Motorcycle Comfort! Simple Ways to Improve it?
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- How to adjust the motorcycle for long adventure trips?
Online course "The Essential Guide to Any Motorcycle Traveler": rtw-adventures...
The common understanding is that to have comfort on your trips you need big and heavy motorcycles like GS 1200 or Honda Goldwing. Okay, but what if we don’t like, don’t need or don’t have such a machine? In this video, I will tell you how to make some very basic, budget adjustments that will help you much more than you can imagine. Before I start with the trips I want to define the phrase ‘Riding Comfort’. It is actually a combination of many factors. For example, Honda Goldwing will be number one for long highway miles, but what about the city traffic? 150cc is great around the city, but terrible on the long distance, is it?
With these examples I want to move your attention from narrow focus and again help you to see the whole picture. The tips I am going to show you now are more or less universal and will work on almost every motorcycle and trip, with some small exceptions of course. With that being said, let’s do it.
The very first thing is the seat.
Choose as flat as possible not so soft seat. Not really hard, but definitely not soft. Find a proper seat, or build your own, as I did. It is made from a special foam, hard enough to provide stability and comfort at the same time. Don’t ask me where to buy it this foam, because we live in different countries, just Google it. It is a foam for motorcycle seats, not for armchairs or sofas.
I even bought this synthetic mesh from India and I am going to put it on my seat, but is not so easy to find a place to do it here in Germany. In India it cost me couple of dollars here they ask for 50 euro, just to stretch it and nail it. I might buy tacker and make it, it would be cheaper.
Forget about these curvy shapes. They are great for short rides, but terrible on the long distance. When you have this nice curvy shape your body will always slide on the exactly the same position and because of that you will press exactly the same spots for many hours and this will be really painful after couple of hours.
Before you even start telling me about the nice and ergonomic seats I would like you to see from a different point of view. A nice wide and ergonomic seat will be great on the asphalt, but it is not going to work on bad or dirt roads, why? Because over there you have to stand on the pegs and if the seat is to wide it is not going to be comfortable. So these seats are great on the big cruisers like Harley Davidson, but now we are talking for something different, aren’t we?
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Motorcycle Adventures what would you recommend for handlebar vibration? My hands go numb after 30 minutes of riding. I ride a husqvarna 701
@@johnpavlic Try different bar end weights to shift the vibes to a Rev level you don’t consistently ride at .You can also try filling your handle bars with silicon sealant or fit foam hand grips or all 3 methods .Hope that helps .
Instablaster
you are great ...thanks a lot... from India..
camera angle to explain gps mount was amazing and was very easy to understand because of camera work, Great thank you.
You are welcome anytime!
I love your videos Sir. They are always very informative.
Thanks Bob!
Some good tips... thanks for the video
Thanks for taking the time again Stephen!
If your bike should end up in an auction one day, one of us here will bid a million € as we know where it has been in the world and that our Mentor Pavlin built it. What a legend.
Wow! Start bidding right away...
He is searching a new bike these days 😀😁😂
Fantastic video dear Friend love it. God bless you. Happy Day
Thanks!
Here is tip for adding 3cm risers to xt660z without buying new cables.
Trick is to reroute throttle cable , you need to pull of tank and reroute cable just behind the frame, that will give you those extra 1cm, thats how I did to mine. I think 3cm is max without buying new ones.
Great video !
It won't work for me, because I already had different triple clamp and different handlebar.
I'm always happy when I see you posted a video my friend! Thank you!
Great!
Great advice as usual.
I have always wondered why so many motorcycle manufacturers put terrible seats on their otherwise well designed bikes. A few years ago I bought a new Triumph Tiger 800XC. The seat felt OK for the fifteen minute test ride. However after I bought the bike and spent an hour plus in the seat, it was murdering my arse, also needed bar risers. Most bikes I have had over the years needed after market seat for longer trips. The only bikes that I have owned that the original seat felt comfortable after an hour was a BMW GS and a Suzuki V Strom 650.
Well, good seats cost money.
I think, it really depends, and they are not so horrible. For example, stock KLR 650 seat is good for me, but many people are writing that it's terrible. From the other hand, MT-07 seat is not very ?stable? for me, but almost everyone I know are praising it for ergonomics. So... maybe it has something to do with "ass geometry" and every manufacturer is trying to fit his seat to some abstract group of people without paying too much?
