Suzuki TU250

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

The performance sport bikes are the worst offenders regarding a comfortable riding position! 8O I frequently ride all day, and I would consider riding one of these bikes tantamount to torture! :(

I completely agree. The little bit of sport bike riding I've done has been hard on my wrists during braking. My back complains after the ride as well.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Cool and helpful website BTW.

Does it factor in rider's height?

Yes, it does. I chose Son of Weldangrind's KLR250 project, and the default was an 83 degree knee angle at 6'0 with a 32" inseam. By changing the inseam to 34", the knee angle changed to 78 degrees.

Helpful site, indeed.

[SpudRider]

If you visit the site, you will discover Weldangrind is correct. The default values are 6'0" height, and 32" inseam. However, you can change both these values to reflect your personal measurements.

Many older motorcycles are also listed at that website. If you experiment, you will discover the first generation, Ninja 250R had a more upright riding posture than the current, second generation, Ninja 250R.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Agreed.

With that said IF a person was riding a high performance bike in the manner it was intended the forward lean is necessary to properly weight the front wheel and balance the bike for acceleration and cornering...

In other words, the high performance bikes are designed for speeding, i.e. exceeding the speed limit.

I prefer to ride within the speed limit, and have a lot of fun doing so. Therefore, I prefer the upright riding posture. I'm sure my back and wrists also prefer to remain upright.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Upon further reflection, I now realize the power of the sport bikes might cause the front wheel to rise and adversely affect handling, even while riding within the speed limits. However, I've been described as a "smooth and gentle rider," so I don't feel the need for such raw power. I would rather own a bike which allows me to ride safely in the more comfortable, upright riding position. Nevertheless, I do understand why others might prefer the exhilarating, raw power of many sport bikes, and would be willing to ride in the forward leaning position.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

I'm with you, Spud. I'd much rather just enjoy the bike and scenery on an upright bike than speed on a sport bike. I drive Mrs. Weldangrind nuts because I always follow the speed limit.

[FastDoc]

I like both ways to ride. Indeed I like ALL ways to ride.

I see at least one more very high performance bike in my future before I get too old.

With that said Andy's R1 that I rode last year was terribly uncomfortable. Almost difficult to ride and see it was so severe. That bike was further modified with rearsets and even lower bars for the track, making it all but unstreetable.

I like the more modest position of a Ninja or a CBR.

[SpudRider]

I understand fully why someone enjoys the exhilaration of riding a high performance motorcycle. However, I would also prefer the less aggressive riding position of either the CBR250R, or the Ninja 250R.

Spud

[FastDoc]

I like classic convertible Caddys.

I like Corvettes.

I like Spitfires.

All different.

All good for me. :P

[FastDoc]

This would suit me:

http://kpr.craigslist.org/mcy/2996103511.html

And look how cheap!

That's what I was talking about. This ZX14 is LESS than a decent used 450 class dirtbike!

[Philamiens]

I love this tux bike and I will look after one to replace the vraptor when out of order.

Very robust every day's bike

[2LZ]

That's a cool looking Suzuki and indeed, the 'throwback' styling reminds me of a lot of my bikes when I was younger. (Honda CB style and Brit)
I do like the split seat also. Looks FAR more comfortable than the solid plank seats that bikes of that style used to have.