Risers And Pedals, Oh My....

[SarahP]

Folks,

I took Barney out today for a short 2-hour ride - only about 50 miles or so - on back country roads before my hands turned to icicles and my teeth started chattering! It was great!

During my ride, I discovered a few things that I wanted to ask about.

First -- I'm wondering if some risers might be in my future. With the stock handlebars, my arms are stretched completely out, straight, with no bend at the elbows. It put a lot of pressure on my lower back and, of course, my elbows. Have any of you thrown a 1" or 2" set of risers on your Bonnie? Any pitfalls to watch out for?

Second - When I inquired at the dealership about heated grips, they reacted as though I'd wanted to put a Harley seat on a Triumph -- they were appalled and said that it was really, really hard to do with Triumphs. WTH? Does anyone have any first hand experience with this?

Finally - and I can't believe I'm saying this -- the darn foot pegs seem to be too high. That is, my legs feel as though they're pretzeled right under my chin. Hell, I'm only 5'6". But while riding, I kept wishing that I had maybe another couple of inches vertically to reduce the angle of my legs. I also managed to get an ungodly hip cramp - something that I've NEVER had before.

I'm not planning on making any changes until I have at least several hundred miles under my belt on Barney, but I'm curious as to others' experiences.

So -- any personal info, tips, or guidance would be really appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Tassie Tiger]

I had a similar experience when asking about heated grips....had to settle for some quality gloves.
I prefer to ride in a more prone position myself & never had trouble with the foot peg positioning.
Guess you adapt over time.

 

[Rocky]

The Bonnie has a fairly universal/neutral sitting position, but if you have short arms I can see that reach might be a problem.
I'm only 5' 9" and the bike fits me fine so I never thought about bar risers or changing the foot rests.
I'm sure bar risers are available, but I've never researched them and I have no idea if or how you can change the foot rests.
Changing foot rests would probably mean changing the shifter and maybe the brake pedal too.
Sorry I can't be of any help, but maybe somebody else has tackled this problem.

For cooler weather I have a pair of Roadgear "winter" gloves, but there are lots of good quality gloves to choose from.
Gloves are like many things related to riding gear; but, try and sell if you don't like them.

 

[SarahP]

I had a similar experience when asking about heated grips....had to settle for some quality gloves.
I prefer to ride in a more prone position myself & never had trouble with the foot peg positioning.
Guess you adapt over time.

*******************************************************
Agree about the adapting --- that's why I'll wait a fair bit longer before making any big changes. Interesting about the heated grips being so difficult to install, though. I may just go with some heated gloves and not worry about it.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[SarahP]

The Bonnie has a fairly universal/neutral sitting position, but if you have short arms I can see that reach might be a problem.
I'm only 5' 9" and the bike fits me fine so I never thought about bar risers or changing the foot rests.
I'm sure bar risers are available, but I've never researched them and I have no idea if or how you can change the foot rests.
Changing foot rests would probably mean changing the shifter and maybe the brake pedal too.
Sorry I can't be of any help, but maybe somebody else has tackled this problem.

For cooler weather I have a pair of Roadgear "winter" gloves, but there are lots of good quality gloves to choose from.
Gloves are like many things related to riding gear; but, try and sell if you don't like them.

*******************************************************************************************8
I am loathe to change the position of the foot pegs, so Ill definitely get some more riding time before I start looking at a big move.

About the risers - I had the same problem with the Honda VTX 1300. My arms were stretched all the way out, fully extended, with no bend in the elbow. A friend and I pulled the stock bars off, slapped some 6" risers and a 35* Flanders handlebar on it, and wah-lah, it was a huge improvement for me. But, as with the footpegs, I'll wait and see if the handlebars grow on me.

And I agree about the buy/try/sell. It may just be easier to go for the gloves.

Thanks for the post, Rocky!

 

[Rocky]

There are both electric and battery heated gloves on the market that might be worth looking into.
I've thought about each, but don't ride that much when it's too cold for my winter gloves so have never seriously thought about buying a pair.
You live in a warmer climate than I do so our tolerance for cold is probably quite different than yours - but I'll admit that my fingers get a bit numb sometimes .

