Discussion
Hi all,
I like to tour on my bike but just got back from a trip to Le Mans and can honestly say I've never felt so tired. I ache all over and seem to wonder if its me or the bike. I have a 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 650, which is apparently a sports tourer, but on long trips any more than 1hour in and I need to stop. Probably the seat, but my arms, legs, knees, back all just hurt! How do people tour long distances and cope? I am going to change my bike this year but want something sporty but HAS to be comfortable on longer trips.
Budget around £7500 cash or open to look at CPC for the right bike.
What would be a good fun weekend bike and also a comfy long distant tourer. I'm 52, not overweight and fairly fit so my current situation can't be down to that!!!
Riding home on the last bit of the trip last night I just wanted to give up altogether. Today I can hardly move.......
Any suggestions to real life experiences on certain bikes is appreciated.
Thanks
I like to tour on my bike but just got back from a trip to Le Mans and can honestly say I've never felt so tired. I ache all over and seem to wonder if its me or the bike. I have a 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 650, which is apparently a sports tourer, but on long trips any more than 1hour in and I need to stop. Probably the seat, but my arms, legs, knees, back all just hurt! How do people tour long distances and cope? I am going to change my bike this year but want something sporty but HAS to be comfortable on longer trips.
Budget around £7500 cash or open to look at CPC for the right bike.
What would be a good fun weekend bike and also a comfy long distant tourer. I'm 52, not overweight and fairly fit so my current situation can't be down to that!!!
Riding home on the last bit of the trip last night I just wanted to give up altogether. Today I can hardly move.......
Any suggestions to real life experiences on certain bikes is appreciated.
Thanks
Have you set the bike up for yourself to ride it?
Suspension, tyres, lever and pedals can all be moved to suit you rather than just being left in the default position..
That being said... I would guess it's the smaller engine making the ride ride too "vibey" for you...
Get a bigger engine.. 1,000... 1,200 etc.. far nicer and more relaxing ride.
In the short term though... think about adjusting your current bike..
Suspension, tyres, lever and pedals can all be moved to suit you rather than just being left in the default position..
That being said... I would guess it's the smaller engine making the ride ride too "vibey" for you...
Get a bigger engine.. 1,000... 1,200 etc.. far nicer and more relaxing ride.
In the short term though... think about adjusting your current bike..
We are all different so identifying why you struggled with the run back from Le Mans is difficult. The Old Gits are just back from the French Pyrenees. For most of us, that was 2 days crossing France, 5 days riding around the mountains, and 2 days riding back through France. While it was intense, I don't think any of our group suffered significantly with regards to riding comfort beyond the requirement for the occasional AirHawk seat cushion.
The bikes varied from a couple of large Indians, through the obligatory BMW GSA to 3 Kawasaki H2 SXs but, with one exception, all bikes were 900cc plus. Perhaps the abilities offered by the larger engined, more relaxed bikes helped in not making riders stressed/uncomfortable.
For me, the best bikes on the trip were the H2 SXs. (Way way better than the GS!) But I suspect that most on the trip would suggest that their bike was the best option.
The bikes varied from a couple of large Indians, through the obligatory BMW GSA to 3 Kawasaki H2 SXs but, with one exception, all bikes were 900cc plus. Perhaps the abilities offered by the larger engined, more relaxed bikes helped in not making riders stressed/uncomfortable.
For me, the best bikes on the trip were the H2 SXs. (Way way better than the GS!) But I suspect that most on the trip would suggest that their bike was the best option.
Edited by black-k1 on Tuesday 18th June 10:57
the cueball said:
Have you set the bike up for yourself to ride it?
Suspension, tyres, lever and pedals can all be moved to suit you rather than just being left in the default position..
That being said... I would guess it's the smaller engine making the ride ride too "vibey" for you...
Get a bigger engine.. 1,000... 1,200 etc.. far nicer and more relaxing ride.
In the short term though... think about adjusting your current bike..
The levers are set up for me along with suspension (rear preload only) and tire pressures. The pegs have no adjustment. The bike is fine day to day but these long runs are killing me! Suspension, tyres, lever and pedals can all be moved to suit you rather than just being left in the default position..
