So did u end up buying r1?
matthewroyglayzer
The Main issues with comfort on Race-inspired Sport bikes like our R1's is on peg location and handlebar location (regardless of year). Both aspects are customizable. There are numerous sets of rear-sets with huge amounts of adjustment on the aftermarket. Giles Tooling, Attack Performance to name a couple. At your height 5'7"-8" buy it and ride it the way it is set up when you get it a few times. Evaluate your leg and foot position through the lens of comfort and control.
Scott Russell- as a taller and very talented multi-time US Champion and World Champion Superbike Racer- always concentrated on getting his feet below him as a first priority when he got on a new bike (relative to how the bike came stock). Foot Location gives you Leverage- or robs you of it- It can also lead to sore / numb / weak feeling knees (if they are folded up high) - especially if you are older and/or have old injuries, etc. Were you to ask another taller rider like Valentino Rossi about this- I imagine his comments on this topic would be similar.
A good set of Adjustable rear-sets will allow you to move the foot peg lower and more forward so that it will almost feel like you are on an "upright" bike. And that's if you're like me - 6'4". At your height this will really allow you to set the bike up with an "upright" feel if you like. Also- with adjustable rear-sets- you can adjust them even higher and further back (more aggressively) than the stock setup- so they literally "Work Both Ways."
Remember, though, that by going as far forward and as low as you can go with the pegs, you lose ground clearance compared to stock. This is usually not an issue for street riding- but can be a factor at lean angles you may achieve on a Race Track. And if you take it to the track and want to experiment with more aggressive positioning you'll have that option too- but beware- across the entire spectrum of this advice- that even small changes in foot location goes a Loooonnnnng Way in effecting how the bike will steer and feel- and even more so in the serious speed and high lean angle environment of the Track.
The other thing to evaluate is the pressure the seating position puts on your wrists - which can also be described as how much "weight" you feel on your hands. And also evaluate the feel of being "pushed into the tank" by your seating & foot positions. The first place to go to effect these areas is actually the foot location previoulsy mentioned- so get that adjusted first - (that is my process at my size and height anyway).
Less agressive sweep, higher bar location clip-onhandle bars are likely available on the after market too, but will have less of an effect than foot peg location.
The last area to futher fine tune comfort / body position would be a custom saddle.
Scott Russell- as a taller and very talented multi-time US Champion and World Champion Superbike Racer- always concentrated on getting his feet below him as a first priority when he got on a new bike (relative to how the bike came stock). Foot Location gives you Leverage- or robs you of it- It can also lead to sore / numb / weak feeling knees (if they are folded up high) - especially if you are older and/or have old injuries, etc. Were you to ask another taller rider like Valentino Rossi about this- I imagine his comments on this topic would be similar.
A good set of Adjustable rear-sets will allow you to move the foot peg lower and more forward so that it will almost feel like you are on an "upright" bike. And that's if you're like me - 6'4". At your height this will really allow you to set the bike up with an "upright" feel if you like. Also- with adjustable rear-sets- you can adjust them even higher and further back (more aggressively) than the stock setup- so they literally "Work Both Ways."
Remember, though, that by going as far forward and as low as you can go with the pegs, you lose ground clearance compared to stock. This is usually not an issue for street riding- but can be a factor at lean angles you may achieve on a Race Track. And if you take it to the track and want to experiment with more aggressive positioning you'll have that option too- but beware- across the entire spectrum of this advice- that even small changes in foot location goes a Loooonnnnng Way in effecting how the bike will steer and feel- and even more so in the serious speed and high lean angle environment of the Track.
The other thing to evaluate is the pressure the seating position puts on your wrists - which can also be described as how much "weight" you feel on your hands. And also evaluate the feel of being "pushed into the tank" by your seating & foot positions. The first place to go to effect these areas is actually the foot location previoulsy mentioned- so get that adjusted first - (that is my process at my size and height anyway).
Less agressive sweep, higher bar location clip-onhandle bars are likely available on the after market too, but will have less of an effect than foot peg location.
The last area to futher fine tune comfort / body position would be a custom saddle.
