Author Topic: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore  (Read 2016 times)

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Offline Bankerdanny

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Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« on: May 09, 2011, 04:47:00 PM »
OK, get your mind out of the gutter, it's becasue of the stupid ultra stiff throttle return spring and the strap on my seat.

I spent about 4 hours on the bike over the weekend getting to know/road testing my resurrected '77 550k including a fair amount of highway miles at 65-70.

The good: runs smooth. Got good gas mileage (~46mpg), no sign of oil leaks or burning (well, except for the left fork leg).

The Bad: You have to WORK to hold the throttle open for long periods of time. I didn't have this issue with my Enfield or my FJ. I may test out disconnecting the spring before long rides just to see how it works. Also, being long of leg (6-4) the most comfortable spot places my tail bone right on top of the seat strap. That bastard is definitely coming off for the IL-IN-OH legs of the rely I plan to ride starting Saturday.

Finally, and this has nothing to do with the CB in particular, I was reminded how much I dislike spending lots of time at highway speeds without a windscreen of some sort. Fortunately, a good friend had one on an old '81 Z1 Classic he owns that he hasn't ridden in several years. So I picked that up to install.
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Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2011, 04:49:54 PM »
Quote
OK, get your mind out of the gutter

Awwww, your no fun.... ;D ;)
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Offline lone*X

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #2 on: May 09, 2011, 06:03:24 PM »
Remember, that return spring is a safety feature.  Be careful disconnecting it.  You might want to drop by a bike shop and pick up a throttle rocker.  They help greatly to relieve grip and arm issues.

throttlerocker.com
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Offline Damfino

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #3 on: May 09, 2011, 06:09:11 PM »

I've had issues with that damn seat strap too!  >:(  (6' 3")
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Offline OldSchool_IsCool

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #4 on: May 09, 2011, 06:11:32 PM »

I've had issues with that damn seat strap too!  >:(  (6' 3")

Read it again.  He said "STIFF ... STRAP ON"!!  Zplains the sore azz!!
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Offline Damfino

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #5 on: May 09, 2011, 06:17:08 PM »



I've had issues with that damn seat strap too!  >:(  (6' 3")

Read it again.  He said "STIFF ... STRAP ON"!!  Zplains the sore azz!!

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Your Message Here!
You can still call me 'Schmitty'

1976 CB 750
2014 CB 1100DLX
2015 Harley Davidson Freewheeler



You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody's crazy.
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You've got to watch your back in the SSDB, this is where the clever guys get bored with bike talk and make poo jokes.
I like my women a little big. Natural. Now, they shave this and wax that. It's not right. I love natural women. Big women. This trend in women has to go. Bulomia, anorexia. That's just wrong. You know what will cure that? My special sticky buns. One lick of my sticky buns and your appetite will come right back. ~ RIP Mr. Borgnine  01/24/1917 - 07/08/2012  :'(

Offline BeSeeingYou

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #6 on: May 09, 2011, 10:03:44 PM »

I've had issues with that damn seat strap too!  >:(  (6' 3")

Read it again.  He said "STIFF ... STRAP ON"!!  Zplains the sore azz!!

I would try and avoid using those words in the same sentence. ;)

Offline Gordon

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #7 on: May 09, 2011, 10:28:56 PM »
Granted, I've only ridden '74 - '76 550's, but they all had very easy throttles.  Did the '77 and '78 models have much stronger return springs? 

I second the suggestion for the Throttle Rocker.  I've had one on my K1 for a few years and it makes all the difference on longer rides.  The weight of your arm will hold the throttle open and you can release your grip.   

Offline Deltarider

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #8 on: May 09, 2011, 11:03:44 PM »
The right handlebars are essential for a good riding position. The type on US models maybe right for a ride around the block, but are a pain for longer rides, no matter your length.
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Offline dave500

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #9 on: May 10, 2011, 12:14:35 AM »
use a lighter spring so long as it returns ok.

Offline TwoTired

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #10 on: May 10, 2011, 12:29:23 AM »
I like big fat grips.  The larger the diameter, the more mechanical advantage against the spring.

Like these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/English-Motorcycle-Grips-Triumph-Norton-BSA-/370470482909?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5641c2f3dd
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Offline Gordon

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #11 on: May 10, 2011, 01:23:56 AM »
I like big fat grips.  The larger the diameter, the more mechanical advantage against the spring.

Like these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/English-Motorcycle-Grips-Triumph-Norton-BSA-/370470482909?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5641c2f3dd

I had no idea that "English motorcycle grip" was the nice way of saying "Titty Grip". ;D

Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #12 on: May 10, 2011, 01:46:02 AM »
I don't like big fat grips, even though I've got long fingers. When EBay first started, I bought a heap of the old "Beston" fat grips that were popular back in the day, but I fit them, don't like the feel, so I remove them again.

If your throttle spring/s are too heavy (and you haven't just routed your cables incorrectly, creating more drag) just try a weaker spring, I replaced the return spring on my CB750K1's carbs, and the difference is like night and day now. Cheers, Terry. ;D
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Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #13 on: May 10, 2011, 02:02:51 AM »
Yep. Fat grips cramp my hands not too long after being in the saddle. I also alter or change my throttle springs and always end up with a nice light responsive throttle action. You MUST have the cables routed properly ....
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Offline KeithTurk

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #14 on: May 10, 2011, 02:19:03 AM »
I've got 5 of these currently and 4 have really heavy return springs...  one is SUPER easy...   seems it's been changed for a lighter spring and returns just fine...

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #15 on: May 10, 2011, 02:33:05 AM »
Another side effect of an easy throttle is better throttle response, i made over a friends throttle set up and said it was like riding a new bike..... ;)
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If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline sopo400f

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #16 on: May 10, 2011, 02:45:18 PM »
Every time I see this thread I think of Bobby Lee Dragon Hunter 2.
YouTube that for a laugh.
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Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Damn, my wrist and ass are sore
« Reply #17 on: May 10, 2011, 04:33:31 PM »
I do have a cramp buster around somewhere. I bought one for my FJ, but never felt like I needed it.
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Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200