Now that you mention it, and I've thought about it, I have sometimes experienced that hip cramp too but on different bikes.
I think it's because I haven't been in the saddle much and my legs/hips aren't conditioned to the position.
I've ridden my Bonnie hundreds of miles in a day and have never had a problem. I think it's just my lack of conditioning and exercise.
The cramp seems to go away quickly and then I'm good for the day.

I think you're wise to give all these things some time and make a change when it becomes clear that things aren't going to get better and you're fed up with it.
It's no fun to ride if you're not comfortable in the saddle so probably bar risers are in your near future. Lots of riders make changes like that on different bikes until they're comfortable.
Maybe somebody here has made the change and will jump in.
I have never researched risers so don't have any leads for you. Google is your friend.

 

[DRod]

a couple of things. one, at first, any bike that is sporty enough will feel awkward at first. the wrists and legs are the first to feel it until your body adjusts and then it becomes second nature. when i purchased my first sport bike, my wrists hurt like hell to the point I hated riding it. People kept saying to keep riding and after a few months, the discomfort disappeared. Now I wouldn't have it any other way. That profile is best for riding aggressively. Actually more comfortable than upright. The Bonnie is not as aggressive but it's not a Harley either. I would give it a few more hundred miles before making any significant changes. You don't want to be too upright either because the wind resistance may bother you on the highway. If your'e still set on changing them, look into these products..

HandleBar Risers for the New Triumph Bonneville
you won't have to lengthen the cables or modify anything else.

As for lowering the rearsets/footpegs, contact these guys. They will provide you with a kit suitable for your needs.
Foot Peg Lowering Kit. Wild Hair Accessories. Motorcycle Accessories & Aftermarket European Parts.

good luck, let us know how you make out.

 

[SarahP]

a couple of things. one, at first, any bike that is sporty enough will feel awkward at first. the wrists and legs are the first to feel it until your body adjusts and then it becomes second nature. when i purchased my first sport bike, my wrists hurt like hell to the point I hated riding it. People kept saying to keep riding and after a few months, the discomfort disappeared. Now I wouldn't have it any other way. That profile is best for riding aggressively. Actually more comfortable than upright. The Bonnie is not as aggressive but it's not a Harley either. I would give it a few more hundred miles before making any significant changes. You don't want to be too upright either because the wind resistance may bother you on the highway. If your'e still set on changing them, look into these products..

HandleBar Risers for the New Triumph Bonneville
you won't have to lengthen the cables or modify anything else.

As for lowering the rearsets/footpegs, contact these guys. They will provide you with a kit suitable for your needs.
Foot Peg Lowering Kit. Wild Hair Accessories. Motorcycle Accessories & Aftermarket European Parts.

good luck, let us know how you make out.

**************************************************************
Drod,

Excellent post about the initial fit/feel of a bike being something you have to get used to. When I git my first bike, the little Honda 230CRFM, my shoulders were sore for a month. I was convinced it was unworkable like that. And then -- one day, I just didn't even notice it. I've never made any changes to it at all. So I'll definitely wait a bit on changing the Bonnie, especially the foot pegs. Thanks for those links.

I was very happy to see your New Bonneville link. I just got a box o'goodies from them yesterday, and am starting to make my way through the mods (seat bolt replacements, rear luggage rack, engine guards, new horn). I know I'll have a lot of questions, so I'd like the readership to thank me in advance for all the comic relief my posts will provide to them.

Thanks!

 

[Mad On Triumphs]

Nancy have a look at this video, it's about 20 mins long, but it's very good and I'm sure that this is well within you ability to do this.
Glad that you got 50 miles under your belt, being cold lets you know your alive. ( So some one told me any way )

 

[Rocky]

**************************************************************
Drod,

Excellent post about the initial fit/feel of a bike being something you have to get used to. When I git my first bike, the little Honda 230CRFM, my shoulders were sore for a month. I was convinced it was unworkable like that. And then -- one day, I just didn't even notice it. I've never made any changes to it at all. So I'll definitely wait a bit on changing the Bonnie, especially the foot pegs. Thanks for those links.

