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Fun vs Practicality

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Bubbs
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Joined: 28 May 2009
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PostPosted: 15:35 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Fun vs Practicality Reply with quote
Only just picked up a ZX6R G1 and been riding it about a bit, quite enjoying the power and handling. I bought it for the commute to work more than anything and it's dawning on me that maybe it's not going to suit it's purpose.

Before buying this bike I was fully intending to get a more upright comfortable bike that would just eat away the miles. It's about 100 miles to work and back (which I did for the 1st time today) and my right wrist was beginning to ache when I got there and was proper aching when I got back. My back and my arse were also aching which started me thinking that maybe I'd made a mistake.

The bike looks comfortable, but leaning over the whole time takes it's toll.

Is this something I need to just get used to? Or will it always be a little uncomfortable?

What id really like is a bike that is upright with a little less performance but enough to get that buzz. I think the power of this bike is a little too much for me at the moment. Plus I need a bike with a good pillion position.

Any suggestions?

(This is doing my nut in)
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P.
Red Rocket



Joined: 14 Feb 2008
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PostPosted: 15:38 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hmm... this the one you just bought?

A bit more upright, with the buzz but good at commuting. Its a bit of a pickle fest with that. Tiger 1050?

I'm not too good with commuter type ones with power, I just stick to the current bike... which I must say is fantastic at that.

Oh, ZZR600/1100? Maybe even a CBR 1100XX Wink
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Bubbs
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PostPosted: 15:45 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
##Paddy## wrote:
Hmm... this the one you just bought?

A bit more upright, with the buzz but good at commuting. Its a bit of a pickle fest with that. Tiger 1050?

I'm not too good with commuter type ones with power, I just stick to the current bike... which I must say is fantastic at that.

Oh, ZZR600/1100? Maybe even a CBR 1100XX Wink


Yeah mate, don't get me wrong I love the ninja, it handles really well and I have a lot of fun on it. It just doesn't suit it's purpose. Essentially I'd love to have two bikes. One for hooning and one for work.

I was thinking ST 1050 but cash is my obstacle. Will look up the tiger now, but I think they will be a bit tall considering I'm just under 5'8

Edit: It could just be that I'm hungover and tired and in a bad mood. I'll keep riding it in the hope that it get's better but sneaky suspicion it's going to have to go for something more comfy.
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Last edited by Bubbs on 15:48 - 26 Mar 2012; edited 1 time in total
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MarJay
But it's British!



Joined: 15 Sep 2003
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PostPosted: 15:45 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
I was discussing this very issue with a friend at the weekend. The conclusion we pretty much came to was 'man up'.

At the end of the day, you don't buy a bike for comfort. You buy a bike to thrill you and excite you, even if you're using it to commute. Whatever happens you're pretty much better off with a bike that makes you think 'cor' when you open the garage than you are with one that is dowdy but cossets your backside over a long distance.

Also, a lot of people seem to assume that an 'upright' bike is more comfortable than a bike with neutral pegs and clip ons. This is not always so. I found the ZX6R that I rode a few years back to be very very comfortable indeed, whereas more upright trailies and the like put pressure on my lower back (not that I've ridden any for any distance, but still).

During this conversation we also talked about how you can't really exercise for riding motorcycles, you have to just go out and do it. So, my advice to you is to keep riding the ZX6R until either a) it gets easier and you forget the comfort factor, or b) You are really sure you want a yawnmobile.

Oh and Paddy, I can't honestly see a ZZR600 or Blackbird being that much more comfortable than a ZX6R G model, apart from perhaps having a slightly thicker seat.
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garth
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PostPosted: 15:45 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
I reckon you're probably just sitting wrong.


You'll get used to the power.
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P.
Red Rocket



Joined: 14 Feb 2008
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PostPosted: 15:46 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
MarJay wrote:
Oh and Paddy, I can't honestly see a ZZR600 or Blackbird being that much more comfortable than a ZX6R G model, apart from perhaps having a slightly thicker seat.


Thought the ZZR was damn comfy when I swapped with MrJoolz, far more comfy than the 750. Thumbs Up
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MarJay
But it's British!



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PostPosted: 15:51 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
##Paddy## wrote:
MarJay wrote:
Oh and Paddy, I can't honestly see a ZZR600 or Blackbird being that much more comfortable than a ZX6R G model, apart from perhaps having a slightly thicker seat.


Thought the ZZR was damn comfy when I swapped with MrJoolz, far more comfy than the 750. Thumbs Up


Am I right in saying that the 750 has a reasonably thin seat and clip ons below the yokes? If so, then AFAIK the ZX6R G model is more comfortable. Certainly a CBR600F is more comfortable for me than a trailie, even one with a big squashy seat.
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Bubbs
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PostPosted: 15:53 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Quote:
During this conversation we also talked about how you can't really exercise for riding motorcycles, you have to just go out and do it. So, my advice to you is to keep riding the ZX6R until either a) it gets easier and you forget the comfort factor, or b) You are really sure you want a yawnmobile.


