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Keystone19
22nd September 2005, 09:00
As some of you know I ride a VTR250. When I purchased the bike it had a Givi screen on it. I am currently thinking of upgrading my bike and decided to take the screen off to see what it's like to ride naked...

You see the suggestion was made that perhaps I consider an SV650 naked. Anyway, not having ridden the VTR naked I thought this would be a good opportunity to find out what it might be like.

Now I'm not the largest lass in the world, pretty average for a girl really weight wise so I wondered if the wind would be a problem without the screen.

First day I took it off I kind of liked it. Got that 'street fighter' kind of feel. By the middle of the week, the weather had packed in and the wind was blowing. Hmm, had a couple of moments when passing cars and trucks that caught me by surprise with the force of the blast.

Then yesterday I decided to give it a blat along some straighter roads if you know what I mean...

Well, after a certain point on the dial (around $115) life became extremely uncomfortable, extending up to down right miserable, as I had to use every muscle in my body just to hold myself on the bike, as well as trying not to let my neck break. Now as some of you also know, I have been known to ride a little faster than this on the track so I do have some inkling of what it is like to ride a little quicker, but this experience was just downright unpleasant.

So, in conclusion, the screen makes a huge difference to the wind blast on the VTR at slightly quicker speeds for a wee lass like me.

And as for an upgrade, if I take up bodybuilding and pile on some weight, perhaps the naked may be the way to go, but in the meantime, think I'll stick to something with a fairing.

John
22nd September 2005, 09:03
thats why racers use the wind resistance to help brake stablise the bike eh?

XTC
22nd September 2005, 09:04
Mmmm I like naked but a screen would leave a little to the imagination... :o
Get a bit of wind blast on the XT. Have considered fashioning a small screen for that.

vifferman
22nd September 2005, 09:08
As some of you know I ride a VTR250. When I purchased the bike it had a Givi screen on it. I am currently thinking of upgrading my bike and decided to take the screen off to see what it's like to ride naked...

You see the suggestion was made that perhaps I consider an SV650 naked. Anyway, not having ridden the VTR naked I thought this would be a good opportunity to find out what it might be like.
A guy at work recently bought an SV650; he didn't like the faired version, so he bought the nekkid one with a Givi screen fitted to it. He's very pleased with it. BTW - his previous bike (some old GS650 thingy) had a fairing.

dawnrazor
22nd September 2005, 09:09
Having had ago on both versions of the sv650 i subsequently bought a faired one, that little fairing makes a big difference to motorway cruising, the riding position is not very extreme, i might be wrong but i think the seat height on the faired is lower, certainly the riding position isn't as "sit up and beg", a little more sporty. I would have got bored with the unfaired pretty quick. But to be honest, it just looks like a far better bike with the fairing.

Ixion
22nd September 2005, 09:12
Your riding position is wrong. I've done 100's of thousands of kilometres on naked bikes, cruising at around 80mph / 140kph in perfect comfort (as to wind anyway). In fact I think a naked bike is more comfortable than a faired one because you have no load on wrists/arms/back.

You need to set your riding position so that at cruising speed you are "sitting on the wind", the wind force just balancing your leaned forward weight. Such a position is tireless.

Was a time when unfaired bikes were unheard of , and open road cruising speeds typically a lot faster than todays (less plod presence). Never heard of anyone complaining about the wind.But we all spent a lot of time getting our riding position just right, changing bars etc.

Get the position correct and a naked bike will have no wind problems.

steved
22nd September 2005, 09:16
Some people buy naked bikes to actually keep them slower. It can be a good deterrent to breaking 120 kp/h.

eliot-ness
22nd September 2005, 09:18
Got a small 'Givi" screen fitted on the Bandit. After riding the naked 'Bonnie' there is a huge difference. Comfortable, with no neck strain up to 160kph. Still running in so can't say what it's like above that. Definitely worth the money.

Ixion
22nd September 2005, 09:19
Some people buy naked bikes to actually keep them slower. It can be a good deterrent to breaking 120 kp/h.

Never deterred anyone before we had fairings!

