Bike Development

[Stuart12]

BCF,

I am an engineering student currently developing a product which is aimed at increasing the comfort of the seating position for the rider on a sports / sports touring bike. The product will be designed to allow the rider to sit in a less strenuous, upright position when on long stretches of straight road, such as motorway, dual-carriageway etc, and will have the ability to convert to the sports position when the rider desires. This could remove the discomfort experienced by the rider on long journeys whilst not effecting the performance and handling of the bike when in sports position.

I am hoping to gather some user research on the design and would really appreciate if anyone could leave their thoughts and comments regarding; the idea, if you would buy an aftermarket product addressing this problem, if the discomfort / usability of motorcycles with sports seating position has prevented you from buying or riding them, and if you have a sports bike, would you feel you would benefit from a product such as this?

Thanks in advance,

Stuart

[Ste]

[P.addy]

Ask shereen, bar risers are the way forwards.

I buy a sports bike for the fun factor, I toured Spain on an R1 and wasn't uncomfortable.

If I wan't comfort, I'll buy comfort, if I want handling and speed, I'll buy sports.

[map]

Expect to get grief for ask for someone to do your homework. It's a little like being mugged by charity workers. People don't like it invading their little internet home world.

However, you do need to ask questions. It's just bad manners to dive straight in without a little foreplay.

Have you seen Motorcycle ergonomics site (that's a clicky link)?

Just before you start Honda beat you to it with the sports tourer. It's called a VFR750 / 800. Load it up with hard luggage and ride to destination in southern part of Europe. Take luggage off and then ride around enjoying the twisty roads.
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[dave666]

I'd buy it...

[pits]

So you're trying to either invent bar risers, or the VFR750/800. Because lets say I am a spastic with a back problem and want to ride an R1, I would buy a VFR800, however I wouldn't buy it to put the engine into a different bike with a different swing arm.

Or if I wanted comfort and something I could use for a bit of fun and sporty, I would buy a VFR800.

Your idea already exists, as map has said, and as I have reiterated what you're making is a VFR800.


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[DrDonnyBrago]

To summarise: go back in time and invent either the sports tourer or bar risers...

Get an A.


You're welcome .

[TheSmiler]

Can't these engineering students actually be unique for once and decide to do something other than motorbikes. Think outside the box have some creativity.
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CB125>CG125>GN125>ER5>K100RS>R1100RS>K100RS
A2 completed 23/07/15 Ready for the Golden Crisp Packet

[weasley]

I'm assuming the OP is on about adjustable risers, so one can select one's comfort level on a whim. Such things do exist for ATVs and snowmobiles.

That said, ergonomics are holistic and simply raising bars may cause more problems. You have to consider footpeg placement, saddle height, reach to the bars, span of the bars, fairing design, screen design et cetera ad nauseum.

Once you change bar position you may also change the suspension and steering geometry by moving weight back. If you are in 'touring' mode you would also want to think about adjusting the suspension to match. Then there's the sitting-up-into-the-headwind issue, that can cause more fatigue than leaning forwards into it and letting it help support you.

Superficial thinking - could do better. 3/10.
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[map]

Reading between the lines I think the OP just wants validation on adjustable handlebars (similar to bicycle ones). Upright for touring and then lower them for sports, because crouching lower is always more sporty.

Similar to these for cycles perhaps...
https://puglia2010.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/hybrid_handlebar1.jpg

Although OP would have to 'engineer' solution for hydraulic brake lines and reservoir and maybe clutch as well.
____________________
...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[Rogerborg]

[-Matt-]

[Cheeseybeaner]

Inflatable seat perhaps?
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My bikes: 2003 KAWASAKI ZRX1200R, 1996 YAMAHA DIVERSION XJ900S

[map]

Someone beat OP to re-inventing the wheel way back in 2008...
https://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/05_01/crazybikeBNS_468x352.jpg
Story click here. Lean forward and it's sporty, lean back and it's touring. Ideal

From the lack of those I see on the road everyday I guess he failed to find backers. Maybe give the Dragon's a sniff?
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[jjdugen]

Love it when the collective gets all sniffy about a student request.
But, for once, this chimes with yet another of the ideas that float into my head every now and then.

So, why not a set of clip-ons that can be moved up and down the fork legs? Some kind of ratchet mech that allows the two bars to be moved up or down, locking into place but easily adjusted. Its not such a stupid idea that it merits such abuse.
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The CBR900RR has been sold. Aprilia Falco worms its way into my heart.
Try Soi 23 on Amazon for a good read.... Self promotion? Moi?

[G]

[Nick 50]

[RhynoCZ]

Maybe I'm late but, look at the 80's and take something out of their wisdom. I had GPz550 and that was like supersport sofa.
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[jjdugen]

I think some people on here are either purposefully obtuse or just plain thick. Yes, clip-ons, but NOT anchored to the forks, but attached to a rack type mech. on the side of the forks, so they can be moved up and down at will with the push of a button, even on the move.
(Waits for the sound of imploding brains up and down the country).
____________________
The CBR900RR has been sold. Aprilia Falco worms its way into my heart.
Try Soi 23 on Amazon for a good read.... Self promotion? Moi?

[Rogerborg]

I'm sure once he's got his patents filed he'll be able to share his super-secret design, just before he goes on Dragons' Den and really cashes in.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[G]

So, actually, not 'clip ons', what with the name relating to them clipping on to the forks .

Is there really a case where you wanted lower controls but couldn't stop for a minute to adjust?
When considering the cost/weight of making a system that has to be absolutely trusted to stay very tight, I'd just stop personally.

Companies like helibars offer options where you can adjust the height (to above standard) very quickly.

[1198]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

You've just designed Gilles Variobars.

https://www.gillestooling.com/cms/shop/products/art-4415/handlebar-variobar
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[map]

[1198]