Yeah this is what I was thinking too that it's probably just because it's a new bike (to me) and I need time to get used to it. Not ridden in over a year so it makes sense that I would be feeling pain which was expected.

It's probably a combination of a hangover, not sleeping last night, a long ride, and sitting in an admin meeting for 8 hours bored out of my skull.

The ride there and back was amazing though!!!

I think I might be judging to soon.... Man the fuck up seems acceptable in this case. Thumbs Up
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Bubbs
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PostPosted: 15:55 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
garth wrote:
I reckon you're probably just sitting wrong.


You'll get used to the power.


Can you explain a bit more in regards to sitting wrong?
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MarJay
But it's British!



Joined: 15 Sep 2003
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PostPosted: 15:59 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Bubbs wrote:
garth wrote:
I reckon you're probably just sitting wrong.


You'll get used to the power.


Can you explain a bit more in regards to sitting wrong?


You need to hold yourself up with your legs and your core, not your wrists. Your arms need to be bent most of the time, and you need to keep the upper body relaxed. You also need to keep your back straight, but not pushed too far forward.
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Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.
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chris-red
Have you considered a TDM?



Joined: 21 Sep 2005
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PostPosted: 15:59 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
MarJay wrote:
I was discussing this very issue with a friend at the weekend. The conclusion we pretty much came to was 'man up'.

At the end of the day, you don't buy a bike for comfort. You buy a bike to thrill you and excite you, even if you're using it to commute. Whatever happens you're pretty much better off with a bike that makes you think 'cor' when you open the garage than you are with one that is dowdy but cossets your backside over a long distance.

Also, a lot of people seem to assume that an 'upright' bike is more comfortable than a bike with neutral pegs and clip ons. This is not always so. I found the ZX6R that I rode a few years back to be very very comfortable indeed, whereas more upright trailies and the like put pressure on my lower back (not that I've ridden any for any distance, but still).

During this conversation we also talked about how you can't really exercise for riding motorcycles, you have to just go out and do it. So, my advice to you is to keep riding the ZX6R until either a) it gets easier and you forget the comfort factor, or b) You are really sure you want a yawnmobile.

Oh and Paddy, I can't honestly see a ZZR600 or Blackbird being that much more comfortable than a ZX6R G model, apart from perhaps having a slightly thicker seat.


Marjay on an upright bike Laughing

https://www.howareyounotdead.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Paploo_speederbike.jpg Laughing

I bought my bike for comfort, I was considering a TRX850 but decided the TDM would be a better bet as it was for commuting/mile munching. It is more comfortable than the Corsa I have been learning to drive in.

For me tourers are far more comfortable I simply don't fit on Sports bikes.

I don't know why you even considered a sports bike for a 100mile round trip, some will disagree, but you have to look at it sensibly, I doubt you will be using all the power or handling on the commute so the upsides of the bike are redundant! If you get a tourer with a lazy engine, it will be easier to ride, more comfortable, and better on fuel.


In conclusion, sell it and buy a TDM. Wink
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Bubbs
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PostPosted: 16:03 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
MarJay wrote:


You need to hold yourself up with your legs and your core, not your wrists. Your arms need to be bent most of the time, and you need to keep the upper body relaxed. You also need to keep your back straight, but not pushed too far forward.


Ah right, yeah I do hold myself up using core and legs etc.. don't use enough of my stomach muscles. My wrist does not hurt from leaning on my arms, I know it's poor riding when all your weight is on your arms as it becomes almost impossible to get the bike leaning and turning properly.

My throttle wrist is the only one that hurts as the throttle is heavy/stiff (don't know the proper word to use there). I guess it will come with time though as my wrist strengthens.
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MarJay
But it's British!



Joined: 15 Sep 2003
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PostPosted: 16:03 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Basically it depends where the pain is:

If its in your wrists Arrow You're sitting wrong
If its in your stomach Arrow You need a more upright bike
If its in your lower back Arrow You need a more neutral (IE highish clip ons CBR600F or VFR800 type bike)
If its in your backside Arrow you need a bike with a thicker or softer seat.

HTH.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.
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Bubbs
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PostPosted: 16:05 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
This is my problem:

Quote:
If its in your lower back Arrow You need a more neutral (IE highish clip ons CBR600F or VFR800 type bike)

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MarJay
But it's British!



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PostPosted: 16:07 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Bubbs wrote:
This is my problem:

Quote:
If its in your lower back Arrow You need a more neutral (IE highish clip ons CBR600F or VFR800 type bike)


I'd have said the ZX6R was in this category to be honest. You'll get used to it.