Hi, you mention 28mm handlebars often. I would like to buy them but I have a question how do you install stock switches (starter etc) that are made for 22mm bars? Thanks
It is 28mm in the middle. The edges are still 22mm.
aka tapered bars ;-)
Great tips! Break/clutch levers and gear/break pedals are the first thing I adjust when I sit on a motorcycle. Another thing that will help is upgrade for mirrors (I used curved stick-on mirrors) to eliminate blindspots. Cheap and easily installed on your existing mirrors. What do you think of these?
I have some reserves about it. Yes, they provide additional cover, but because of the round shape they looks unrealistic. I always prefer just look over my shoulder.
500 cc is also good for highways, exept Germany, where you can ride as fast as you can :P
It doesn't mean that you have to...
KEY TIPS ON RIDING TECHNIQUE! WELL DONE!
Thanks!!
Best thing I've ever done for prolonged distance ability is fitting highway pegs. For me it was just a short length of shower rod slipped behind the frame and secured with fencing wire. It could be called a wombat sweeper.
Great video. This is the wisdom of experience talking.
Nice thought with the gps positioning
Thanks for taking the time!
The tips on GPS location is awesome. I couldn't agree more. When the guru speaks, listen.
Thanks for taking the time!
Your Tipps are wise and right at the same Time. There are so many more, Even to entighten the levers for Safety, so that they can turn by groundkontact. And so On.
Thanks foe taking the time!
The seat tip is great
Thanks man!
One thing that is cheap and makes a hige diffrence on long highway/boring backroads is one of these plastic throttle assistants. You don't need to grip the throttle as hard and therefore relaxes muscles
You know Pavlin I love your videos, your energy, your enthusiasm and your vast knowledge of long distance motorcycle trips is second to none and this is why I subscribe to your channel. I have used your good advice when I have been on long trips that involve on and off road riding when on my BMW Sertao. But.....when I am going on a long road trip that is just tarmac I take my elephant as you call it. My beautiful, comfortable BMW R1200GS TE with shaft drive and a smooth big twin engine and good luggage capacity. My last trip from England was through Europe taking in the Alps, the Dolomites taking in Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania through to mainland Greece then to beautiful Bulgaria. In Bulgaria I went to Melnic, Sofia and Plovdiv before heading back to Greece and back home. A great trip on a great bike. But I would not take my GS on some of my trips. It is horses for courses and on this trip the GS was the perfect bike. For my trip up to the Italian salt trails the year before the Sertao was the perfect bike. On my local trails in the UK I have a CRF250L for fun.
Now I have retired I can ride lots more and do more trips and go further. I also know I am very lucky to have the choice of 3 bikes but not one of my bikes is bad or wrong they are all brilliant for what I want from them. All of you enjoy your riding and keep safe, we are all one big fraternity of brothers who would help each other wherever we are in the world. Also Pavlin I was very sad I didn’t get to Varna, I just ran out of time.
Thanks for taking the time Colin! Yes, you are lucky guy to have three bikes at the same time! All the best!
Thank you very much for the useful information you give us . You are the best . Ciao
Very Informative !! Thanks Pavlin !!
Thanks Sujoy!
Plus mirrors that show what is behind you rather than your elbows / shoulders.
True
Thanks for the video, VERY helpful :)
You are welcome anytime Barrie!
Am an Indian
All the things you told here is true
thanks pavlin been looking for this video after 3 hours its not to bad my backside feels like ive sat on a grill after 6 hours riding
Just got back from a 7600km trip through India. I agree with each of the modifications you mentioned. These should be the basics we need to set up before starting on any new bike.
True
Which motorcycle you ride
Great video good advice 🇬🇧👍🍻
i love the oxford heated grips they are very reliable and work really well, as for the GPS i dont look at the unit as all i use is voice control through Bluetooth but its pretty much central to my view , great tips again Pavlin thank you for sharing
My pleasure Neil!
thank you for your video always.
i have a sport motorcycle and i always have knee pain after 4hours riding and seat pain after 6hours. it is sad that motorcycle are not easily customizable because you have trouble finding solid frame to attach things to and motorcycle factory things are all important so you cannot modify things because its dangerous.
Chang the bike! Jut joking...Thanks for taking the time!
Servus Pavlin jou are Not only clever,jou are so Full of Energie.Thank,s for the Great Video.
Thanks for taking the time again Sandro!
Sir.
In one of your vedio u said that we can travel with any motorcycel, if so do prefer traveling on an aircoold bike?
No, I prefer to travel with water cooled engine, but you can do it on anything, even bicycle.
Best seat I had was on a 1969 BSA.
Hi Pavlin, agree 100 %. I could only add, that a good sunshade for the Navi is also very helpful. Ride safe, Hans
Agree, thanks for adding Hans!
