. Crusing the HWY? Shift around to what comfortable. Sometime I scoot way back on the seat and almost sit up, and then others I rest my left elbow on the tank to take the weight and lean a bit forward. BTW get a throttle rocker to ease the death grip on the bars. Really just get more riding practice and get used to your bike. Its too early to say what you will end up liking or not as far as ergos. BTW 3500rpm on that bike is too low, shoot for 4500 or better. Revs are your friend - use them. You got up to 12k. Good luck, MD
Thanks all for the feedback. Looks like I was low in the RPMs, so I will adjust that. As for the others issues, I guess that will change with more riding as someone said. : )