(or buy some bar risers...)
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.
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Maruchino
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PostPosted: 17:00 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Loads of shit said on this thread already.

You can buy bikes for comfort. If you are commuting or doing long journeys, why suffer bad backs and sore wrists and aching shoulders? The only people that do are tarts! Style over substance etc.

G1 is a comfortable sports bike, but you will find something with traditional handlebars far better for your commute.

I went from a ZX6R J1 (hooning, commuting, touring) to a Daytona 675 (hooning, commuting, touring) before I finally realised that I wasn't enjoying the entire ride. Great bikes for hooning, poor for commuting and touring. Now own something grown up and sensible and have never looked back.

Every bike can be used for every type of journey, I'll admit that, however how much you enjoy it is up to you.
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Shaun
Likes 'em bent



Joined: 17 May 2003
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PostPosted: 17:03 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
MarJay wrote:
At the end of the day, you don't buy a bike for comfort. You buy a bike to thrill you and excite you, even if you're using it to commute. Whatever happens you're pretty much better off with a bike that makes you think 'cor' when you open the garage than you are with one that is dowdy but cossets your backside over a long distance.


So much wrong there.

Not everyone buys a bike for a thrill, I'm going to be getting a bike again in the not too distant future, I'll be looking at XJ600's and the like.

I'll be buying that bike to cover miles, lots of them, I need this to be done in comfort and relatively cheaply, it doesn't need to wow me when I see it, it just needs to get from A to B without letting me down too much.

I may get a bike for fun at some point but it certainly wouldn't be the bike I'd commute on, if you want a bike to thrill you every time you open the garage then you're going to be achieving that at the expense of practicality.
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Sako
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PostPosted: 17:05 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
chances are you will get used to it, you haven't ridden it for any great length of time yet, chance are there are muscles not used to being put into action being excercised - give it a while before making any hasty decisions.
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Moxey
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PostPosted: 19:18 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Sako wrote:
chances are you will get used to it, you haven't ridden it for any great length of time yet, chance are there are muscles not used to being put into action being excercised - give it a while before making any hasty decisions.


This, it's surprising how much a slight change in the riding position be it in physical comfort, exposure (or lack of) to the elements or what you can see can impact the way you ride initially IMO.

You get used to it gradually and little niggles that at first seem exaggerated become more tolerable, but if over time the little things all add up to ruin the experience or comfort of the ride then thats when I would suggest looking elsewhere or possibly modifying the ergonomics if financially viable, basically give it time before making a decision.
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hornetmike
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PostPosted: 19:40 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
CBF1000 fast and really comfy awesome for a pillion. Done
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LordShaftesbu...
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PostPosted: 19:44 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
It definitely gets easier the more you do it. I was in agony the first few rides, but the limbs get stronger after a while.
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_Troy_
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PostPosted: 19:45 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
I did a similar thing. I needed a bike for everything, but fell in love with my G2, so bought it.

Yea it's not always comfortable, and some of the roads round here make it feel like I'm running on bricks. But to me it's worth it. It gives me a fun bike for the weekends, and it makes me enjoy my commute a lot more. On my old GS it was just a commute, but the ninja means I get to have a bit of fun before the day in the office. Mr. Green
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Dilyan
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PostPosted: 19:49 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
MarJay wrote:
Basically it depends where the pain is:

If its in your wrists Arrow You're sitting wrong
If its in your stomach Arrow You need a more upright bike
If its in your lower back Arrow You need a more neutral (IE highish clip ons CBR600F or VFR800 type bike)
If its in your backside Arrow you need a bike with a thicker or softer seat.

HTH.


My question is quite real - my upper back gets it on more than 4 hours. Advice on that?
No other pains, but this one really gets me when touring or out for the day Sad
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Sako
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PostPosted: 20:13 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Dilyan wrote:
MarJay wrote:
Basically it depends where the pain is:

If its in your wrists Arrow You're sitting wrong
If its in your stomach Arrow You need a more upright bike
If its in your lower back Arrow You need a more neutral (IE highish clip ons CBR600F or VFR800 type bike)
If its in your backside Arrow you need a bike with a thicker or softer seat.

HTH.


My question is quite real - my upper back gets it on more than 4 hours. Advice on that?
No other pains, but this one really gets me when touring or out for the day Sad


your upper back pain between your shoulder blades?

my guess is that it's the helmet weight hurting the neck and upper back muscles, also try not gripping the bars too tight - this also can give discomfort around the shoulderblade area on longer journeys.
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Dilyan
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PostPosted: 20:18 - 26 Mar 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Yup, got the location right. Don't think it's the helmet, it's light as. Will try taking it easy on the gripping. I just hope that it's not the riding position of the sports/sport touring bikes. Not ready to give them up yet.
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