That being said... I would guess it's the smaller engine making the ride ride too "vibey" for you...
Get a bigger engine.. 1,000... 1,200 etc.. far nicer and more relaxing ride.
In the short term though... think about adjusting your current bike..
I have had a previous look at a Ducati Multistrada 950 but was't sure on the sportyness of it.
I've actually just done the very same trip, stopped in at Le Mans on my way up to the Normandy coast from the Loire valley.
I'm 60 and no athlete so I like a bit of comfort but I want to enjoy the ride as well. I've got a late Aprilia Caponord 1200 which is easily the most comfortable thing I've ever sat on. It was a bit of a left field choice when I bought it but was seduced by the engine noise, the electronic suspension and the price! An end of line 2018 model would easily come inside your budget. If you need to press on, it's nicely quick and I don't get off it feeling like I've been beaten up. The aftermarket MRA screen is remarkable and no buffeting or hassle at motorway+ speeds.
I've got a Beemer GS too but the seat is like a plank and whilst brilliant in it's own right, this is my first choice.
I'm 60 and no athlete so I like a bit of comfort but I want to enjoy the ride as well. I've got a late Aprilia Caponord 1200 which is easily the most comfortable thing I've ever sat on. It was a bit of a left field choice when I bought it but was seduced by the engine noise, the electronic suspension and the price! An end of line 2018 model would easily come inside your budget. If you need to press on, it's nicely quick and I don't get off it feeling like I've been beaten up. The aftermarket MRA screen is remarkable and no buffeting or hassle at motorway+ speeds.
I've got a Beemer GS too but the seat is like a plank and whilst brilliant in it's own right, this is my first choice.
As others have said the key is comfort.
I have a Tuono v4 factory which is not ideal for long rides but have added foam grips, always use the cruise control on uncrowded motorways and speed limited sections. Have fitted a mesh seat cover and regularly stand up to get blood flow and cool air to my backside.
I did have a suzuki busa but it was too cramped in my hip do I suffered from cramp. So it had to go.
I have a Tuono v4 factory which is not ideal for long rides but have added foam grips, always use the cruise control on uncrowded motorways and speed limited sections. Have fitted a mesh seat cover and regularly stand up to get blood flow and cool air to my backside.
I did have a suzuki busa but it was too cramped in my hip do I suffered from cramp. So it had to go.
LFB531 said:
I've actually just done the very same trip, stopped in at Le Mans on my way up to the Normandy coast from the Loire valley.
I'm 60 and no athlete so I like a bit of comfort but I want to enjoy the ride as well. I've got a late Aprilia Caponord 1200 which is easily the most comfortable thing I've ever sat on. It was a bit of a left field choice when I bought it but was seduced by the engine noise, the electronic suspension and the price! An end of line 2018 model would easily come inside your budget. If you need to press on, it's nicely quick and I don't get off it feeling like I've been beaten up. The aftermarket MRA screen is remarkable and no buffeting or hassle at motorway+ speeds.
I've got a Beemer GS too but the seat is like a plank and whilst brilliant in it's own right, this is my first choice.
Thanks for that! Your comment about feeling like I've been beaten up is very real today. Will have a look at those as not seen much about them. I think the seat is the biggest part of comfort!I'm 60 and no athlete so I like a bit of comfort but I want to enjoy the ride as well. I've got a late Aprilia Caponord 1200 which is easily the most comfortable thing I've ever sat on. It was a bit of a left field choice when I bought it but was seduced by the engine noise, the electronic suspension and the price! An end of line 2018 model would easily come inside your budget. If you need to press on, it's nicely quick and I don't get off it feeling like I've been beaten up. The aftermarket MRA screen is remarkable and no buffeting or hassle at motorway+ speeds.
I've got a Beemer GS too but the seat is like a plank and whilst brilliant in it's own right, this is my first choice.
Zombie Death said:
Thanks for that! Your comment about feeling like I've been beaten up is very real today. Will have a look at those as not seen much about them. I think the seat is the biggest part of comfort!