As usual, perfect tips Pavlin. I would like to ask, as you have rode in India, how much is the necessity or usefulness of the heated grips here.
Thanks Bhushan! No really necessary unless you plan to visit Ladakh. My hands were freezing there. It is always good to have it, because they cost almost nothing, compare to the rest of the gear and once you install it they will be there when you need it.
Hi Pavlin. I am far far away from to be a teacher. English isn't my first language. But i have only one advice.
I think asfalt in English is tarmac. Ashfalt in English is kind of tar, they use for roofs or other things to make it watertight.
I watch and enjoy your videos.
You are great rider and very open minded person. Thanks.
Thanks man, but I am what I am, too late to change my language habits!
Motorcycle Adventures
Never to late to learn
new things...
You teach me a lot...
I am not young. But always listening clever and more experienced. Pleasure to watch your adventures.
Asphalt is fine. In the UK, they say tarmac, but the same thing is commonly called asphalt, blacktop, or pavement in North America.
I'm far from a teacher as well but,,, try to focus on the info and not pick the fly s...t out of the pepper.
le colt
I think you are right...
I'm sorry that you felt offendet...
It was not my intention...
comfort is a relative term imo... I rode a hybrid bike as a bike commuter for about 12 years before getting into motorcycling... and compared to the tiny posts with no padding on those things.. most motorcycle seats are divine padded thrones on which your entire butt has support... after that it's more about not keeping the same posture constantly.. being able to shift your bodyweight around means you will never create a hot-spot and make leaning/counter-leaning more fluid. Many after-market seats are technically "more comfortable" but make it harder to move in the saddle.
Edit: you should be using your legs/arms to help keep you stable in the saddle, if you are relying on your seat to keep you from moving, question why that is and what you might be doing wrong... because the seat will only ever help so much and what are you doing when you are emergency braking and somehow staying in the same spot, that you should be practicing normally?
Thanks for watching and sharing your opinion!
Awesome. Great video.
Lever adjustment is important for all types of riding and rider. Get them adjusted on a straight axis, faster access to levers and less strain on joints and muscles..
Agree
Just liked and commenting even didn't watched video , , Stylo
Thanks man, but watch it!
Excellent video ! What about vibrations on the handlebars ? Is there any way to reduce the vibrations ? I ride a 250cc bike, 1 cylinder on the highway creates a lot of vibration in high RPM !
Yes, don't ride it on the highways.
Hi Pavlin, can you give link to German shop where you can buy seat foam? Or any shop worldwide.
I modified the seat and I don't have a link, sorry!
Again usefull video as allways. I'm beginner and ride BMW G650 build 1994. It is cheap and perfect to sample first expiriance. I desided to leave original 25 mm handlebar and gripps because there is no reason to invest in an old bike. Maybe fist I need to bend the heandlebar in offroad befor I bay a 28 mm handlebar. I am 187 cm tall, so I make the original seat flat using yoga pad and some old material.
Enjoy your trips!
I've noticed what you mean on gps position, as CRF250L cant have it where I want it I often rely on audio gps instructions over bluetooth headset and look down less often. As I'm lightweight I'm fine with stock seat but you are right, any heavier and you are sitting on the frame of it, its like bikes suspension preload, for specific weight, but its not adjustable, you need to change the foam density. Handlebar risers is something I'd like to get but there is another thing that you didnt mention about them and I think its valid. Driver above waist height - seat height - bars height - arm length correlation. For example, I could use bar risers, but if I install them, then while sitting, my arm from elbow to wrist height is increasing. So wrist is higher then elbow. Blood flow is worse, you feel more tingling, colder hands and possibly more other problems. I havent tested the theory, I just use it as an excuse for not using bar risers as my elbow and wrist are same height now :)
Thanks for taking the time!
You are completely correct about every point . Excellent video. 👍👍
Thanks for watching!
Good tip that you told about checking kabel length 👌. As always Nice video
Glad it was helpful!
i would add hand guard, they help when it is cold or when it is raining
True
Goldwing is terrible in traffic? Says who? Have you tried it?
One of the easiest bikes to ride ever.
Yes, I did and I prefer to ride the car instead.
Hello i am from Malaysia, for me this the best channel on motor adventure advice and tips..
Awesome, thank you!
Keep in mind that the gps has to be mounted in such a way that it can't be accidentaly touched. I have had issues with hitting the gps touch screen with my belly when jumping obstacles.
Agree
A simple way to improve motorcycle comfort ... trade it in on an automatic maxi scooter.