I was very happy to see your New Bonneville link. I just got a box o'goodies from them yesterday, and am starting to make my way through the mods (seat bolt replacements, rear luggage rack, engine guards, new horn). I know I'll have a lot of questions, so I'd like the readership to thank me in advance for all the comic relief my posts will provide to them.

Thanks!

Receiving a box of goodies like that is like Christmas morning
Now the fun begins.

I think that perhaps as your body gets used to riding and using muscles you don't normally use for long periods in one position, it may all start to fall in place.
You've been through this before so you understand how that can work.

 

[DRod]

Getting stuff delivered is like Christmas. I never stopped ordering stuff. every week I have something coming in. You know it's bad when you start hiding boxes from your spouse.
I find myself running home so I can unwrap and lose the box before she arrives!
the sacrifices we have to make!

 

[SarahP]

Nancy have a look at this video, it's about 20 mins long, but it's very good and I'm sure that this is well within you ability to do this.
Glad that you got 50 miles under your belt, being cold lets you know your alive. ( So some one told me any way )

MOT, that is a great video! I've seen a bunch of his other stuff -- he's quickly becoming my go-to YouTube guy. Thanks, I had missed this one.

 

[SarahP]

Getting stuff delivered is like Christmas. I never stopped ordering stuff. every week I have something coming in. You know it's bad when you start hiding boxes from your spouse.
I find myself running home so I can unwrap and lose the box before she arrives!
the sacrifices we have to make!

******************************************************************
"Hello, my name is DRod, and I'm addicted to mods."

 

[mrmvolz]

Nancy have a look at this video, it's about 20 mins long, but it's very good and I'm sure that this is well within you ability to do this.
Glad that you got 50 miles under your belt, being cold lets you know your alive. ( So some one told me any way )

This guy does good videos!

 

[SarahP]

This guy does good videos!

******************************************************************************8
Michele, I agree, he does a great job. I think I became a Delboy fangirl after watching him go off on a little rant about being able to flatfoot at least one foot on a bike. He says it BS for riders --- usually people >6' tall! -- to blithely tell riders (especially newbies) to not worry about the flatfoot issue. He absolutely disagrees. But yeah, I really like the clear, straight forward way he gets his point across!

 

[mrmvolz]

Can't wait to see some of the things you are doing w your bike! Waiting on accessories here, BUT today is supposed to be 50 degrees

 

[SarahP]

Hi, Michele,

Wellllllllll, now that you ask...after my gray v. black riser debacle, I couldn't wait to go out today and throw them on the bike. I had a few interesting moments.

Installing these risers without a helper isn't an insurmountable problem, but it requires a little forethought. For instance, if the front tire is angled to the left, as bikes usually are when parked, you probably should straighten it up before trying to place a riser on. The lower one kept sliding off. I finally surrendered, straightened it out, and got the handlebar elevated enough to pop the risers in. And you bet I covered that purple fuel tank with a thick towel!

My 6mm hex key is going to become my best friend, I think...I got the handlebars on and angled to where I *think* I want them. The good thing about the risers is that with just a tweak from the 6mm, I can fine tune the angle to exactly where I want it.

The roads were too sand- and salt-covered for me to ride today, but I'm hoping that tomorrow might be a winner!

Thanks for asking about the projects!

Tell me, what's on *your* to-do list? What cool accessories are you waiting for, if one might ask?

 

[Mad On Triumphs]

That's another feather in your cap Nancy, not only is your confidence growing, but you'll soon be tackling jobs on your bike that a few months ago, you'd never dream of doing. Just a few adjustments to your bars will make all the difference in how you feel when your out riding, don't forget that you can also move the handlebar switches around a bit, so you get a better feel for everything.
I've pretty much got my Thunderbird as I like it now, not that I've modified it too much anyway, just a few minor changes here and there.

 

[mrmvolz]

Nancy so impressed! I'm getting an aux socket, waxed cotton bags, knee pads nothing earth shattering . Hoping I can do those with out mucking them up! Let me know how you like the handle bar risers after you have lived with them! Best!!!! Michele

 

[mrmvolz]

Also am eyeballing the scrambler kit, (birthday in the fall)