Motorcycle ErgonomicsI'm not a physical therapist/doctor nor do I play one on TV but I've ridden for about 40 years, and a lot of times some
of the wrist/back/shoulder pain and/or cause of the pain can be reduced
significantly by the following:
1. Put a lighter return spring on the throttle if possible
1.a. Use a Throttle Rocker
2. Instead of trying to adapt to the bike, make the bike fit you.
Sometimes an 1/8" move of the handlebar rotation in the handlebar clamp up or down can make a big difference.
What to look for is how the pressure along the width of your hand is
distributed.
Sit on the bike.
Put your hands forward in what you feel is the best comfortable position
for you. Are the bars anywhere close to that position?
If so:
Sit on the bike in normal riding position with your hands on the bars.
Do you feel more pressure at one end of your hand than the other? If so,
loosen the bars and slowly - a little at a time, move the bars
forward/rearward until the pressure seems equal. Tighten and go for a
ride paying attention to the pressure areas (if any). Readjust if
necessary.
If the bars weren't anywhere close to your ideal position:
Some bars are just plain wrong for you personally (we're all built
different). Some love and enjoy clipons and they work well for them. In
10 minutes I'd be miserable. Some bars force you forward so far that you
are supporting a good part of your body with your wrists, not just
clipons. You may need to add handlebar risers to overcome this.
Most of us are more comfortable in the "sit up & beg" position or tilted
slightly forward when riding long distances at a time.
Your elbows should have some bend in them.
How far apart
can your hands be and still be comfortable?
Some bars are too wide. This
forces a lot of extra pressure on your shoulders. You may have enough
length you can saw an inch or two off. Too narrow will limit your
control and also put pressure on your shoulders.
You may need to toss the old bars totally and buy after market such as
HELI bars (pricey but very adjustable) or perhaps some K&Ns in a style that
fits you. Pay attention to the angle of the rearward bend as it will
affect the pressure points on your hands.
Seats:
Sometimes even a brand new stock bike seat just plain doesn't fit you. For long distance comfort a seat should be somewhat like an old tractor seat; raised somewhat around your hips to give you some support along the outer curvature of your hips. Some seats "dig" into your thighs where the edge of the seat stops. This can be because the footpegs are too low for you (Usually the footpegs can't be adjusted although a few companies do make kits to give you some adjustment.) or the seat is poorly designed
- One major aftermarket seat manufacturer uses welting (welting is a raised round strip that is hard) along the seams of the seat. This is just plain stupid in my opinion and can cause undue pressure under your thighs especially if you're shorter.
When I get a little free time I'll add a page to give you enough information to either allow you to rebuild your stock seat if so inclined, or use the info to talk to your local upholstery shop to do the work for you. There are also some very good companies that do only motorcycle seat building/rebuilding.
Pain relievers may help some based on severity. Be aware some
pain relievers (aspirin & others) are blood thinners. On a multi-day
ride you may not really want to take a heavy dose of blood thinners in
case of an accident.
Exercise will probably help also. Too many of us spend a good part of our work day in a chair (which may be ergonomically incorrect for you), then we go home and flop in front of the TV not doing enough to keep the back muscles toned. This doesn't mean you have to get ridiculous exercising. Just do a little - daily if possible.
If you have health problems, consult your doc before you start.
Suggestions:
- If you have a dog, walk it
- If you don't have a dog, take a walk daily (walking from the car/bike to your house doesn't count).
- Do some aerobic stretching.
- Touch your toes or get as close to them as you can.
- Also while standing, touch left hand to right foot, then right hand to left foot
- Do a few arm curls while watching the TV - weights not required.
- Don't go crazy exercising for an hour or so the first time as you already know what the outcome will be, don't you?
If you have suggestions that work for you that we can include here, please email us at
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