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Message started by pgman on 05/27/08 at 05:05:48

Title: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by pgman on 05/27/08 at 05:05:48

The wife and I have begun doing a LOT more riding than driving and one of the things we like to do is go to the beach. We live smack in the center of Florida so there aren't any beaches closer than about two hours (if we stay off the highways). She's been riding for about 16 months now and the Savage is still a good bike for her in terms of size, peformance and weight. The only trouble is, it does not appear to be set up (from the factory) for longer rides.

Thus far, I've modified her bike with a Sportster seat, ISO grips, HD floorboards, Dyna muffler (with white spacer removed) and a spitfire windshield. She says that the floorboards and windshield helped the most, but her throttle hand is falling asleep - after the ISO grips. These beach runs are close to 225-miles round trip, and we stop at least once each way. The good news is that (according to her) the little chugger is much more comfortable than when it was stock. She just has a few lingering quibbles and I am wondering what else i can do.

I've read about progressive springs (though I don't know where to find them yet), but I don't know if that would help more than saddle gel, or a different seat. She likes the handling, so I don't want to mess that up.

I am wondering if I should put the stock grips back on (she never complained about her hand falling asleep with those - just the vibration). I am thinking of trying a throttle boss before I give up on the ISOs

She wants more chrome, and I am wondering if I can find chromed engine case covers anywhere. If not, even some chromed frame covers or a crash bar would brignten things up, and I KNOW she'd love some mag wheels, but I have no idea where I'd find any to fit this bike.

If that all helps, then she wants a headlight modulator and an air horn and I THINK she'll be happy for a while. I wish I had a ton of money to throw at this, but we still have to drive the cages, and that ain't cheap any more. I think we're real close to the optimal bike for this lady - but the last two-tenths are sometimes the hardest.

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by FreeSpirit on 05/27/08 at 05:17:05

I personally appreciate your topic!

I was just doing a search for floorboards here!

I found some use HD ones but I'm still wondering exactly which ones!

Can you tell me so I can find the right ones to buy?

Then most importantly I need....a man/ husband to put all this stuff on for me,not to mention buying it all!!(just joking on that part ;)

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by Paladin. on 05/27/08 at 06:32:12

Moreso than chrome:

"No, no, no! You don't know what you want! Luigi know what you want. Black-wall tires, they blend into the pavement, but these white-wall tires, they say look at me, here I am, love me."
-- Luigi, in Cars.

According to the web, Maxxis still makes their Classic M6011 in WW in our size front and rear.

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by bill67 on 05/27/08 at 06:55:29

Progressive shocks was the best thing i did,the lighter you are the more it will help stock spring are way to stiff.

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by youzguyz on 05/27/08 at 07:20:44

495E545857390 wrote:

I am wondering if I should put the stock grips back on (she never complained about her hand falling asleep with those - just the vibration). I am thinking of trying a throttle boss before I give up on the ISOs.

I have the same problem.
Here is bunch of options and suggestions:
http://faq.f650.com/FAQs/ThrottleRockerFAQ.htm

You could also try adjusting the handlebars. If the wrist angle isn't ok, it could cause numbness of the hand.
OR, try a different type of handlebar. (Straight instead of buckhorn, etc.)

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by Mr. Hyde on 05/27/08 at 09:02:54

Quote:

I've read about progressive springs (though I don't know where to find them yet), but I don't know if that would help more than saddle gel, or a different seat.

Pop into the 'Tech' section and check out the index. Look for 'rear suspension'. Everything you ever wanted to know (or just about), can be found there re: Progressive Suspension shocks and the Savage/S40.

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by verslagen1 on 05/27/08 at 09:12:32

5E49434F402E0 wrote:

Thus far, I've modified her bike with a Sportster seat, ISO grips, HD floorboards, Dyna muffler (with white spacer removed) and a spitfire windshield. She says that the floorboards and windshield helped the most, but her throttle hand is falling asleep - after the ISO grips.

Grip anything for 30 min and your hand will fall asleep. Muscle movement is required for blood flow when in a grip. Flex the fingers every so often.
And I did find the pull backs put my hands in the most comfortable position. When I put the drags on, they were in the worst because of the angle the bars were in to miss the tank. Most likely a change in the bars adjustment will help. Rotate the bar so that the outer ends drop a bit.