Lou Girardin
22nd September 2005, 09:20
I've found nekids Ok to 180 for short bursts, but much prefer a screen when doing serious distance.

dawnrazor
22nd September 2005, 09:22
I've riden plenty of naked bikes in the past including bandits and aprillias, and I know how to ride "on the wind", my point was that i found the faired SV650s a more comfortable ride then the unfaired version, there is no weight on your wrists to speak of, and if you have leanings (pardon the pun) towards a sportier bike this is a perfect indruction to this class.

WRT a general naked verus faried argument, thats personal choice, but to be honest anyone here who says naked bikes are fine for long journeys and would choose them over a faired bike or one with a screen, must have the neck muscles of a bull.

skelstar
22nd September 2005, 09:26
I once swore that I wouldnt get a naked bike again (after riding my first and only bike for about 4 weeks) but have changed my mind a bit. I love the look and convenience of the naked bike. No fairings to scratch/scrape), easy to clean, see all the motor etc, and the streetfighter look. Lower bars could be a go though.

I dont ride all that fast. Still on my L-plate so cant justify 120km/h+ speeds. Have ridden at 130km/h a couple of times and didnt find it any worse than 100km/h. I think the helmet noise is the biggest issue for me anyway. I think my next bike will be either a SV650 naked, or Hornet 919 :).

Ixion
22nd September 2005, 09:31
..
WRT a general naked verus faried argument, thats personal choice, but to be honest anyone here who says naked bikes are fine for long journeys and would choose them over a faired bike or one with a screen, must have the neck muscles of a bull.

See, this is odd because in nearly 40 years, I've never experienced any problems with neck on long rides (did Auckland to Wellington, and back same day once). Arse, yes, I've been so arse sore I couldn't stand up. Wrists , yes (more vibration though, turns them numb, they hurt once feeling comes back). Hands, legs, thighs , shoulders, back. Never had a sore neck . I think maybe it's a tourer vs sprotsbike thing. My bikes are always set up for touring (well, the ones I'll be doing long distances/high speeds on, trailies etc are obviously different). A naked sprotsbike , maybe not. Naked tourer, shouldn't be a problem. Tourers are very rare now though, so maybe that's why people feel they need screens. Got to admit though, screen is REAL nice when it starts raining!

dawnrazor
22nd September 2005, 09:31
I think my next bike will be either a SV650 naked, or Hornet 919 :).

Bit of a difference there fella, the SV is a pretty good "my first big bike", but the 919 hornet is a naked FIREBLADE

skelstar
22nd September 2005, 09:33
Bit of a difference there fella, the SV is a pretty good "my first big bike", but the 919 hornet is a naked FIREBLADE
Sure, im sure ill work this out when i test the bike that i want next. thanks. i was talking about the style of bike anyway.

dawnrazor
22nd September 2005, 09:38
See, this is odd because in nearly 40 years, I've never experienced any problems with neck on long rides (did Auckland to Wellington, and back same day once). Arse, yes, I've been so arse sore I couldn't stand up. Wrists , yes (more vibration though, turns them numb, they hurt once feeling comes back). Hands, legs, thighs , shoulders, back. Never had a sore neck . I think maybe it's a tourer vs sprotsbike thing. My bikes are always set up for touring (well, the ones I'll be doing long distances/high speeds on, trailies etc are obviously different). A naked sprotsbike , maybe not. Naked tourer, shouldn't be a problem. Tourers are very rare now though, so maybe that's why people feel they need screens. Got to admit though, screen is REAL nice when it starts raining!
Yeah you might a have a good point there, it is rare to find a naked bike that you can sit into that hasn't got a sports angle or for that matter isn't more cruiser like in appearence, good friend had a honda 400 - 4 which he toured all over europe with a tankbag and a set of panniers, can't think of a modern bike that is unfaired in this class, the naked tourer. I guess the advantages of big screens and fairings are too many, just look at any BMW

Hitcher
22nd September 2005, 09:45
Riding a naked bike certainly makes one more aware of the speed at which one is travelling. Amongst the things I had to get used to when transitioning from a ZRX1200R to the ST1300 was not just the willingness of the ST to gain speed (after all the Zrex was not unwilling in this regard) but also its ability to do this without me noticing. A screen is nice to deflect wind off one's chest, particularly in cold weather, and bugs off one's visor but there is something "elemental" and "raw" about riding a naked bike.

