- This topic has 5 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 5 months ago by Rupmisc.
Ergos of Standard vs. Sport
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October 28, 2008 at 6:18 pm #2302RupmiscParticipant
I’ve put about 800 miles on my Ducati 696 since I got it, and have some questions on ergonomics. The 696 falls somewhere between a sport configuration, and a standard. I find, at 6 feet, it is work to hold my upper body constantly upright so that I am not putting weight on the bars. It is my understanding, though, that one should keep weight off the bars. The seat tilts my upper body forward and slides me into the tank.
Is it true about keeping weight off the bars, in which case how do some of you ride real (hug the tank) sport bikes? Or is it just that either I am a little tall for the 696, I need bar risers, or that I just really prefer upright bikes (and would be happier with a multistrada or a BMW 800 ST? I should note that at speeds above 55mph, the wind does a great job of supporting my upper body and my arms are comfortably flexible on the bars (maybe I should only drive on highways).
I’d like to hear from someone with a similar experience. Maybe I just made a poor choice, or maybe I’m doing something wrong.
October 29, 2008 at 3:49 pm #14399megaspazParticipantbasically for sports bikes, it’s basically what you said. Hug the tank with your legs and use your abs and lower back muscles to support your upper body. keeping weight off your arms and hands has a variety of bonuses. Like minimizing inadvertant steering inputs from road conditions and keeping your arms and hands from getting sore. also on a sports bike if you want to get a little lazy, you should be able to comfortable rest your chest/abdomen on the tank to relieve pressure on your arms. Sometimes you can’t but help but put some weight on the bars like shifting body position side to side. The object’s not to put more weight on the bars than necessary.
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If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…October 29, 2008 at 6:47 pm #14418RupmiscParticipantHey Spaz, I don’t know if you sat on a 696 before you made your Duc choice, but I need to really press the tank with my knees to prevent sliding forward. Would you consider putting something more grippy on the side of the tank? The 696 is supposed to be a standard, with my upper body just a little forward. Maybe I got the wrong bike? Maybe I should try putting a bar riser on the bike. Sometimes I think the 696 was made for folks 5’9″ or less.
I keep thinking I’ll eat the depreciation and sell the 696 in the spring. I’d like to get something a little more upright, and ABS would be nice. BMW 800 ST? Honda Interceptor VF with ABS? Multistrada (no ABS) or how about the Ducati Sport Classic?
October 29, 2008 at 6:55 pm #14420megaspazParticipantI use tech spec grips on my tanks. The 848’s actually quite hard to get a good grip on the tank. I only get part of the bottom of the grip on my tank and just end up hugging the frame underneath it. But generally, most people go with stompgrip or techspec for tank grips. anyway, yeh it’s possible that you’re knees will play a part in hugging the tank and i’d recommend using them. Works like a charm on my SV, and somewhat adequately on the 848. Never sat on the monster so I can’t say for sure if it’ll work for you.
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If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…October 31, 2008 at 1:52 am #14466MANATEEParticipantUmm… Riding around town i put weight on my bars maybe im just lazy but i ride as my only form of transportation. I really dont think it effects anything at “legal speeds”
It went Sky Road Sky Road Sky Road…. AmbulanceOctober 31, 2008 at 2:36 am #14467RupmiscParticipantI’m not capable of explaining it, but it does seem to make a difference. Ride smoothness, and the ability to handle stuff like grating on bridges are adversely affected when your weight is on the bars. Maybe someone can explain why.
I did, however, confirm two things today because I took my bike 40 miles into NH to have it serviced. First, at 70 mph, keeping my weight off the bars wasn’t much of a problem. Second, while my bike was being serviced (and outfitted with an electrical connection) I got to test ride a Ducati Multistrada. I think I’m in love (again). Upright seating, more leg room (higher seat, and more distance seat to pegs), can handle serious luggage, and pretty light for a Sport Tourer but handles like a Ducati. Like other Ducati bikes, it doesn’t like rpm’s under 3000 but you can’t have everything.
Also got a preview of the 2009 Triumph Scrambler (in Great Escape type Khaki). So good looking!! Could see trading Nighthawk 250 and 696 for the multistrada and the scrambler. One for longer trips, one just for fun around town or on hardpan dirt roads. Now the economy will just have to oblige me by spring.
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