Maximizing Comfort and Ergonomics on Yamaha YZF-R1 Epic Rides
Recently, a group of us—one R7, one Ducati Monster, and four R1's—embarked on a thrilling 200+ mile journey from the SF Bay Area to the legendary Little Dragon on Highway 49 in Groveland, CA. The 101-degree Fahrenheit weather added to the adventure, and my day was further extended by an extra 40 miles each way to retrieve and return my bike from a warehouse. At 55 years old, slightly out of shape, and a bit overweight, I'm still feeling the creaks two days later, but I can't wait to do it all over again! Plus, I'm gearing up for the 105db day at Laguna Seca in a few weeks.
Optimizing Ergonomics for a Better Ride
With 37,000 miles already clocked on my R1M, I plan to add another 30,000+ in the coming years. Despite the challenges, the thrill of the ride and the camaraderie of fellow riders keep me going. Ensuring my bike and gear are optimized for comfort and ergonomics is key to enjoying these adventures to the fullest. Gear up, adjust for comfort, and hit the road—your next adventure awaits. That's my story, and I’m sticking to it!
P.S. Get your suspension right
Having your suspension dialed in by someone like DAVE MOSS (www.davemosstuning.com) will also go a long way with your comfort, and how hard your seat jabs your behind...
Recently, a group of us—one R7, one Ducati Monster, and four R1's—embarked on a thrilling 200+ mile journey from the SF Bay Area to the legendary Little Dragon on Highway 49 in Groveland, CA. The 101-degree Fahrenheit weather added to the adventure, and my day was further extended by an extra 40 miles each way to retrieve and return my bike from a warehouse. At 55 years old, slightly out of shape, and a bit overweight, I'm still feeling the creaks two days later, but I can't wait to do it all over again! Plus, I'm gearing up for the 105db day at Laguna Seca in a few weeks.
Optimizing Ergonomics for a Better Ride
- Seat Upgrade: I swapped my OEM seat for a Saddlemen GP-V1 Solo seat, then when i found mediocre relief, I purchased the Saddlemen Track LS Solo Seat, which was plusher to me. A well-chosen seat can make a world of difference in comfort and endurance.
- Handlebar Adjustment: I added Renthal V3 Clip-ons, which almost point straight out sideways. Ensuring your handlebars are in the optimal position can reduce strain on your wrists and shoulders.
- Foot Pegs Positioning: My LightTech Rearsets are set to the highest position on my bike, which I found to be too high, and caused binding of my riding jeans, behind the knee. Adjusting your foot pegs can help maintain proper posture and reduce leg fatigue.
- Gear Comfort: I noticed that my older Street and Steel Oakland Jeans, with Kevlar lining and level2 knee pads, had shrunk a little. This caused them to bind behind the knee, cutting off circulation and leading to numbness and cramps. Ensuring your gear fits well is crucial for maintaining comfort and avoiding circulation issues.
- Personal Adjustments: At 5'11.5", I plan to lower the rearsets to a more comfortable position for Laguna Seca, while also adjusting the clip-ons even more forward. Personalizing your bike’s setup to match your body’s dimensions is essential for long-term comfort.
- Regular Adjustments: Continuously tweak your bike’s setup to accommodate any changes in your body or riding style.
- Comfortable Gear: Invest in gear that fits well and doesn't restrict movement or circulation.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any discomfort and adjust your bike or gear accordingly.
- Plan for Breaks: On long rides, schedule regular breaks to stretch and relax your muscles.
With 37,000 miles already clocked on my R1M, I plan to add another 30,000+ in the coming years. Despite the challenges, the thrill of the ride and the camaraderie of fellow riders keep me going. Ensuring my bike and gear are optimized for comfort and ergonomics is key to enjoying these adventures to the fullest. Gear up, adjust for comfort, and hit the road—your next adventure awaits. That's my story, and I’m sticking to it!
P.S. Get your suspension right
Having your suspension dialed in by someone like DAVE MOSS (www.davemosstuning.com) will also go a long way with your comfort, and how hard your seat jabs your behind...
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
