Just Bought My New S2R - Questions..

[jeffreyjames]

Hi Everyone..

I just bought a 2007 S2R Black with 3200 Miles on it.. She's bone stock with not a single mod on it.  I rode her back home and it was an hour drive on the highway.

Some impressions:

It was quite uncomfortable!  My wrists hurt after 15 minutes.. I'm 5'10", and the handle bar position just didn't feel right.  In addition to that the position was just a bit awkward.  I started to wonder if I bought the wrong bike.  I thought maybe risers would be helpful.. But could they really be that helpful?  I don't know.

I was kind of disappointed, and although I'm not looking for a "cruiser" style, I was definitely not looking for a crotch rocket position either, and I was under the assumption that this was a bit different from the sport bike position.  I don't know.  I may just have to get used to it, but why would I get uncomfortable wrist feeling after 20 minutes.

Thanks so much,

Jeff

[jeffreyjames]

The bike does look amazing though. 

[xcaptainxbloodx]

firstly, make sure pinch the tank with your knees so as to put as little weight on your wrists as possible. this is important not only for your comfort but also heavily influences the handling of the bike.

second, there are dozens of different bars/clip ons you can look into to adjust the position to your liking. what about the bars was "not right"? height? angle? were the levers poorly positioned? could it be as simple as loosening the 4 bolts and rotating the bars higher/lower? are the bars stock?


ergonomics are one of the most important and personal aspects of a bike, you can literally spend 1,000$ finessing the various controls/positioning of your bike.

[matt922]

wrists shouldn't hurt after 15 mins... the wind should help take your body weight off of your wrists.

any chance its because you haven't ridden a bike in a while and need to get used to it again?

[orangelion03]

I had similar issues with mine when I bought it.  I tried risers, but it turned out to be the angle of the sweep back that made them uncomfortable for me.  A generous member of the forum gave me a Magura bar from an Aprilia and it did the trick.  Slightly higher rise than the stock so I went back to the original risers.  Havent had problems since...over a year now.

[psycledelic]

Is this your first bike?

[muskrat]

make sure you arm and wrist are straight - not crimped.  I too had the same problem and adjusted my positioning while riding and no more pain.  I also got some slip-on throttle grips (foam kind that goes right over the stock) and this helped as well.  Believe me when I tell you the Monster is MUCH more comfortable than you think, it will take a little patience to find your comfort but also try scooting towards the tank.  Good luck and congrats.

[justinrhenry]

an aftermarket seat and risers should help a lot.   

[geoffduc]

From one Geoff to another, get your self rizoma bars as they will make your riding position alot more comfortable as they lift up and bring the grips closer to you plus an after market seat from sargent should make it just right..

 

[DucHead]

Build a time machine. 

Go back in time and test ride, or at least sit on a Monster. 

Problem solved!   

Sit up, support yourself with your legs and abs.  There should be weight on your wrists only whilst braking.

[Betty]

Is this your first bike?

The post reads that way doesn't it.

I remember similar problems when I first got my bike ... learning to relax my grip was all it took. Highway riding (where you often need to hold a consistent throttle) is probably the worst ... and a firm grip will have your wrists aching in a matter of minutes.

By all means try any of the above but just make sure you are giving yourself a chance and relax your shoulders, arms and grip.

[sbrguy]

being your height you should have an eaiser time than even someone shorter since you have long arms. 

but yes its an aquired position, its not as bolt upright as  a harley or cruiser and if you think its too agressive go sit on a r6 or r1 and you will see what a real sportbike is like, the monster is literally splitting the difference between the two.

it takes some time to get used to, i thought i didn't like it at first but now that i've been onit for a while its perfect.

[lawbreaker]

The post reads that way doesn't it.

I remember similar problems when I first got my bike ... learning to relax my grip was all it took. Highway riding (where you often need to hold a consistent throttle) is probably the worst ... and a firm grip will have your wrists aching in a matter of minutes.

By all means try any of the above but just make sure you are giving yourself a chance and relax your shoulders, arms and grip.

... Thats kinda what I got from it...

My Monster -S2R1k- is NOTHING like my SBK... so comparing the Monster position to a crotch rocket is way off.

Some peeps (IMO) assume a less than ideal riding position and end up with some form of discomfort .... thus changing parts to compensate for the issue...

Also you should not straighten/lock out your arms.... Your core and leg pressure on the tank are what you should work on.

[bmonty72]

... Thats kinda what I got from it...

My Monster -S2R1k- is NOTHING like my SBK... so comparing the Monster position to a crotch rocket is way off.

Some peeps (IMO) assume a less than ideal riding position and end up with some form of discomfort .... thus changing parts to compensate for the issue...

Also you should not straighten/lock out your arms.... Your core and leg pressure on the tank are what you should work on.

+1 
I have an '06 S2R 800 (my 2nd bike...after a H-D Sportster)  I am 5' 8" and could not be more comfy on my monster.  I did try the risers, but felt it put my head right into the wind coming off of the bikini fairing.  I got the Rizoma bars and there helped a ton.  I do try to keep my arms "loose" and my back more straight.  Grip with the knees and let the wind and your abs hold you up.  I love my Monster!!!!!

[Meerkat]

word pudding seems to help:

suburban machinery bars
chicken wings and twinkies
core muscles
twist the throttle
cheesy grin