| Author | Message | ||
     Blackdog |
After living with the XB12R for a few months I have come to some conclusions. First of all, I really love this bike. I like the style, the sound, the looks, the power, the handling, everything. I have one problem though. I've had a lot of injuries over the years and the fact that I'm very old makes it hard to ride anymore than a 30 minutes or so. I have made it hour straight , but I was very uncomfortable My right knee is the main problem. After 70 miles I'm in so much pain I have to stop and stand fore a while. I can ride maybe 200 miles a day as long as I have a break every 30 minutes. I installed Lightning pegs and that helped a lot but not enough. Higher seat maybe? The bottom line is I need to fix this problem. My knees can't stand to be bent in the racer position for long at all. Is a XB12X the answer? Thing is I don't like a high seat. The XB12R is at 30.5, the Uly is higher. What about other bikes? Every baby boomer has a Harley around here, that and their poor performance excludes HD. Those BMW on/off road units are pretty cool but than the seat height is way too high. A knee replacement might solve this problem , I'll check into that also. Any ideas? | ||
| Speedfreaks101 |
Might sound kinda nutty but what about buying (or building) something like a crash cage (www.powersstuntworx.com) and then modify it to be used as "highway bars" so you can stretch out. And here is link to one on a Uly http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18 0016 May not be what you want but it might help in some way, Bart | ||
| Unibear12r |
Like you I've had a few broken bones. My left knee was crushed 30 years ago and they won't replace it until I retire. Loved the 12R like you. I used the S pegs and also the Buell custom seat which added about another 1/2 to 3/4 inch to the seat to peg height beyond the inch the pegs added. Now I have the 1125 which is much nicer on the knees. I'm unaware of any pegs that are lower but you might be able to get a taller seat made if the custom doesn't do it for you. It made a big difference for me. (Message edited by unibear12r on September 08, 2008) | ||
| Edstevens |
Blackdog I have looked at the BMW offerings and many of their bikes are offered with factory Low Frame options including the GS 1200 and the new GS 800 model and choice of seats - low, regular and I think high. Somewhere in those combinations you might find a Knee friendly solution. I'm 5'3". Someone asked me how tall I was and I said I never made it to "TALL". I ride a 03 XB9SL because thats all I fit. The BMW F800ST (Low frame and Low Seat) lists a higher seat height but its suspension is so compliant it sinks down to be equal to my XB9SL. I'm not trying to sell you on one brand versus another just to provide and option. The important thing is that YOU STILL RIDE. | ||
| Iamarchangel |
I have similar issues. Working on setting the brake and shift lever lower to match the xb pegs. Still having problem lowering brake further. Idea is to have less foot movement. Right now, leg has to move to get to brake. I have custom seat and it is more comfortable. Where on knee does it hurt: inside, outside, below, underneath? Take care. | ||
| Andymnelson |
I don't think that the Uly sounds like the answer- but you skipped right past the Lightning as an option! I believe (but have been wrong before!) that they use the same controls and positioning sans the lower pegs, but the riding position is drastically different due to the different seat and bars used. | ||
| Jerseyguy |
Blackdog, I've got an 1125r and an XB12Ss. I'm up there too at 59 years old and broken up as well. The 1125 is very uncomfortable for me during normal legal riding speeds of any duration. My back & neck get stiff, my arms tire & I get a cramp in my hip. On the track its fine, maybe because they are only 20 minute bursts. On the other hand, the XB Lightning is a joy to ride at semi legal speeds and causes me no discomfort. I suggest you take a look at the Lightnings. | ||
| Blackdog |
The main problem for me is my knees are bent at too much of an angle. I think knee angle would be the same with a Lighting. Someone recommended a higher seat, this sounds like a good idea. Anyone familiar with a higher, deluxe, touring seat for the Firebolt? If I could keep the XB and be good for 2 hours I would be thrilled. Thanks for all the help. | ||
| Blackdog |
Unibare12r: Where did you get your custom seat? | ||
| Sparky |
Saddlemen has a soft-stretch Strap-On Gel Pad seat cover that quick disconnects over the stock seat. This should add a little height and make for a more comfortable ride. Also check out American SportBike rear set controls. They offer 9 positions adjustability, some more forward and downward, others more rearward and downward. There should be a position for you that can lessen the knee angle. | ||
| Retrittion |
I have an R bike too, here are my suggestions: S pegs, legs down an inch (you did this one, good call). Heli replacement top triple tree, moves you grip back and up 1 ,1.5 inches(pricey at 300-400 but worth it, my next investment on my 12R). Custom seat (have someone redo yours) or if you can't do that get the one that Buell offers. New grips (I use Buell's Torques, but just get anything other than stock since those suuuuuuuck!) New levers (I love my CRGs but any '99-'03 R1 levers will work last I checked). You could also do what I am planning and swap for or buy an S tail, which will let you use the more upright S seats. ...can't think of anything else at the moment but all of those are quality mods. | ||
| Blackdog |
I'm thinking of getting the Buell custom seat. If it's just 1/2 inch higher I think it might do the trick. Is anyone here using this seat? I just installed the Buell traction grips. They are really nice and fit perfect. I can't use the Heli tree because I use a GPR steering stabilizer. | ||
| Retrittion |
Huh, I wasn't aware that the GPR wasn't compatible with a Heli -- I don't see why this would be a problem but I don't have either so...well, if it is so, sell the GPR and buy the Heli, levers, grips, and the seat -- I dig the stabilizer and all (really, I do) but being able to ride without serious discomfort will (in my opinion) provide more safety than a damper -- tired and sore makes you sloppy and gets you hurt, the stabilizer offers some defense from rare but also dangerous situations. I would suggest going with the probabilities and make the bike the most ergonomic for you as possible. Otherwise I think the tail swap or trading your R for an S bike is your best bet. My .02 anyways -- Ride safe! | ||
| Webspoke |
As for other bikes, check out the Ducati hypermotard. Lot of leg room, even with the lower accesory seat. More comfortable and upright than my wife's XB9S, which was the most comfortable bike I had ridden until the Duc. 1100 twin and good handling make it very Buell like in many ways. | ||
| Retrittion |
Except that it's a Duc -- lol, what you expect, it's a Buell board!  Seriously, I would suggest a Triumph first, or even a KTM. | ||
| 2008xb12scg |
Blackdog I have that issue with my right knee. Let me know if you use any of the suggestions and they work. I have a scg and I'm thinking of getting the regular seat. I think it will raise me an inch. good luck. | ||
| Endoagain |
Blackdog...one of the biggest reasons I have found for knee pain on a motorcycle is pressure from knee pads. The tighter the knee angle, the harder the fabric pulls against your knee. Stick a hard pad in there and the fabric pulls that pad hard against your kneecap. If you have a little degenerative disease in that knee, your pad pressing on your knee will grind on that knee cap with every engine pulse. Getting softer pads or pants that have lower pads / longer length are needed for sport bike ergos. My Buell XB12STT is every bit as comfortable as my BMWR1150RT, but before I discovered the kneepad issue, I suffered with knee pain even on my BMWs. Now I ride pain free. |
