Where to try something different | GTAMotorcycle.com

Where to try something different

D

DSevigny

Well-known member
Forum Sponsor
So I bought a Vulcan 500 thinking that a cruiser would be the best styling for me based on advice and feedback from people whom I grew up around that had a few years on both styles of bikes. What I'm noticing is that after about 1.5 hours of a non-stop ride my @55 is brutal sore and my lower back aint feeling to cool either. Part of this is due to my seating habits while working (programmer) and a larger part is my laziness causing me to slouch. It's a bad habit and I'm constantly trying to fight it but it does have the side effect of killing my enjoyment of my ride. I'm also curious about trying other bikes for the feel to see if there is a better fit for me with a different style. I do like having the option of stretching out my legs a little on those long straights that our wonderful area of the province is known for (I rest my achille's on the pegs instead of the ball of my foot as I don't have highway bars). Even this though upsets the small of my back. I also like being able to carry some stuff with me as my motorcycle is a cage replacement. I use it everyday as a commuter (with today being the exception given my experience level vs the weather).

I'm curious about the feel of something like the VStrom or even the Honda FJR (although that's A LOT of power for me right now).

Is there anywhere the I can demo a series of different styles to get a better feel for what best suits me?
 
Most stock motorcycle seats cause serious butt pain after a short time, some worse than others.
A buddy of mine has the 650 V-Strom, it is a pretty tall bike and the seat is worse torture than your Vulcan, his legs go numb after about 25 minutes due to the pressure on the sacrum and sitting bones. Check out Stromtrooper.com there's lots of discussion about the horrible seat.

You would probably find a new handle bar riser that positions the bar closer to you and a bit higher might make your back feel a bit better. I suspect the reach to the handle bar is encouraging your slouch

Sheepskin butt pads make the cruiser seat much more bearable as well.
http://www.alaskaleatheronline.com/servlet/the-template/Buttpads/Page

It seems that only the large cruisers get the aftermarket attention for replacement seats.
 
Check out the local demo rides (there is a thread in general discussion for dates) - you will be able to ride anything from small SS to cruisers, tourers, sport tourers, etc. Corbin and Sargent make excellent aftermarket seats - I have Corbin on my SS and my @ss does not get sore at all any more. For your back, it will really help to do some back exercises regularly. I had to strengthen my back a lot to go from sport touring to SS bike, but my back feels fine now after longer rides.
 
From your description I can almost guarantee that a sport or sport/touring bike would be more comfortable for you. I've had the same lower back problems and I find the cruiser position is punishing. It's comfy at first but it's too hammock-like to be any good for my lower back after 1/2 hour. Once you get used to a head-forward, legs-back position (you may need to work on your core muscles to avoid muscle fatique in that position) then you should be fine.
 
I know what you mean, I have a tricky back as well. I prefer the Sport touring, Sport, or even Dual Sport style riding positions.

The best thing about ST and SS is that you can really grip the bike with your legs. Lock your heels into the heel plates, squeeze the tank with your knees, and immediately your back feels better, and you also have much more control over the bike.

After riding a few cruiser style bikes, including harleys and the like, I know I would never want one for more than a Sunday ride!
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top Bottom