Cycling shorts..... one of my mates swears by them, however for me living in Spain they would probably be a little, errrr, sweaty!Firstly, make sure all your cables are well lubed. My Fazer FZ6 S2 had an absurdly heavy throttle cable and it needed well lubed. Even a new replacement didn't cure things - it's how they were. My FireBlade is a better tourer for that reason alone!
An Airhawk makes a big difference, as does a stand up every now and then, or a stretch to sit on the pillion seat.
An Airhawk makes a big difference, as does a stand up every now and then, or a stretch to sit on the pillion seat.
It can depend a bit on the route choice. 2 hours of motorway where you're sitting in the same position all the time, bracing against the wind, and bored can be uncomfortable, whereas 4 hours of twistier roads where you're moving around the bike a bit more can be way more comfortable, and a lot more fun.
Personally I plan to do 200-250 miles in a day, and keep off the motorways as much as possible when I'm touring.
Personally I plan to do 200-250 miles in a day, and keep off the motorways as much as possible when I'm touring.
I'm the same age as you OP and am generally starting to feel the aches and pains of getting older.
For me it is all about comfort of knees and hips. I ride a VFR800, I used ot be fine on it but now a couple of hours in the saddle sees me getting a numb bum and my knees and hips beginning to ache. I just think I've become a bit too creaky for the bike, and would benefit from something more built for it.
A couple of my riding posse have Yamaha FJR1300s and BMW R1200RTs. We nickname them "the sofa" because they are all day comfy. I will be looking at something of that ilk as my replacement.
The key feature on both of those as well as a comfy seat is the electrically adjustable screen. Set it however you want on the move and just sit in a bubble of still, quiet air as you blast along, that does away with a lot of the feeling of being beaten up. I was really impressed with how capable both were on the last tour where I got to try each for a couple of hours.
For me it is all about comfort of knees and hips. I ride a VFR800, I used ot be fine on it but now a couple of hours in the saddle sees me getting a numb bum and my knees and hips beginning to ache. I just think I've become a bit too creaky for the bike, and would benefit from something more built for it.
A couple of my riding posse have Yamaha FJR1300s and BMW R1200RTs. We nickname them "the sofa" because they are all day comfy. I will be looking at something of that ilk as my replacement.
The key feature on both of those as well as a comfy seat is the electrically adjustable screen. Set it however you want on the move and just sit in a bubble of still, quiet air as you blast along, that does away with a lot of the feeling of being beaten up. I was really impressed with how capable both were on the last tour where I got to try each for a couple of hours.
Zombie Death said:
Thanks for that! Your comment about feeling like I've been beaten up is very real today. Will have a look at those as not seen much about them. I think the seat is the biggest part of comfort!
Try an AirHawk seat cushion. It made my bike all day comfortable with no aches or pains - and I'm 62! My friend from Australia, who borrowed my older H2 SX, also found the AirHawk all day comfortable and he is nearly 70.You can see the cushions on the bikes in this picture.
black-k1 said:
We are all different so identifying why you struggled with the run back from Le Mans is difficult. The Old Gits are just back from the French Pyrenees. For most of us, that was 2 days crossing France, 5 days riding around the mountains, and 2 days riding back through France. While it was intense, I don't think any of our group suffered significantly with regards to riding comfort beyond the requirement for the occasional AirHawk seat cushion.
The bikes varied from a couple of large Indians, through the obligatory BMW GSA to 3 Kawasaki H2 SXs but, with one exception, all bikes were 900cc plus. Perhaps the abilities offered by the larger engined, more relaxed bikes helped in not making riders stressed/uncomfortable.
For me, the best bikes on the trip were the H2 SXs. (Way way better than the GS!) But I suspect that most on the trip would suggest that their bike was the best option.
He won’t find a H2 SX for 8.5k though, although 10k will do it The bikes varied from a couple of large Indians, through the obligatory BMW GSA to 3 Kawasaki H2 SXs but, with one exception, all bikes were 900cc plus. Perhaps the abilities offered by the larger engined, more relaxed bikes helped in not making riders stressed/uncomfortable.