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by bill67 on 05/27/08 at 09:31:46

Some times I grip for 30 minutes and I fall asleep ;)

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by FreeSpirit on 05/27/08 at 13:51:38

If you only stop once in 100 miles or so,the seat must really be comfortable ;)

(Also,didnt mean to interrupt your post,when asking about the floorboards!)

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by pgman on 05/27/08 at 15:03:49

5064737345667F647F62160 wrote:

The floorboards I bought were these:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2002568/c-10111/Nty-1/p-2002568/Ntx-mode+matchallpartial/N-10111/tf-Browse/s-10101/Ntk-AllTextSearchGroup?Ntt=floorboards

They were really inexpensive, but they are ANYTHING but direct bolt-ons. The brake side was pretty simple - just drill a new hole in the chrome plate that holds the OEM peg, and back it with a lock nut and star washer (and remove the OEM peg, of course). This leaves a hole where the OEM peg used to be, but it isn't too objectionable.

The shifter side is a completely different story - requiring about six hours of fabrication work and heavy modification to the underside of the floorboard to get it on there. I had to remove the kickstand bolt, drill it out completely - making it a kickstand bushing, and replace it with a regular metric bolt so that I could attach a custom bracket to the kickstand mounting point. It sounds more complicated than it looks, but it wasn't easy. I just couldn't find any other way to get that board in the right spot for wifey's little feet. She is very pleased with the result, though. Absolutely NO complaints about sore feet any more - and we used to do no more than 50 - 60 miles because her feet were so sore. She never really complained about the HD seat, but that was before the floorboards. I think the seat is just the weakest link now. 200+ miles in a day is not something we could have ever done before, so we're heading in the right direction. Our goal is to motor down to the keys next summer, so I still have some time to get it sorted.

As far as the husband is concerned - can't help you there 'cause one wife is enough! ;)

If you're ever down this way with your bike, though, I'd be glad to help you out with that.

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by buttgoat1 on 05/27/08 at 19:01:37

I got a throttle rocker (a good price at the dealership, no less!) and it has helped with my hand cramping up. I usually would start getting crampy (and bloated) after about 30 minutes (almost at work). However, it did take a bit of getting used to. I started with it too high and I almost let the bike get away from me.

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by FreeSpirit on 05/28/08 at 04:17:01

Thanks pgman for the info and help!

Skatnbc I think has some type of throttle boss,she may have some thoughts on how much it helps! or other ideas!

Just wondered.....does pg in your name ..stand for patriot guard? (That's just what came to mind when I saw your name)

Some say the progressive shocks help alot....hope you found the info you need!( I personally havent gotten that far in upgrades)Although I think some have gotten theirs from ebay!

Highway bars....I'm still thinking about one day getting the "Wingerline"...made for the Savage,although pretty expensive,around $200.But seem to be the best/most functional.

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/28/08 at 07:42:08

I didnt notice a mention of what kind of gloves she is wearing. My hands will go to sleep if I hold too tight on the bars. I wear gloves from Lowes, padded a little. Wont ride without gloves..

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by jomiyo on 05/28/08 at 07:54:32

When purchasing gloves the number one thing you want to look at is the shape before you put your hand in there.

The most comfort will come from gloves that are natural beer can hands (curved) the fact that you got them at lowes makes me doubt that they had a natural curve to them, plus the padding, i can understand why your hand is falling asleep. The padding is cutting of circulation when bent, it is padding so it isn't going to hurt at all - just make the pins and needles.

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/28/08 at 08:58:35

Good [point. Last year, I didnt have numbing. I was riding a lot & just got to the point it didnt bug me, I think I am holding on too tight still.

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by Robertomoe on 05/28/08 at 10:47:56

if you're cruising along long flat stretches and such, maybe look into a throttle lock. It would allow her to take her hand off for a bit and shake it out.

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by vtail on 05/28/08 at 12:07:29

I use a vista-cruise, easy to install, inexpensive ($32) and works great for 6000 miles on my S40 and 29000 miles on my interstate so far ;)
http://w2.bikepics.com/pics/2007/09/04/bikepics-1013130-full.jpg

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by pgman on 05/28/08 at 18:02:42

Vista Cruise...I like that idea.

The wingerline bar - do you know if it sticks out far enough to protect the pedals / pegs? That looks pretty good, although I don't know if my wife would use highway pegs (even if I did add them) because she likes the floorboards so much.

