vrroom

With a new Yamaha R15, I face the following issues:
1. An aching lower back (middle and upper back are fine).
2. Palms with poorer blood circulation (as if blood circulation is slowing down a lot).

What I do:
1. I do use my knees to hug the tank (just like I would on any other vehicle that has the tank shaped for this purpose).
2. I keep my elbows bent a little so that I don't put the full weight of my upper body on my hands.

Can the long term owners of the R15 provide suggestions and tips for a comfortable riding posture and/or how to get used to it? Should I keep my back straight or bent? Should I sit behind a bit? I would like to avoid these aches if possible (instead of getting used to them). It'd be great if a list (of DOs and DON'Ts) could be compiled with pictures too.

I've searched the forums and found a couple of tips, but I feel I need more instructions. This thread might also (hopefully) help keep information in a single place.

Aryan

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Shivanshu

Hey Vvvrrrooommm though I am new to riding style of R15, but till date the only time I had wrist pain and back pain was when I rode her for 600 odd kms. You doing one thing right is that u not putting complete weight on your wrist, but I think by doing that u r putting too much weight on ur back and keeping it stiff. Also I dont know but hugging the tank never helps you in every day traffic, unless you ride on circuit track for aerodynamics advantage.... so keep your body a bit free and relaxed and let the weight of your body rest on lower back in a relaxed way, try not to stiff out your body....and see if it can help you in any way. Also stop hugging the tank, be free and keep us updated .


All the Best

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akshay

In case you haven't already done so you can adjust the gear shift foot lever - get it adjusted to a notch lower. Any Yamaha Service Mechanic can do this for you in 2 min. This will help to relax your riding posture.

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satishg

the posture is one thing keeping be away from the R15

no performance shop is making / marketing a pair of billet handle bar raisers for R15?

jd666

^^ you could, but then the forward height of the bike would drop, more risky to scrape something, or bottoming out the front forks.

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vrroom

I will get the gear shift lever position lowered a bit in the next few days, but that's not a problem for me since I keep my foot positioned below it most of the time. I also intend to lower the rear brake lever position, if that's possible.

The lower back ache is something I'm still trying to find solutions for. I have noticed that it's less or non-existent if I have a backpack on my back. But I can't carry a backpack every time I ride just to avoid the ache. And if there's a pillion rider then I cannot have a backpack.

Wheel_Spin

Stopping hugging the tank with your knees for everyday riding. It's only recommended if you are on a racetrack or doing a speed run or some such thing.

Since you already know about bending your elbow, make sure you put the body weight on your hips rather than the upper body. Also make sure you lean a bit towards the front of the bike. Try to relax your muscles are far as possible. A tight jeans or tight piece of clothing is also generally not recommended for riding. Stiff muscles will lead to aches.

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sheelpriye

The day i got my 15, had almost decided to sell it off as my right knee which was fractured in an accident in '07 started haunting me again(though the RTR which i do ride on and off, never troubled me),

i stuck with the motorcycle, found the posture in which i am comfy and never looked back since

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vrroom

I should've clarified this earlier. When I said I hug the tank, I don't hug it tightly or try to hold the tank with my knees. I let my knees and leg just go along the tank's contours - that's both natural and comfortable.


Will pay attention to these and see if they help. Maybe my back muscles need more strength.