Comments on: Upright Ergos The New Trend? (News)

By: Kendal

Kendal — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:29:28 +0000

I own a Yamaha FJR1300, and have 3 sets of pegs on it. Those pegs allow me to shift into a tremendous number of different positions, which allows me long days in the saddle. Ran last August from Albuquerque to Houston in a day (just over 850 miles)…*never* could have done it without 3 sets of pegs.

One set allows standard upright, one set legs out, and then can kick low to push legs back on the pillion pegs.

But, the key is a more upright starting position.

btw…am 52 years old.

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By: harry

harry — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:25:41 +0000

At age 50 I just came off a ZX7-R, literally a car ran a stop sign took it right out, so now I am on an ’05 GSF1200S Bandit but unlke most to the folks here I am not happy with the upright ergos (hate would actually not suffice) so the payments and insurance on. an R1 to ZX10 are looking easier to swollow every mile.

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By: Kent

Kent — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:19:38 +0000

I loved my Ducati Monster, which was very conservative in its ergos, at least compared to sportbikes. But my knees and legs ached when I rode it and I had to park it after about 45 minutes in the saddle!

Sold it. Bought an Multistrada 620. I can ride all day! Plus, as someone who started out on dirtbikes, I have always felt that I needed the control (or at least the feeling that I am in control) that comes with upright handlebars.

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By: Walter Ross

Walter Ross — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 23:40:05 +0000

I agree with most of your readers. I sold my 2006 Suzuki 1000 GSXR of a 1340 Hayabusa. I’m 59 yrs and also have a 2003 Ducati 999S. Because of the comments above I cannot ride for hours bent over. My Hayabusa now has LSL bars on it and geared 6 teeth lower. The manufactures better figure this out quickly or LSL will be making a lot of money.

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By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:59:52 +0000

Let’s face it: hardcore ergonomics are for hardcore riding (extreme lean angles, top speed, etc.) How often do you ride like that on the street, honestly? Even in the “twisties” the best of us are not using even half of the bike’s potential. Those who actually race their bikes on the track, and squeeze every ounce of performance out of them are a tiny minority. For most riders more upright ergonomics only make sense.
Next on the “to change” list: monstrously oversized and overpowered engines.

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By: LCC

LCC — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:12:05 +0000

I’m always telling my riding buddies (most of us aging gracefully despite most of us being ex-roadracers and lucky-to-still-be-alive idiots) that “Handlebars are where it’s at.” I’m only 5’8″ tall so the seat to peg relationship doesn’t bother me much, even on my sportier bikes. But bending over so far and having weight on my wrists just isn’t as fun as it once was.

In recent years I’ve had two new ZX-10′s, and a 636 as my sportiest bikes. All nice and very fun, but I’ve had more fun on my handlebar-equipped bikes like my ZRX1200, SV1000 (with LSL handlebar kit), and my current bike, a Versys 650. Most handlebar-equipped bikes seem to have better real-world motors as well…the Versys is as satisfying on the street as anything I’ve owned…lots of bottom end, power all the way through the range, etc.

For fooling around I’ve always wanted to build a Streetfighter…a literbike with an LSL kit on it. Now THAT would be fun…and a bit comfy, too! LSL makes those kits for most modern sportbikes and some even require no fairing or windshield mods. It transformed my SV1000.

Handlebars are where it’s at.

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By: Ed

Ed — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 17:30:11 +0000

It’s about time, had enough of laying down on bikes. Seems the only ones with standard riding position have been dual purpose and so called adventure bikes. Which explains why a lot of owners rarely take them offroad. I still can’t believe the cost of insurance jump between my ’09 DR650 and the new Ninja 650.(As in 4X)

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By: shane

shane — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 11:15:59 +0000

This only makes sense and is why I love my Bandit 1200. 76,000 miles and every one of them comfortable.

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By: william

william — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:47:15 +0000

The reason I have not owned a sportbike is due to the leaned over riding position. If I can’t wait to get off of it after 15 seconds on the showroom floor, I doubt I will like it later. The trend sounds good, it might make a customer out of me. Will it gain more customers or lose more, I guess that is the question. If the trend continues, they will probably make more tall seat height touring bikes, and then lose customers and conclude people did not like upright riding instead of considering the tall seat height was the problem.

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By: Steve P

Steve P — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:06:34 +0000

There is no reason a bike with the latest technology can’t be offered in an ergonomically comfortable
package. Better yet, offering adjustable ergonomics would be even better so it can be adapted to the individual rider.
Because one size does not fit all. It is not that difficult or expensive to do. It would open up many more choices for riders
and I expect it would increase sales.

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