numb bum solutions?

[roryntp]

hi all,

we're going on a tour to croatia and back in august and in preparation we took a quick spin out to camp in the new forest this weekend. everything went fine with regards to gear etc but i struggled a bit with comfort the journey each way.

i used to be able to do around 150 miles before i got a bit wriggly and uncomfy in the saddle, but i'm just getting back into the swing of things having just got back on the bike after breaking both of my ankles in april and now i'm struggling with a 60-80 mile jaunt.

anyone got any tips on preventing a numb bum?
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1996 VFR 750
1989 TZR 125

[willis1337]

Hang off more

[John933]

There is no real good solution except that Air hawk seat ... I hear some good thing's about it ... But not tried one ... have you tried a small piece of foam padding on the seat ... The down side it pushes you up a bit in the saddle and the floor is a bit further away ... But all in all not to bad ...
John933

[Bendy]

Cultivate a fatter arse.

Never had a numb bum in me life.

[leenit]

[nowhere.elysium]

Stand on the pegs for a bit?
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[Nyarlathotep]

I have two air hawk seats - one for rider, one for pillion. Though not cheap (£80 each - and they are the basic "plastic" ones), they are absolutely fantastic.
I never do a long ride without them now.

[multijoy]

These are supposed to be a good alternative.
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'11 CBF1000A, '99 C90, '98 CB500
silky666: He rode amazingly well considering his bike is the weight of a small van and had slicks on.

[AN GOF.]

I bought one of these and find it great
https://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa124/angof/camping/001-5.jpg

£11.99 from fleabay
https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Genuine-Sheepskin-Motorcycle-Seat-Pad-Ivory-50CM-X-25CM-/370219364131?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item5632cb2f23

[gooner]

It's about 1000 miles from Calais to northern Croatia - which translates into about 16 or 18 hours hard riding so you are probably looking sensibly at three days there and three back. Added to a week or so down the coast (I assume you're going the coast route rather than inland?) and another week back up - that's if you want to do any sightseeing at all. On a Fireblade? I think it will be more than your arse that hurts!
Have you considered using a different bike? I have been several times on a Ducati ST3 and once on a 1250 Bandit. My first trip on the ST3 was hell but I invested £200 in a nice comfy seat and it's great now. The Bandit was comfy, albeit boring. Clues? The seats are wide and well padded. If you can find a Blade with a comfy seat I think you'd make shedloads selling them - Blades are really not designed for long distances are they?
I think your best bet might be to hire a bike or borrow a mate's touring bike. Other than that, take plenty of cream

The cops in Croatia are getting pretty hot on speeding now and it's a mandatory on the spot 500HK fine - that's about £50. They don't take plastic and if you don't pay up they can impound your bike and cart you off to the local mayor who will take plastic but will increase the fine by at least 50%. It pays to carry a few 50 HK notes with you.

Also remember that Croatian beer (pivo) is lovely (Karlovacko is my favourite) but there is a zero limit in Croatia. They are working hard to get into the EU and nicking errant bikers is an easy way to demonstrate they are cracking down on offences - so don't risk it.

Have a great time - it's a beautiful country and the people are really friendly.
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Better to be scared to death than bored to death!

[Skudd]

I use a sheep skin.
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Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[bgfs]

Did wales to Austria trip (Seefeld) on a 2009 Bandit GSF 650 SA K9. Worst mistake I made was to use an Airhawk after 160 Miles my bum was agony (and yes it was inflated right). I found that the Bandits seat was actually better. Personaly, I think you should ride no more than 100-120 mile stints although we pushed it on the outbound and inbound trips with 520/550 legs respectively broken every 150-160 miles. I think almost as important is what you wear as some materials next to the skin can add to the discomfort. Experiment seems to be the solution. Enjoy your trip, our's totally sold me on touring.
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BGFS

[daesimps]

Have a word with Tony Archer (www.tonyarcher.co.uk). He's been doing motorcycle seats for nearly 40 years.

He re-foamed and covered my seat in September last year using multiple layers of different density foam. It's been absolutely brilliant. I toured Spain in September and on a couple of days did 12 hours in the saddle with not a moment of discomfort.
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If it ain't broke, fix it till it is!

[Grazoid]

[G]

https://www.ikea.com/PIAimages/67832_PE181768_S4.jpg
Looks ideal for my long KTM seat - may have to get one for the next big trip.

[roryntp]

thanks for the hints and tips everybody.

the plan is to do a long route round to croatia, taking in belgium, germany, austria, slovenia, italy and france - all over the space of three weeks - so there aren't too many long long rides each day. i think we'll just have to plan in a few more stops for coffee in random places if the fidgets kick in and take a bit more countryside in.

and i've got to do it on the blade because... well just because really, he's one of the gang
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1996 VFR 750
1989 TZR 125

[Wahlberg]

[AN GOF.]

heh yeah cute aint it , practicality over looks im afraid

[panamaniac]

Get an Air-hawk seat cover, I've had on for 2 years and 30k it doubles the amount of miles you do before needing to get off.
Expensive but worth it, if you're gonna be doing a lot of riding. (no good if you're a week-end, sunny day, short hop merchant.)
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Want a reason for getting out and using the bike,
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