Motorcycle Rider Ergonomics...
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, Texas
I've never bought anything, except a seat, to improve ergonomics, and that was not really for seating position, it was because the stock Wide Glide seat was completely useless. The seat on my UC is better, but it still sucks compared to a Mustang. As far as seating position, I just get used to it - you could spend big $$$ trying to get it perfect. My body just adapts and it's fine. Extremes I cannot get used to - drags and fwds give me a backache but apes and fwds are sweeeeet. The stock UC seating position is fine for me.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
In 20+ years of riding Harleys, my observation is that they're set up for guys with 35" sleeves and 34" inseams from the factory.
My sleeves are 32" and my inseam barely 30". I change bars immediately and add a LOT of pullback. Fortunately, most models sit low "out of the box."
My sleeves are 32" and my inseam barely 30". I change bars immediately and add a LOT of pullback. Fortunately, most models sit low "out of the box."
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 818
From: Nevada
Some Harley dealers have a set up where you can try out different seat and handlebar combos. But as stated above, the best way to learn what's best for you is to log saddle time on the road. Your body will tell you if any changes are needed.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 9
From: Colorado Springs CO
oh oh I know the answer...
*smart azz mode on*
The Complex Riding Plane
In the Euclidean Plane points are represented by an ordered pair (x,y)
where x is the horizontal distance from the origin and y is the vertical dis-
tance from the origin. These are known as rectangular coordinates. We
can designate points in the Euclidian plane by a different set of values (r, θ)
where r is the distance from the origin and θ is the direction from the ori-
gin, where 0 is along the positive x-axis and counterclockwise rotation is
increasing direction. The y=axis having direction π . 2
From the Pythagorean theorem we have x2 + y2 = r2. From the basic trigonometric relations we have x = rcosθ and y = rsinθ. We also have
θ = arctan y and r = x2 + y2. x
In the complex number plane, complex numbers are represented by x+iy wherei=√−1. Wecanrepresentxbyx=rcosθandybyy=rsinθ. Thus the complex number x + iy can be written as
r cos θ + ir sin θ = r(cos θ + i sin θ).
Solution:
√3+i = 2(√3+1i) √22
(2( 3+1i))3 = 23(cosπ+isinπ)3 2266
= 8(cos(3ˇΠ)+isin(3ˇΠ)) 66
= 8(cosΠ+isinΠ) 22
= 8(0+i) = 8i
*smart azz mode off*
*smart azz mode on*
The Complex Riding Plane
In the Euclidean Plane points are represented by an ordered pair (x,y)
where x is the horizontal distance from the origin and y is the vertical dis-
tance from the origin. These are known as rectangular coordinates. We
can designate points in the Euclidian plane by a different set of values (r, θ)
where r is the distance from the origin and θ is the direction from the ori-
gin, where 0 is along the positive x-axis and counterclockwise rotation is
increasing direction. The y=axis having direction π . 2
From the Pythagorean theorem we have x2 + y2 = r2. From the basic trigonometric relations we have x = rcosθ and y = rsinθ. We also have
θ = arctan y and r = x2 + y2. x
In the complex number plane, complex numbers are represented by x+iy wherei=√−1. Wecanrepresentxbyx=rcosθandybyy=rsinθ. Thus the complex number x + iy can be written as
r cos θ + ir sin θ = r(cos θ + i sin θ).
Solution:
√3+i = 2(√3+1i) √22
(2( 3+1i))3 = 23(cosπ+isinπ)3 2266
= 8(cos(3ˇΠ)+isin(3ˇΠ)) 66
= 8(cosΠ+isinΠ) 22
= 8(0+i) = 8i
*smart azz mode off*
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,373
Likes: 4
That right there has to be the best answer you will ever get.
You can try to fit it at the dealer on a dry run but until you get it on the road and ride (read as 100 + miles) you won't know what suits your riding position.
Ride it, ride it some more figure out what you do and don't like and go from there.
You can try to fit it at the dealer on a dry run but until you get it on the road and ride (read as 100 + miles) you won't know what suits your riding position.
Ride it, ride it some more figure out what you do and don't like and go from there.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: USA
You should fit your bike comfortably, obviously, and body mechanics/ergonomics do have an effect on human performance. In an office you can measure your fit for a chair and desk and keyboard etc., similarly you should be able to say 90 degrees works for knee bend, hip flexion, arms straight from shoulder to bars, parallel to the ground, head able to look forward straight through or over windshield without neck bend. These things are the long distance rider's comfort needs and I believe there is a formula for good ergos. Just my opinion, as a newby, if you wanted a serious reply...
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
In 20+ years of riding Harleys, my observation is that they're set up for guys with 35" sleeves and 34" inseams from the factory.
My sleeves are 32" and my inseam barely 30". I change bars immediately and add a LOT of pullback. Fortunately, most models sit low "out of the box."
My sleeves are 32" and my inseam barely 30". I change bars immediately and add a LOT of pullback. Fortunately, most models sit low "out of the box."
Works for me!
Maybe that's why I didn't need to change my bars.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 583
Likes: 2
From: South Florida
You should fit your bike comfortably, obviously, and body mechanics/ergonomics do have an effect on human performance. In an office you can measure your fit for a chair and desk and keyboard etc., similarly you should be able to say 90 degrees works for knee bend, hip flexion, arms straight from shoulder to bars, parallel to the ground, head able to look forward straight through or over windshield without neck bend. These things are the long distance rider's comfort needs and I believe there is a formula for good ergos. Just my opinion, as a newby, if you wanted a serious reply...