Riding position?

[luke2]

Hi everyone,
I am looking at buying a buell xb12s. I started riding cruisers and have for about 10 years until this past September when I bought a kawasaki 636. I really like the 636 but the riding position, all leaned over, does not agree with much.
How does the riding position of the lightening compare to that of a sportbike with clipons? I really like the Firebolt and figure I could put a front fairing on the lightening.
Thanks,
Luke

[yellowcarbon]

The riding position on the Lightning is neutral (not too far forward or back) and very comfortable. You can add clip-ons if you want it more aggressive or add taller bars if you want way relaxed. A taller saddle (like a Corbin) and lower pegs (some come with the lower pegs already on it) really add to your leg room. I have the stock saddle/pegs and am comfortable at 6'3".

You can add a taller fly screen or even a complete fairing. Several people have added the Bolt fairing to the Lightning. I have even seen GSXR fairings added. You can also add an Laminar Lip to the existing fly screen for additional protection.

[Radioactive]

While it doesn't give you the real seat experience, this website will give you an idea of leg and body position.

http://cycle-ergo.com/

[shaunbush84]

Radioactive that's a neat website

[Shawns]

[HDGarage]

super neat site radioactive! I like the comfort of my super TT to the OP. Its easy on my 55 year old back.

[Radioactive]

I have used that site a lot when looking at different bikes... you can get the angles from your current bike and see how they would compare to something different. Or, put Shaq on a Blast.

[HMTRAN]

Wow, definitely a cool site.

[captain chaos]

The riding position on a Lightning is very much like the Japanese standards of the 80's= pretty neutral and generally comfortable for anyone.
I will say though, most people who complain about the riding position of a supersport, ESPECIALLY if the come from a cruiser background, are simply 'doing it wrong'. Sportbikes require you to lock your knees in and support yourself with your core. Just plopping on the seat (like you would on a cruiser) and supporting youself with your arms/upper body is a recipe for sore wrists/back/upper body. I have a feeling that a large number of people that complain about it being 'uncomfrtable' would find sportbikes are pretty reasonable if done right. Me personally, I very much prefer the riding position of a Firebolt over a Lightning, which is similar to a ZX/CBR/GSXR, though slightly more 'relaxed'.


And yes, cycle-ergo.com is an AWESOME site.

[ccdirtrider05]

awesome site... sent this to our safety dept cause they are all about ergo junk.. they loved it