Making an uncomfortable bike... comfortable
Discussion
I might be about to start tweaking my Hayabusa to try and make it more comfortable. I've been out of sportsbikes for 5 or 6 years now and I'm finding that the angle of my knees is taking some of the fun away from the big Suzuki. I don't notice it at all when riding swiftly, but in traffic / around town / cruising at constant speed, it is a pain.
I've gotten very used to bigger more comfortable bikes and I'm a bit concerned I'm trying to turn the Suzuki into something it isn't.
What's everyone's thoughts on this ? Have you managed to significantly improve the comfort of a bike ? Or am I chasing my tail and need to accept the bike as is and either learn to get on with it or change it for something else ?
I've gotten very used to bigger more comfortable bikes and I'm a bit concerned I'm trying to turn the Suzuki into something it isn't.
What's everyone's thoughts on this ? Have you managed to significantly improve the comfort of a bike ? Or am I chasing my tail and need to accept the bike as is and either learn to get on with it or change it for something else ?
I think if you're nearly there with comfort and just need a slight tweak it's often fixable.
If it's miles out I don't see the point in trying - e.g. a lot of the people who buy the Tuono V4 I have end up fitting bar risers, lowered linkage, thinner seat etc to try and completely change the seating position, but I don't think you can change it so fundamentally.
In your case it sounds like a set of adjustable rearsets and maybe a slightly thicker seat would get you where you want.
If it's miles out I don't see the point in trying - e.g. a lot of the people who buy the Tuono V4 I have end up fitting bar risers, lowered linkage, thinner seat etc to try and completely change the seating position, but I don't think you can change it so fundamentally.
In your case it sounds like a set of adjustable rearsets and maybe a slightly thicker seat would get you where you want.
As above, it all depends on how radical you'll need to be to get comfortable. Options like lowered/rear-set pegs, bar risers, different shaped seats/screens etc. that all adjust things by up to a couple of cm are all worth looking at but if you're going to need more then you're probably starting with the wrong bike.
Sometimes it's a case of getting used to something new/different. Are you confident these issues won't just disappear as to get really familiar with the bike?
Sometimes it's a case of getting used to something new/different. Are you confident these issues won't just disappear as to get really familiar with the bike?
I don't think you'll ever end up making an inherently uncomfortable bike comfortable.
Helibars were a well recommend addition to my VFR1200F but I found that whist they eased pain on my wrists they just moved it to my back as I was now leant forward but bent up (kind of reversed hunched).
The only addition I've found worthwhile is a gel seat insert.
Helibars were a well recommend addition to my VFR1200F but I found that whist they eased pain on my wrists they just moved it to my back as I was now leant forward but bent up (kind of reversed hunched).
The only addition I've found worthwhile is a gel seat insert.
I have had 2 Hayabusas in the past and was very surprised once id tried a GSXR1000 to find them more uncomfortable than the GSXR.
The low seat, high pegs are fixable , you can get a set of bar risers to heighten them slightly but the fairing limits that to an extent but its the stretch over the tank that is harder to fix.
I tried some of these options but it was all a bit of a compromise, its no different to all these big old buses, ZZR11/14, Blackbird etc…people assume because its a big bike and can take a pillion/luggage with ease its comfy but compared to something slightly more upright like even an old Fazer 1000 let alone something more modern, you realise they are far from it.
Chop it in for something better suited is my advice.
The low seat, high pegs are fixable , you can get a set of bar risers to heighten them slightly but the fairing limits that to an extent but its the stretch over the tank that is harder to fix.
I tried some of these options but it was all a bit of a compromise, its no different to all these big old buses, ZZR11/14, Blackbird etc…people assume because its a big bike and can take a pillion/luggage with ease its comfy but compared to something slightly more upright like even an old Fazer 1000 let alone something more modern, you realise they are far from it.
Chop it in for something better suited is my advice.
Thanks all, I wanted something a bit sportier when I bought the Suzuki, I even test rode one and thought it a bit too cramped, but I hoped I'd become used to it. My knees aren't adapting quickly (at all).
I'll try a cheap adjustable footpeg to see if that gets me into a range that is OK, and then maybe do it properly if it works. I haven't seen plates to lower the OE pegs, makes absolute sense and so I'll have a look for those as well. I'm a little mindful that they will see quite high loads and so if I do end up trying to adjust the footpegs I want it to be strong / robust.
As for getting something else that fits better, that is probably the right advice, but I really didnt want a bike that would egg me on to be riding harder and harder. The Suzuki is quick, but doesn't encourage me to be thrashing it and braking later and later etc... In everything other than comfort, it is exactly what I was after. Its all a bit of a dilema.
I'll try a cheap adjustable footpeg to see if that gets me into a range that is OK, and then maybe do it properly if it works. I haven't seen plates to lower the OE pegs, makes absolute sense and so I'll have a look for those as well. I'm a little mindful that they will see quite high loads and so if I do end up trying to adjust the footpegs I want it to be strong / robust.
As for getting something else that fits better, that is probably the right advice, but I really didnt want a bike that would egg me on to be riding harder and harder. The Suzuki is quick, but doesn't encourage me to be thrashing it and braking later and later etc... In everything other than comfort, it is exactly what I was after. Its all a bit of a dilema.
Lowering the pegs on something like a Bush can end in tears if you ride enthusiastically!
This will sound stupid but try some layers foam on the seat to raise you up 25 mm or so and see how that feels. Yes it will look stupid, but this is just to test the concept, if it works then invest in a seat modification, if not throw away the foam and sell the bike.
This will sound stupid but try some layers foam on the seat to raise you up 25 mm or so and see how that feels. Yes it will look stupid, but this is just to test the concept, if it works then invest in a seat modification, if not throw away the foam and sell the bike.
I was worried about that Steve, but the standard pegs have got hero blobs that must be 50mm long. I’m figuring that there is some latitude to use up some of that space.
The only bike I’ve had in a long time that I scrape the pegs on the road is the big Rocket. I do catch my toes on others, but I haven’t yet on the Suzuki (I think that will be a factor with lower pegs). Assuming it’s ground clearance you’re thinking about ?
I get your point on the seat. It does feel generally quite low and it is mainly that seat to peg relationship that I’m struggling with. Might need a bit more seat height (and barr risers to match)
I’m going to do some experiments as you suggest.
The only bike I’ve had in a long time that I scrape the pegs on the road is the big Rocket. I do catch my toes on others, but I haven’t yet on the Suzuki (I think that will be a factor with lower pegs). Assuming it’s ground clearance you’re thinking about ?
I get your point on the seat. It does feel generally quite low and it is mainly that seat to peg relationship that I’m struggling with. Might need a bit more seat height (and barr risers to match)
I’m going to do some experiments as you suggest.
Take a pic of it on the side stand, work out the lean angle between tyre and hero blobs. If you lower, and inset the pegs a little it could be made to have same lean angle. If not, raise the preload a smidge to get it back. Thicker seat definitely a good idea but you may then need bar risers to get your wrists happier.
Does sound like new bike could be in your future. Have you tried the FJR13?
Does sound like new bike could be in your future. Have you tried the FJR13?
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