My First RC

steveo34 · 01-21-2007, 11:44 AM

Hi guys/gals,

This is my first post. I just had a few questions here. I just bought my first rc51 its an 05, got it with 2 miles on it!. It just seems that this is the most uncomforable bike i have ever ridden. My back is killing me. I've looked everywhere on it, and cant seem to find anything to make the bars a little higher. can anyone suggest anything to make the ride a little less painfull on my back?

Thanks,

Steve

hurricane249 · 01-21-2007, 12:28 PM

RC's weren't meant to be comfortable. They are pretty much a race bike. I'm sure some of the RC folks will weigh in soon with better answers.

Matt227 · 01-22-2007, 10:49 PM

I put on a set of Heli bars, they are great. They don't raise the position a ton, but they change the angle alot.

steveo34 · 01-22-2007, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt227

I put on a set of Heli bars, they are great. They don't raise the position a ton, but they change the angle alot.

ill give that a shot as well. My Corbin seat should be on its way!

Do you happen to have any pics of the heli's on RC?

fl-929 · 01-22-2007, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveo34

Hi guys/gals,

This is my first post. I just had a few questions here. I just bought my first rc51 its an 05, got it with 2 miles on it!. It just seems that this is the most uncomforable bike i have ever ridden. My back is killing me. I've looked everywhere on it, and cant seem to find anything to make the bars a little higher. can anyone suggest anything to make the ride a little less painfull on my back?

Thanks,

Steve

I always liked the way the RC felt. The body position seems to put you over the front tire.

Definitely not that great for putting in a lot of miles in one sitting.

Matt227 · 01-23-2007, 1:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveo34

ill give that a shot as well. My Corbin seat should be on its way!

Do you happen to have any pics of the heli's on RC?

Give me a couple days and i'll try and get a good shot.

*Quick 26* · 01-23-2007, 8:36 AM

SGTCONRAD304 · 01-23-2007, 8:58 AM

WELCOME WITH THE RC.

Motophoria · 01-23-2007, 10:11 AM

Welcome Steve!

The RC can be uncomfortable in traffic or a straight line...but it rewards you in the twisties and on the track, because it is after all a race replica. If you're much larger than say 5'11" 180 pounds and if you have long legs, the cockpit can feel cramped. (look at the physical stature of Colin Edwards, Miguel DuHamel and Nicky Hayden whom the bike was pretty much designed for by Honda) Some guys sport-tour on them and are comfortable with that, but it wouldn't be my first choice for a commuter bike. Staying physically fit helps alot. I do daily stretching and situps help strengthen the back. And if you have a few birthdays under your belt, like I do, premedicating with a couple of ibuprofen tablets before a long day in the saddle helps as well.

Give it some time and your body should get used to the positioning...just like riding a bicycle...the more miles you do the less it hurts after a while..I hope you enjoy your new RC!

Matt227 · 01-23-2007, 11:04 PM

Hey Guys,
I'm trying to upload a few pics of my bars, but it says exceeds my quota. It's a pretty basic digital with a very basic user, any ideas?

gt702 · 01-25-2007, 9:20 AM

You might want to try the adjustable bars that Kyleusa.com has for it. He used to carry the Sato's, which I have on my bike, but I think they are his now ... of similar design. (Kyle Clip-ons)

They adjust the angle, both front/back and up/down, and while not raising the inside point of the bars much, they raised the ends about an inch (meeting my preferences) and pushed them forward a bit to easy the sharpness on my wrists. Hoses and cables all still fit, and it actually provides additional clearance to the fairing.

Went from from a 2 hour bike to an all day bike. Very worth the investment. Just be careful poking around his shop, he has a lot of goodies.

hardcharger · 01-29-2007, 1:15 AM

i was about to say that, yeah look into the kyle clip ons supposedly they help a lot

BUDMAN · 01-31-2007, 2:45 PM

Do not change a thing i have been riding motorcycles for over 30 years (oops I think I gave away my age) and the rc 51 is a purpose built bike meaning take of the mirrors and you can be competitive on the track straight from the crate!! it is by far the heaviest sport bike i have ridden but darn it is fun when you twist the trottle. the only thing i would add right away is a steering dampner nothing worse than grabbing to low a gear and slaping your elbows on the tank ouch! also will save on the embaresment of telling your buddies you have to go home and change your underwear... the only thing i have had to replace on my bike is the battery (bought a new one at autozone and have had no low voltage issues in a year) and that darn little clutch seal a 10 cent part that will mess up your day. it goes bad and you lose all your clutch fluid . oh yea can you say 2007 Hayden replica

RC51Mike · 01-31-2007, 8:22 PM

After my first ten mile ride I couldn't believe I bought it and thought it would be one of my bigger mistakes. I was in so much pain. Started doing a few exercises, crunches, curls, blah blah... made all the difference in the world and didn't cost anything. It still sucks sport touring on one. I've done several multi-thousand mile trips and once you are "there" it's loads of fun but "getting" there on an interstate is torture. Use it for what it is intended and you don't notice you are hunched over sitting on a plywood seat.

SP2MAN · 02-02-2007, 9:24 AM

Hi Steve

I find the RC more comfy than other superbikes. What other bike did you own? Were they more comfy?

O yes, You bought the best bike man!

Braam

steveo34 · 02-03-2007, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SP2MAN

Hi Steve

I find the RC more comfy than other superbikes. What other bike did you own? Were they more comfy?

O yes, You bought the best bike man!

Braam

I have had the TLR, That was the only other liter vtwin i've had. As far as comfort with that.. I would say it was a little less aggresive. (little) I've had a few other 600s, but I love the twin. Ive headed back to the gym and it seems to be helping a lot. The corbin seat is really comfy, but it raises you up a bit. I love this bike!

Motophoria · 02-03-2007, 1:34 PM

Some guys like the Corbin, but I also found it put me up too high...
And you lose touch with what the rear wheel is doing also compared to the stock seat.

SP2MAN · 02-03-2007, 3:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveo34

I have had the TLR, That was the only other liter vtwin i've had. As far as comfort with that.. I would say it was a little less aggresive. (little) I've had a few other 600s, but I love the twin. Ive headed back to the gym and it seems to be helping a lot. The corbin seat is really comfy, but it raises you up a bit. I love this bike!

I Think its just something to get used to.

Yeah get your body fit. Helps for everything! I'm in the gym and even after a 300mile run I'm 100% the next morning. Some ache(butt/legs). It fades after some rest.

SPBRAVO · 02-05-2007, 4:42 PM

Hi mate,

If it feels uncomfortable, just ride it faster until it takes your mind off it......

It works for me

Oh yeah and welcome to the site dude....

gt702 · 02-06-2007, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motophoria

Some guys like the Corbin, but I also found it put me up too high...
And you lose touch with what the rear wheel is doing also compared to the stock seat.

I like my Sargent seat. It isn't dished like the corbin, just gets rid of the crown of the stock seat, and has good foam. Still keeps you in touch with the bike.