Not an option for me.
just a suggestion, it is better to have a clear wind shield. so we are not blocked by some front view that makes a blind spot. ride safe.
I agree, especially if you are short rider.
@ 7:42 that is EXACTLY what I was thinking. I bought a GPS mount for my 1st bike even before I picked it up at the dealer. The guys there actually installed it for me for free, proper electrical wiring and everything and it's great, precisely because it's in my face basically, without obstructing the instrument cluster. FYI, if anybody needs a good cheap GPS mount for a v strom in Europe (incl. 2017 and later), google search marselus GPS Mount.
Thanks Pavlin for the many good videos, for favorite bike Tenere. Свака част царе!
Just Simply Love Your Truth ..
Keep Standing For Riders 😊
Always! Thanks!
Pleasure's All mine
Praying For You Always Brother ..
May Your God Bless you & Your Family Always ...InshaAllah
Thanks Kabir!
Good point about the curvey seat as on the Africa twin.
Glad I have the flat one on a Crf Rally that a person can change position without sliding back
Great tips from an experienced motorcycle adventurer & rider that has walked the walk & not just talked the talk .👍
You look and speak exactly like my manager who is also Greek, yet you are most interesting to talk to.... for sure ;)
I am Bulgarian.
@@motorcycleadventures I always thought you were Greek. Sorry for that!
P.S: You are still more interesting person than my manager :D
Cool!
I like your vids... they are to the point.
Thanks!
Really great tips just love it.
Thank you!
Re GPS. YOUR thoughts of using a Blue Tooth to HEAR During busy times when "Eyes on the road" are critical
I never use it, nothing to say.
Works great for me. I often use google maps only on mobile phone in my pocket. No need to look at it in big city.
Now we know who provides the voice for Compare the Meerkat ads in the UK!!
Hi...how have you mounted your phone mount...can you please share...cause it might help me with my mod
I keep my telephone in the pocket. What you saw there is GPS holder and it is attached to the dashboard with zip ties.
@@motorcycleadventures hey thanks a lot bro...for sharing the info...Will help me with my mod
Страхотен си! С интерес гледам всяко видео :) . Заради теб май се спрях на V-Strom
Гут!
Another useful video. Thank a lot Pavlin. Good job!
You are welcome anytime Mladen!
Thanks to you and this channel, for a week I have a theoretical exam for motorcycle driving license. In April a will have second part (practical exam) and when I pass it - the season starts! Much thanks to your engagement on this channel. Motorcycle and adventure helmet I already bought 6 months ago. I'm 31 years old, and I don't give a damn - I always want to have motorcycle adventures. Off course, it will be short distance adventures for first year, but I will be patient... Thanks buddy!
My pleasure! Enjoy your future adventures!
Thanks so much for video that was a video from a practical rider and every word spokes for it.
Or you and me have a same frequency of mind even we have in different countries and never met each other.(I am form Pakistan and almost 20 years for riding)
Very goog and helpfull job! I liked the accent!
Thanks for the video, lots of good ideas. Everyday is a school day...
Wise man !!!
Thanks!
every ares is different, for me stock seat of xt660z tenere is perfect, the best of all seats which had privilege to carry my arse on.
Good, you are the first who like it.
@@motorcycleadventures actually, most people I met like tenere seat.
Благодаря ти за подробната Информация!Да си жив и здрав!
Моля моля!
Nice Tips Pavlin.
Well, I didn't found the mesh net which you brought from India for your motorcycle.
:)
I will install it very soon.
I never used a windscreen, mostly because I ride off-road. But it seems to me that in a hot day more wind might increase your comfort.
True!
Dude you really have problem with big brands .. you always mentioned that.
No, I don't have any problem with the brands. What I want is you to understand that they are not necessary. You can can travel with almost anything. What you really need is a will to do it!
Thank you for answering me .
I didn't mean to be rude.
I understand totally your meaning i agree.
But from the other hand u can easily buy a used GS , Multistrada etc. With affordable price . Offcorse you telling your opinion is 100% respectable.
But 80% of your videos are mention for the big brands that they are useless. Has start to be a bit boring.
I apologize if you getting wrong with me .
No problem!
Great tips Pavlin, so simple but so effective!! Well done!!
nice tips on the seat. its so important and people don't really care.
Yes....position GPS above the speedometer is very good...i have two motorcycle one is put on handlebar, its very terible....
Agree
very informative...👍
Thanks!
Love this video!
Thank you!
Your best episode so far :)
Cool!
