Topic: Comfort

[riverfever]

I started to get a bit uncomfortable on the bike at mile 80 the other day. Now a lot of that could have to do with not riding the thing in so long because it keeps fighting me a bit. I have stock pegs and Tarozzi high rise clip on bars installed. I know that's not ideal. I really like the way clip ons look but the thing has to be comfy as I'm hoping to do some light touring here in CO once things get sorted and she's more appreciative of all my efforts. I'm considering trying a very low rise super bike bar. I shaved my top clamp (bar mounts). Does anyone have a top clamp they aren't planning on using? I guess I'm going to have to order a low rise bar and install it (while keeping the clip on bars on) and see the difference. I was hoping to install rear sets but, if the combo of them and clip ons isn't comfortable then it's stupid. What combo do you all run with foot controls and bars? In your experience, what do you think is the most comfortable set up on these bikes? Thanks. Oh and if it helps, I'm just a shade under 6 foot tall. 

[robvangulik]

And what kind of bike are we talking about?
Are you a tourer or a sports rider, long distance or around town?

[riverfever]

The bike is a 550. And right now the bike sits in the garage but it looks lovely doing so. Eventually I'd like to do some light touring.

[540nova]

It's highly individual, depending on your riding style and your physique.
I have a CBR1000rr, and set up my CB450 to mimic the riding position.
Many people make one of two mistakes: clip ons or other low bars, and stock pegs, or just as bad, placing the rearsets in the passenger peg spot (easy way out, as far as mounting). Neither works well in my opinion. Ideally, for most people, your rearsets should fall somewhere between the rear peg and front peg locations, if going with clip ons.


1974 CB450, 2006 CBR1000RR

[millla03]

I liked the look of lower bars, so I started off with superbike style bars for a couple years. They were just a tad too low for me to ever feel relaxed. I now use these aluminum bars from Renthal with stock foot pegs http://www.renthal.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=2212 About an inch higher and a bit wider too than the first set I was using. Sort of a compromise between a superbike bar and what would have come stock.

Im a shade under 6 feet tall as well with longer arms, and this combo provides a nice neutral riding position I find more comfortable than a lower bar on longer rides. As others have mentioned, there's a lot of personal preference, but this works for me on the 750. Have pictures if you're interested.

[Tews19]

Get yourself a set of Superbike bars and call it a day. I have them and have put them on every single one of my CBs...... If you want I can snap an upclose pic for you

[riverfever]

Tews I would love that. Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to order a set of bars and see what they look like.

[scottly]

How high are high rise clip-ons? What is your inseam? How thick is your seat, and how far is it from the foot-pegs? There are a lot of variables to consider. If my clubmans are off by a couple of degrees, it gets uncomfortable within a few miles, but when properly adjusted, they feel fine for hundreds of miles at a time.

[Bankerdanny]

You might want to consider a cafe fairing or fly screen. Something that diverts the wind off your chest.

[seanbarney41]

You might want to consider a cafe fairing or fly screen. Something that diverts the wind off your chest.

totally disagree...the wind on your chest really helps take the weight off your wrists with low/er bars

A good rule of thumb is you want the balls of your feet on the pegs directly below yo ass crack

If you are not a crippled old man, your body will learn to adapt to just about anything with lots of seat time.  But that does not make poor ergonomics ideal.

[riverfever]

I knew all along I wanted rear sets but it's gonna be a bit before I get to them. I think what I'll do is look for a stock top clamp (I shaved mine down to clean things up when I installed clip on bars) and order some low profile super bike bars and then make a final decision when I can see/feel both. Thanks everyone.

[Tews19]

Pics

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[Bankerdanny]

Sean, it depends on the bars. Superbike bars don't get you low like clubman bars and under mounted clipons.

The eurobar/windshield combo I used on my 550 for the 2011 rally was very comfortable.

[seanbarney41]

Sean, it depends on the bars. Superbike bars don't get you low like clubman bars and under mounted clipons.

The eurobar/windshield combo I used on my 550 for the 2011 rally was very comfortable.

depends...on how long your gas tank is and your arms.  I have short arms, so still leaned forward with superbikes.

I dont like bar mounted windshields due to the effect of cross winds

[Steve_K]

When I change bars, pegs and seats,  I try to copy the position from my 92 VFR.  It was good for 400 mile days. 
I start with seat, then locate the foot pegs.  The bars can be a bit harder.  I have used clubman, superbike, m bars and clip ones on the same bike until I got it right for me.  The trick for me is to use my stomach muscles to take the weight off my bars and hands.  This also make the bike easier to ride.   Takes a few days to toughen me up in the spring, though.
Note: it important for that the seat is level when sitting  on it.  Bad backs bring that out.
Steve

[Retro Rocket]

It's highly individual, depending on your riding style and your physique.
I have a CBR1000rr, and set up my CB450 to mimic the riding position.
Many people make one of two mistakes: clip ons or other low bars, and stock pegs, or just as bad, placing the rearsets in the passenger peg spot (easy way out, as far as mounting). Neither works well in my opinion. Ideally, for most people, your rearsets should fall somewhere between the rear peg and front peg locations, if going with clip ons.


1974 CB450, 2006 CBR1000RR

Agreed, look at comfortable, fast  road bikes like the GPX750 Kawasaki {ninja} from the 80's or the VFR's, or GPZ900's, all comfortable, fast and easy to ride for 100's of miles, they all have superbike bar type handle bar position but the big difference is that the footpegs are under your butt {approx} , allowing you to lean forward comfortably, This is almost always over looked when positioning rear sets on old bikes or when fitting lower bars..

[brewsky]

  In your experience, what do you think is the most comfortable set up on these bikes? Thanks. Oh and if it helps, I'm just a shade under 6 foot tall. 

Upright (upside down to some) clubmans on my 550 with stock pegs are just right for me at 5'-11"

There are several top clamps on ebay....here's one...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-1978-Honda-CB550-Upper-Triple-Tree-Top-Fork-Handlebar-Clamp-/401157969485?hash=item5d66e0d64d:g:0Z4AAOSw0fhXkW3P&vxp=mtr

[bwaller]

Sean mentioned a couple good points, one being placing the pegs directly under your butt. It's a good natural position to allow your legs to "take weight" off your spine if there is a bump etc. Also weighting either peg while cornering.

Bar angle should be 7 degrees for comfort plus bar height. The ergonomic triangle, bars to pegs to butt placement. I think Gordon Jennings spoke of this in the Gentleman's Express article. I'll post it here if I can find it.