By the way, I don't know much about the Patriot Guard. My handle goes way back to the early days of Internet billboards. I called myself PGMAN because I was such a fanatic proponent of Honda's Programmed Gas Management fuel-injection system (PGM-FI). I know - that is the LAMEST thing anyone has ever heard :-?. It's true - I am a total nerd. See, I used to help a friend restore Honda cars (back when they only made three models). He would buy cars with minor to moderate body damage or mechanical issues (but clean titles) fix them up and re-sell them. There was a waiting list for his cars because they were clean as new, often with fresh paint and they were always mechanically sound. I was barely old enough to drive, but I started helping him because I enjoyed working on cars so much. Anyway, the premium Honda fuel-injection system was somewhat unique and, in my opinion, technically superior to most of the others on the market. I won't go into the agonizing technical details that led me to form that opinion. Suffice to say that the others (from GM, Ford, Chrysler and even the other Japanese brands) generally used the same basic feedback architecture to manage fuel mixture - PGM-FI had some interesting (and brilliant) twists. I was such a fan, that I called myself pgMan the first time I joined a discussion board. I guess it stuck. Oddly enough, I don't own a single Honda vehicle anymore - go figure.

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by FreeSpirit on 05/29/08 at 09:12:46

73646E626D030 wrote:

To my understanding the "Wingerline" does extend far enough out to protect the pegs and hopefully the "LEGS" of the person. And is the only one I know made for the Savage ,that is that long of a bar. The others made for the Savage is not that long. I'm thinking those are 28" long.
The engine guard made for the Savage/S40 is around 15"!

Savage Rob has one and pics here. You can check me on the length to make sure :)

But this one seems to be the best of all I've looked at .I wouldnt be using them to add pegs necessarily...but for possible protection. :)

And your wife may also like the added "Chrome" ;)(Just a thought)

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by ALittlebird on 05/30/08 at 02:28:49

7B796C64610D0 wrote:

I use a vista-cruise, easy to install, inexpensive ($32) and works great for 6000 miles on my S40 and 29000 miles on my interstate so far ;)

Hey Vtail this looks great! I found it available online but there are 2 listed. One for 7/8" clamp and one for 1 " clamp. Do you have a clue which one I should get?

At that price I think it would make my long trip very manageable.

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by ALittlebird on 05/30/08 at 03:16:02

Duh! Sorry I figured it out. 1" :)

I'm going to order it today.

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by vtail on 05/30/08 at 08:53:46

You'd have to trim the rubber insert and move your brakehandle a little inwards. Adjust it so it holds throttle when you set it, but you can still override it, in other words turn the thottle either way without taking the friction off ;) ;) Before buying online (incl freight) check with your MC dealer on cost. I found it similar priced and if you'd bought the wrong or a bad one, with your dealer you can return it instantly ;)

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by ALittlebird on 05/30/08 at 10:15:44

Sorry I think in two many languages - my awesome local mechanic stocks them and I 'ordered' it to be put in the mix for next week when I take it is to have it serviced before my big trip. Pretty cool!

I also need new brake pads...

I have a cracked turn signal housing so I ordered that myself so I can get it on this weekend. They had just ordered from the distributors and it was going to be about a week and a half so I got it from bike bandit in 2 days. It's held together with duct tape.

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by Gary On A Savage on 05/30/08 at 11:19:35

I replaced my stock grips with some cheap foam type that you can get on the internet or local m/c store. I needed to replace my stock one's and wasn't ready to invest in good ones yet, so I bought those as temporary ones. But they are much more comfortable than the stock grips were, larger in diameter, less vibration, more grab/friction meant I was gripping less with them.

These are exactly like the ones I bought...cheap to try:

http://i7.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/a2/23/f4c1_1.JPG

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts-Accessories___MOTORCYCLE-SOFT-GRIP-HAND-GRIPS-CHROME-ENDS-NEW_W0QQitemZ150250835200QQddnZPartsQ20Q26Q20AccessoriesQQddiZ2811QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item150250835200&

Title: Re: Comfort Suggestions (not to beat a dead horse)
Post by machz54 on 05/30/08 at 15:17:28

Have same problem with clutch hand and find that if I don't stretch the muscles in my upper back and shoulders properly before I ride it drives me crazy, if I spend a few minutes and do it no problem.
Try that and see if it helps...and its Free...Dave