Nice tips ! I agree with you in most all items. Confort is also "safety". Cheers !
Very nice tips. Thanks! A Hug from Portugal, Lisbon. 😉✌️
My pleasure!
We would LOVE to see you take a trip on a Gold Wing and give a review!! Of course you'd be on paved roads but certainly there are plenty of locations you could ride on paved roads. How about it, Pavlin? We'll be watching. Thanks.
Maybe one day!
Hello from the U.S.! I would just like to say your English is really good. :) I'm actually looking for a video just like this one. Good work!
Hey, thanks!
Again and again I see the same situation: a small number of dislikes. Really. Under each of videos there are always 5 or 25 dislikes. Who are that people I wonder? Lords of Adventures? If so - You are quite lucky man, Pavlin %) Those extremely experienced people are interested in Your channel. May be they are waiting for something from You? Anyway thanks for wise advices %)
You are welcome anytime Dmitry!
Funny to see you use same bike for long time.. And is really old model but of course is a good bike! New tenere 700 that bike for you!!!! 😄😄😄
Let's see it first...
thx bro fr always such a nice tips u provide! Always loved frm Kathmandu Nepal !!😍😍🙏👍️
Thank you!
Pavlin, For all day roadtrips, I strapped down a Memory Foam seat cushion, a friend bought at a bike show, Americade. My passenger sits on a donut-shaped neck cushion that's filled with styrofoam beads.
After years of shoulder pain, another motorcyclist on UA-cam showed me how-to and why I needed to adjust the clutch and front brake mounts.
.....
Thank you for explaining why I must mount the GPS on the inside and center of the windscreen. A $65. mount is now on my shopping list.
Safety First!
I am glad that you found the video useful Brian, this was the idea. Enjoy your trips!
Hi Pavlin, I really enjoy your your videos live in Australia. I’m 55 years old & now I’m really looking at motorcycle to ride again . My last ride was when I was 18 yrs old. Now I’m thinking about some freedom and explore the world if possible. Your advise is how I like to hear it. Keep up the great effort you put in . I also admire your courage. 👌👍
Good luck on your future adventures!
You are right in all, especially with the seat. This "Goldwing seats" for all the bikes like "Bagster" is absolutely nonsens. My special seat, based on the original, was the best invest on my Transalp PD06. I had once a Gold Wing, but I sit better now. Unfortunately I cannot post a foto here
Thanks for taking the time!
Very important. I wonder how many people bother to set their bikes up individually?
Everything is a compromise but this can fix so many problems.
Ride for an hour and agony, or all day comfort. All on the same bike.
Happy (Comfortable) travels
True
The saddle is the biggest problem! (in my experience) In the beginning of the season, I can go 100km with a little pain, at the end of the season i can go 400km. But in all the villages I pass, I stand up on the pegs, to get some blood circulation in my butt. The saddle is the key to a successful long journey! I bought a "comfort saddle" of Toratech for my GS, the standard saddle is just as good, (don't waste your money) and you save 400 € at least! The other of your tips is common sense, but not obviously, so thumb up! In combination of all of the tips you have given us over the years, you've covered most of it! Keep it up!! In any case, I from Sweden, and understand your English god!
Thanks for taking the time! All the best!
Pavlin, simple,almost obvious tips which are so easily overlooked, but which can certainly transform the comfort of a day in the saddle.
Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure Doug!
Thank you for sharing bro, one more thing i just realize is need font suspension easy to adjustment. Hard suspension is good for offroad but soft make you more comfortable on highway, as you know almost middle class adventure motorcycle is single engine, so on highway will be vibrate.
Yes, but adjustable suspension cost lot of money.
Excellent tips! You speak the truth brother. Setting up your motorcycle to your individual body is critical for long rides. The four disciplines of Breathing, Relaxation, Posture and Movement when utilized on your motorcycle will greatly enhance the distance a person can ride their motorcycle.
Agree
Excellent common sense tips but extremely valuable Pavlin. Big thumbs up from me ;-)
Thanks!
Pavel, you fail to make a bad video each time. You rule, man.
Reffering to GPS position: musicians use the term "movement economy" where they chose hand movement on the instrument's fretboard to be able to play faster so they choose frets without needing to move the fist much. It could be used in this case either.
I appreciate your advices. Thanx and respect.
Thanks for taking the time!
You got a T shirt ?
rtw-adventures.com/motorcycle-adventures-merchandise-1.html
If I get knowledge from your video n you make a bit money out, its a clean deal. If they sell in India i am buying one ... Thanks for the Info Bud !!!
Thanks!