For me, the best bikes on the trip were the H2 SXs. (Way way better than the GS!) But I suspect that most on the trip would suggest that their bike was the best option.
Edited by black-k1 on Tuesday 18th June 10:57
Zombie Death said:
The levers are set up for me along with suspension (rear preload only) and tire pressures. The pegs have no adjustment. The bike is fine day to day but these long runs are killing me!
I have had a previous look at a Ducati Multistrada 950 but was't sure on the sportyness of it.
There was a guy in front of me on an older Multistrada on our last tour, he was wicked fast.I have had a previous look at a Ducati Multistrada 950 but was't sure on the sportyness of it.
Zombie Death said:
Hi all,
I like to tour on my bike but just got back from a trip to Le Mans and can honestly say I've never felt so tired. I ache all over and seem to wonder if its me or the bike. I have a 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 650, which is apparently a sports tourer, but on long trips any more than 1hour in and I need to stop. Probably the seat, but my arms, legs, knees, back all just hurt! How do people tour long distances and cope? I am going to change my bike this year but want something sporty but HAS to be comfortable on longer trips.
Budget around £7500 cash or open to look at CPC for the right bike.
What would be a good fun weekend bike and also a comfy long distant tourer. I'm 52, not overweight and fairly fit so my current situation can't be down to that!!!
Riding home on the last bit of the trip last night I just wanted to give up altogether. Today I can hardly move.......
Any suggestions to real life experiences on certain bikes is appreciated.
Thanks
Comfort isn't all on the bike, but having space to squidge around and alter your seat position has always been important to me. Bigger bikes tend to have a bit more space than smaller ones. I did tour on a FZS600 which was similar in size to your Ninja, but it took a bit of effort to get a comfortable position. I was also a lot younger!I like to tour on my bike but just got back from a trip to Le Mans and can honestly say I've never felt so tired. I ache all over and seem to wonder if its me or the bike. I have a 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 650, which is apparently a sports tourer, but on long trips any more than 1hour in and I need to stop. Probably the seat, but my arms, legs, knees, back all just hurt! How do people tour long distances and cope? I am going to change my bike this year but want something sporty but HAS to be comfortable on longer trips.
Budget around £7500 cash or open to look at CPC for the right bike.
What would be a good fun weekend bike and also a comfy long distant tourer. I'm 52, not overweight and fairly fit so my current situation can't be down to that!!!
Riding home on the last bit of the trip last night I just wanted to give up altogether. Today I can hardly move.......
Any suggestions to real life experiences on certain bikes is appreciated.
Thanks
Omaruk said:
black-k1 said:
We are all different so identifying why you struggled with the run back from Le Mans is difficult. The Old Gits are just back from the French Pyrenees. For most of us, that was 2 days crossing France, 5 days riding around the mountains, and 2 days riding back through France. While it was intense, I don't think any of our group suffered significantly with regards to riding comfort beyond the requirement for the occasional AirHawk seat cushion.
The bikes varied from a couple of large Indians, through the obligatory BMW GSA to 3 Kawasaki H2 SXs but, with one exception, all bikes were 900cc plus. Perhaps the abilities offered by the larger engined, more relaxed bikes helped in not making riders stressed/uncomfortable.
For me, the best bikes on the trip were the H2 SXs. (Way way better than the GS!) But I suspect that most on the trip would suggest that their bike was the best option.
He won’t find a H2 SX for 8.5k though, although 10k will do it The bikes varied from a couple of large Indians, through the obligatory BMW GSA to 3 Kawasaki H2 SXs but, with one exception, all bikes were 900cc plus. Perhaps the abilities offered by the larger engined, more relaxed bikes helped in not making riders stressed/uncomfortable.
For me, the best bikes on the trip were the H2 SXs. (Way way better than the GS!) But I suspect that most on the trip would suggest that their bike was the best option.
Edited by black-k1 on Tuesday 18th June 10:57
Edited by black-k1 on Wednesday 19th June 20:43
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff