New Study Finds That We’re Probably Riding Our Motorcycles All Wrong
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 6
Likes: 8
From: Commie Illinois
Hmmmmm...
Well in my opinion only this should be the first important issue for the rider and being safe. One would think that Harley designers would be using ergonomics for the rider on each bike already. It takes a special study to figure this out? Like I said just my opinion only pretty stupid article. But just me.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 178
Likes: 205
they did, they sold the Icon's with the lifted seats. Mine had within a inch of the same seat height as my sportbike. I loved it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,915
Likes: 5,928
From: NorCal
University of Waterloo... Canada! Since when do we care what they think? And a study that was funded to give the students something to do and keep the Ergonomics Program going. Ergonomics has been creeping around my work world for decades. Proper seat and arm position, proper height to the monitor, anti fatique mats, etc.
Not surprised that a Professor of Ergonomics finally ran out areas to improve. "Hey maybe we can get more grant money for another study after this one!" Maybe tractor drivers next. Really, how many of the Harley riders don't modify their bikes? HD probably has one "Average Sized" model they create their models positions around.
When I was in RV Mfg my boss was forming a seat and asked me to recline in it and he then made it according to my dimensions. Although we were the same height and weight my lower legs were longer than his! Go figure, we're not all the same! But give me a grant and I'll do a study on it.
Not surprised that a Professor of Ergonomics finally ran out areas to improve. "Hey maybe we can get more grant money for another study after this one!" Maybe tractor drivers next. Really, how many of the Harley riders don't modify their bikes? HD probably has one "Average Sized" model they create their models positions around.
When I was in RV Mfg my boss was forming a seat and asked me to recline in it and he then made it according to my dimensions. Although we were the same height and weight my lower legs were longer than his! Go figure, we're not all the same! But give me a grant and I'll do a study on it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,417
Likes: 56,983
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
He's an Internet Brands guy :<(
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
I'm a bit shorter than average and I've changed a few things on most of my bikes to make me more comfortable. Always surprises me that people focus on seat height (from the ground). How much time do most people spend with their feet on the ground?
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Redwood City
A few years back I worked the International Motorcycle Show in my area and worked in the Harley display with many an engineer. Mentioned the concept and got a lot "that's a great idea" responses......as we see they barely made a move in any direction.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,978
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
In my younger years I just went along and purchased and rode may bikes that didn't really fit me, especially the handlebars and seating position.
I wasn't until '01 (when I got older) and after doing some long trips that I determined that I had to do something about the "fit" of my '00 Ultra Classic and had the "Tallboy" handlebars installed. What a difference!
When I got my '13 CVO Ultra. I went with the W.O. 577's (could have went with the shorter 578's) and they were great.
On my '18 Tri-Glide I opted for Helibars (expensive) but they are fully adjustable and I love them!
I believe the only two (H-D's) in stock configuration that fit me really well was my '87 Softail Custom (FXSTC), which was nearly identical to the Dyna-Glide (FXDWG). Both had great seating/handlebar configurations and the other was my first '92 Heritage Softail Classic.
I had two Heritages ('92 & '95). My wife (who is much shorter) liked the '95 Heritage fit so much that she purchased two ('99 & '08) and we had the the suspension lowered, front and rear and she rode the '08 until she 'hung up he boots".
Last edited by 2AMGuy; May 17, 2024 at 06:49 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2021
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From: backwoods
When the wife goes to bed, sneak out, Have a few white claws in the garage, but switch to something like PBR at the bar, Observe for an hour before engaging in talk with men,
This is a forum, it is one big pot
This is a forum, it is one big pot
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2017
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From: NorCal
Engage brain before putting mouth in gear?