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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | I just did a 40 mile Turnpike trip and noticed something and thought I'd seek some advice.
When cruising at a highway speed of 70mph, I found it a bit awkward shifting my riding position around. On my old Goldwing, I could simply stand on the foot pegs for a short stretch.
Since the Vision has different ergonomics, I'm finding it a bit uncomfortable to attempt the same maneuver as your feet are further forward.
Any suggestions? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 223
Valdosta, GA | Move your feet back??? I've never ridden a Wing, but on the Vision, I can get my feet damn near right under me. If you have the electric windshield, you might also try raising it up before standing up at highway speeds.
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Tourer
Posts: 548
Mount Vernon, WA United States | Glad it's not just me. My V92C was the first bike I owned that had floorboards. I'll never forget the first time I went across railroad tracks. My normal routine is just drop to about 30 MPH and get my butt off the seat. What a rude awakening when a set of tracks essentially snuck up on me... no signs on an unfamiliar road.. and I realized I couldn't stand up and hit the tracks at 45, maybe 50 mph with my butt still on the seat.... OUCH!!!!! Well as it turns out, not being able to stand in those situations is my only real complaint about the ride on my V92C. However, on one of my Vision test rides, I specifically checked to see if I could stand up, and I could. Just slid my feet back and shifted my weight forward. I was quite impressed. However, I also noticed on the Vision that it ate the railroad tracks for a snack. The bike barely reacted to hitting the tracks, so standing wouldn't be necessary.
I guess this doesn't help with needing to stretch.... but I agree, that you should be able to just slide your feet back and stand up if you must.
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Yes, in the rare need to stand up on the bike it is a bit akward, however, I have found I don't need to stand up as with the Goldwing, whether riding extended times or over hazards such as railroad tracks. I guess this is another thing to get used too and practise for in case of an emercency. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 619
Southeast Iowa | At 6"8" with a 36" inseam I feel the need to strecth out about as much as anybody does. My advise is to posistion your feet in as many different places as your floor boards will allow. You can also use the front tipover points to gain a few more inches. On really long rides I sometimes sit on the passenger seat to change posistion (have not tried this on a Vision yet) I have never thought standing up on a moving motorcycle was a very good practice (unless your offroad on a dirtbike) My advice is to take a quick stand at a Stop sign or pullover for a break. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | This is not a maneuver I will perform often, but yesterday, I was riding with some new protective gear that had an "upper butt plate" and found the need to occasionally reposition my rear end. On other bikes, I would place my weight on the pegs and slightly stand to reposition. Sorry, I didn't mean to insinuate that I would be Standing on my bike, just applying enough pressure to my legs to raise my rear end to reposition it on the saddle.
While I like this gear (it's the Bohn protective underwear) I did find that the coxyx protector (upper butt plate) didn't sit well on the Vision's sculpted seat.
Any suggestions? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | Stupid Me!
Today, I simply moved my feet to the rear of the floorboards and it was a no-brainer being able to do a quick stretch/butt movement. The only thing to be careful of is to make sure the right heel doesn't go too far back or you'll melt the rubber sole on the exhaust.
Thanks for all your input. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Thanks for the insight, PBR. This meeting is now adjourned. All rise....
I have found myself at least once on my Vision needing to shift my wallet over to the far right when I forget to take it out. Therefore, I felt the need to rise and shift to keep from having to stop. I believe, though not a everday issue, knowing how to rise and shift in heavy traffic to keep your mind on the road and not the discomfort is a necessity. However, if the issue is prevelant, then by all means find a safe place to stop such as an exit and make all necessary adjustments before continuing.
Of course, before you hit the road, it is always best to go through the checklist to make sure everything it is in it's proper place so no adjustment is needed. However, I've never achieved such perfection... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | Okay Chris, now you've gone and done it...you've opened up another can of worms. At least now, I know I'm not losing my mind.
Other than the fear of losing my wallet, I've never had to remove it while riding. With the Vision's sculpted seat though, it can be a bit uncomfortable riding with the wallet in the back pocket. I guess it's time to clean out the wallet.
Of course, I could place it in the glove compartment, saddle bags or in the trunk, but that would be too easy. Imagine losing your wallet while riding and not noticing it until you've stopped for gas. I don't think you'll get a lot of sympathy from others while pan-handling for gas money while standing next to your Vision!
I found in a drawer and old biker's wallet I never used. It was a promo item from Yamaha when they entered the cruiser market with the Royal Star. (Remember, before the Royal Star, they called the Virago a Cruiser. I called it Ugly!). It's a long, leather wallet that has a fold over top with dual snaps and a chain and belt loop. So, even if it flies out, it will stay connected and the dual snaps should keep the contents from flying out.
Thanks Chris, I thought it was me. But I guess that's the price we are paying to have the world's most comfortable bike seat.
Friday, I'm cruising to Orlando and depending on the experience, might return the same day.
I'm a day or two behind on the blog, but I have a lot to update. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | My wallet has been chained for a long time(not too long just enough slack to make my back pocket). I have had two friends loose wallets (whether from riding or other means, I cant say for sure). But Mine has been chained for many years. Many time the differnce between an honest man and a dishonest one is oppertunity. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 904
29 Palms California | You guys are a riot. RosyPalmBeach you've got to be kidding? You couldn't figure that out? Oh man, I usually let the new guys settle in a bit before busting their chops, but come on! Hell, a guy thats 6'8 figured it out and I'm 6'0 and although dashing in appearance, I haven't retained my fighting weight, I'm dumber than a bunch of bent nails, and haven't seen the football since the kickoff and I can adjust my ass without putting it on the site....I once pulled out a wedgie at 70mph. The hard part was getting a cold beer from the trunk at 55mph. Did you ever think you didn't need the protective skivvies? What are you protecting, or does that depend. RosyPalmBeach, it's official, you've been "wire brushed" by the Buckeye. I have these coffee induced fits while working nights...but still,,,COME ON! |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Buckeye is showing no mercy.
PBR, I was riding with the same wallet, chain, double snaps until Christmas. Anyway, the GL1500 has a hard wide Corbin seat on it that made it virtually impossible to ride with the wallet. On the Vision, I can shift it over little and it's fine. Overall, riding with stuff in your back pockets cause back problems. I find my rides are far more comfortable removing all stuff out before hitting the road. I want many, many miles ahead. I know a few bikers that says they would ride more but their backs hurt when they do. I'm just wondering.... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 619
Southeast Iowa | PBR
I believe you were just bitch-slapped in type by BUCKEYE. He does have a point you know. Too funny and all in good fun! |
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Tourer
Posts: 320
Savannah, GA -Year round riding!! Yay! | Worry about adjusting? Heck, I've been known to dance at 80 mph, if the right song comes on... (my ViVi is like my own little personal nightclub...minus the lounge lizards!!!)
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | You want to adjust your postion while riding? Set the cruise, take your hands off the bars, put your hands back on the grab rails, scootch you butt up on the passengers seat and take in the sites.  You think the bike gets some stares before.........  |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 904
29 Palms California | GAgirltrixie doing the Boot Scoot boogey at 80mph! Hey, when it itches, scratch it! Dang thats funny...because it's true |
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Tourer
Posts: 548
Mount Vernon, WA United States | Ok, I'll be the first yuppy to post this.... Ya'll realize that a guys wallet is like the #1 cause of back problems in the US. The reason I say US, is because men in other countries tend to not put their wallet in their back pocket.
I stopped using a wallet, went to a billfold, and put it either in my breast jacket (ride gear) pocket or my front pant pocket when not riding. I started this probably 15 years ago. If you drive a car, the first time you don't have your wallet in your back pocket it will be like you just bought a brand new car.
As far as when riding... I used to do the chain thing, but frankly putting in my breast pocket makes it so much easier at gas stations, toll booths, everything.
Just a thought from a semi-retired yuppy... well actually I was never a yuppy, but it made the post more interesting I think.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 904
29 Palms California | O.K miles, I think you have the wrong gender and what causes the back problems. The number one back problem for woman is their breasts (to include their pockets if clothed). I don't know how my wife carries those things around, and being the curtious husband I am, I offer to lift her burden as much as possible. That line never works, but I still try. Not only does her back hurt, she has perminent "groves" on her shoulders. With that being said, I refuse to place my wallet in my shirt or jacket pocket. I refuse to call the front of anything I own "breast" since that does refer to a female. Although this placing of your "bill fold" into your "Breast" pocket works for you, the amount of testosterone in me, will not allow me the indignity...and stuff. Coffee is good. Put your wallet/billfold in your back pocket on a chain. Or in the glove box. But for the love of all that is MAN, never in your "breast" pocket. I could probably wear a size A- cup, but thats besides the point. |
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Adjusting Postion While Riding...