Trying to get used to,

Rexsname

Rexsname

Explorer
Longer trips.......... I rode my CM400T from Prescott down to Tucson to visit my wife. I don't know if it's the seat or the handlebars or what exactly but, My shoulders are really sore after the trip. My fuel range is about 120 miles or so and while I'd like more range it's relatively easy to carry another two gallons with me.

In other news, I remain a BIG fan of my Tourmaster Intake jacket. The ability to go from warm weather (80*) riding to cool (45*) in only a few moments is very nice.

REX
 
JRhetts

JRhetts

Adventurer
Hey, Rex

Keep on ridin'.

Don't know if you noticed from my postings elsewhere in the Forum, but we sold our ER and built out a Fuso FM 260 built originally by Darrin Fink [photo in my avatar.]

Tam and I tried out a Yamaha WR250R for carrying on the back, but found it more bike than we want and are now looking for something more tractable.

Hope you and Carrie are well,

Best, John & Tam
 
Martinjmpr

Martinjmpr

Wiffleball Batter
Rexsname said:
Longer trips.......... I rode my CM400T from Prescott down to Tucson to visit my wife. I don't know if it's the seat or the handlebars or what exactly but, My shoulders are really sore after the trip.
REX
Click to expand...

Do you have a windshield? If not, get one, it makes a huge difference especially on a bike like your Honda where you are sitting upright. I favor small windshields but that's just a personal preference. I've been using a Slipstreamer Spitfire on my Scrambler for the last couple of years and it works great. It also removes with two thumb screws in about 30 seconds.

If you have a shield and you're still getting sore shoulders, you might want to try a different handlebar. Bikemaster makes a nice range of 7/8" handlebars with varying rise and pullback, and they are only about $20 each at http://www.bikebandit.com In addition many bike shops sell their handlbars. I've had Bikemaster handebars on two of my bikes, they were easy to install, and they worked great.
 
Rexsname

Rexsname

Explorer
I'm trying to post up a photo of the bike, sadly I still don't get it. I do have a windshield and it DOES make a big difference. As to the suggestions for the TW200, I can't help but think that it would seem even smaller than the 400cc twin I already have. About the only time I'm not real pleased with this one is when I'm on the freeways. There was a bit of a breeze on Saturday morning and it made 65mph a 'maybe' situation. When the headwind wasn't blowing 65-75 was a comfortable speed.

I'll look into different handlebars next I guess......

REX


Oh, wait.......the sugestion for the TW200 wasn't for me oooooooooooooooops!
 
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Martinjmpr

Martinjmpr

Wiffleball Batter
Are you riding on the interstate or back roads? Interstates can get boring and tiring because you basically stay in the same position for hours at a time. On back roads you will be moving around a lot more. They're also much more fun to ride than the superslab!
 
goodtimes

goodtimes

Expedition Poseur
Rex, be aware that aftermarket handle bars can create a problem with the master cylinder used on the CM-400s. If the reservoir is mounted at a different angle than provided by the OEM bars, they tend to weep fluid out between the reservoir and cap. Even with a new reservoir, cap, and gasket, my leaks out over a 2 - 3 week period. There are aftermarket master cylinders out there, or you could retro fit one from a different bike to solve the problem.
 
Rexsname

Rexsname

Explorer
This was almost ALL interstate hiways, the goal being to get there and back in the shortest amount of time possible.

When I had the master cylinder rebuilt last year they put on a new resiviour (sp) and un-bent handlebars. I have not had any issues with weeping (from the resiviour) It could be that this motorcycle will fit Carrie just fine and she will love it. Or.....I could sell it to one of the three folks that want it and get something that I want. I told myself that I would use this as a learning bike for not less than a full year. Well, I've put just about 7,500 miles on it in the past year so I think I'm ready for "the one I want when I grow up". Nothing is going to happen other than maintainence for a while tho......


REX
 
WhereTheHellIsJames?

WhereTheHellIsJames?

Explorer
When I go out on long rides (like up to Seattle, which is +/- 250 miles each way), or I know that I'll be seeing a lot of freeway, I'll typically change the setup of my bike a bit so that I don't get the 'sore shoulder thing'. I have 1" risers that I put under my handlebars, and I made some brackets that drop my foot pegs about 3". Between these two items, it makes a huge difference. If I'm feeling super-gung-ho, I'll put the aftermarket windshield on... which makes more difference than you can imagine.

Anyways, try fiddling around with rider geometry, and I bet you'll find little changes in setup can make a huge difference in the amount of time that you can spend on your bike before feeling like you got beat up.
 
Hltoppr

Hltoppr

El Gringo Spectacular!
When you first start riding longer, you will be sore. It takes time to get the muscles used to position, etc. After a few days it goes away.

The best thing I did to improve my long distance riding was change from a Honda XR650L to a BMW 1150.....:)

-H-
 
Rexsname

Rexsname

Explorer
Andrew,

Are you saying that I should get back on the bike ASAP even if I'm sore? I really do love to ride but I sorta thought that pain was natures way of saying 'You're doing it wrong'.


REX
 
C

CoastalDefender

Explorer
Rexsname said:
Andrew,

Are you saying that I should get back on the bike ASAP even if I'm sore? I really do love to ride but I sorta thought that pain was natures way of saying 'You're doing it wrong'.


REX
Click to expand...

I had hand cramps for six weeks this spring on my DL650. It just went away with my hand and muscles getting used to the new resting position.

Ride, ride, RIDE!!! :bike_rider:
 
Hltoppr

Hltoppr

El Gringo Spectacular!
On my 10 day + trips I'm always sore for the first 2-3 days, as my hand gets used to holding/using the throttle for 6-8 hrs/day and getting my "bike legs". It's common for your back, shoulders and arms to be tired and sore, but it always goes away (at least for me) about day 3....

Your results may vary, but more riding is always a good thing.... :bike_rider:

-H-
 
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