Ixion
22nd September 2005, 09:55
Yeah you might a have a good point there, it is rare to find a naked bike that you can sit into that hasn't got a sports angle or for that matter isn't more cruiser like in appearence, good friend had a honda 400 - 4 which he toured all over europe with a tankbag and a set of panniers, can't think of a modern bike that is unfaired in this class, the naked tourer. I guess the advantages of big screens and fairings are too many, just look at any BMW

I personally maintain that the steering head height relative to the seat on modern bikes is too low for touring. The result is that the rider is forced forward into a crouch, with load on arms and back, and also has to tilt his head back in order to see the road ahead. Which is probably where the neck pain comes from, the airflow hitting the already tilted back head and trying to force it further back. When riding here should be no load on the head at all, the head being inclined FORWARD. The back shoulders and head should form a straight line , inclined somewhat forward (the amount of inclination depending on cruising speed) , with the lower legs at the same angle as the body. Upper legs and upper arms at right angles to the body (more or less), which should bring lower arms almost horizontal. In this position you can ride all day on a naked bike without strain. it's the arse that gives out.

zadok
22nd September 2005, 10:02
All I know is, as much as I liked my last naked bike, I won't be geting another one. Travelling any reasonable distance gave me a pain behind my left shoulder. No such problem with the new bike. I think a bikini fairing would be the best compromise. The SV's come with that option as far as I know.

Jonty
22nd September 2005, 10:02
To be honest my personal preference is a fully faired bike as everytime I see a naked bike I am reminded of the god awful XL185 (with the big round headlight) and an old Kawasaki (can't remember what it was) that I was forced to ride as a kid when everyone else had a KDX CR or YZ.

Something that has always interested me is that when you look at the new cages coming out for example, they are generally always a more modern look than its predecessor. Even the new Minis have had a modern upgrade. Having said this, why is it then, that motorcyclist seem insistant on riding something that was "modern" in the 70's or 80's? I realise many like to see the build of the bike and how it is not covered up with plastic and this I completely agree with.

That said, why revert to something that still has old stylings (eg big round headlight, twin rear shocks etc? (referring to the thruxton etc). In the end it all comes down to personal preference and I think everyone needs to be happy with their bike. But for me I have never managed to warm up the naked bike.

Sniper
22nd September 2005, 10:06
Im not a fan of nakeds for that very reason KS. Although, the new SV650 looks nice.

Ixion
22nd September 2005, 10:10
Im not a fan of nakeds for that very reason KS. Although, the new SV650 looks nice.

So , question here. I've always thought of modern naked bikes as being tourers . But the SV650 is a sprotsbike, is it not? So if they have a sprotsbike with a fairing, and they put out a naked version, do they change the riding position. Is is the naked bike just the faired sprotsbike with the fairing removed .I must try to look at a "Thruxton" (The Triumph , not the real Thruxton) and see what the riding position on it is. In theory it should be set up as a fast tourer.

Pancakes
22nd September 2005, 10:11
Jonty, same reason people want to drive Valiants. Not cos they handle well! Bikes are different to cars in that they're ridden for fun so style is way more of a deciding factor. Me, I like the chrome etc of a naked bike but not the harley/cruiser style. Having the engine right out there is cool too.

Beemer
22nd September 2005, 10:14
I've noticed a few subtle differences after riding the Goose - for a start I get much colder in the chest region than on previous bikes. Even with a neck sock and the neck insert in my DriRider jacket, it is noticeably cooler. The low bars mean I usually get a bit of a stiff neck anyway, but I have noticed a lot less pain in my wrists and arms from riding.

At speeds above 120 it is a bit breezy and you do tend to notice that you are going at that speed pretty quickly! Not enough to put me off, but I am hankering towards a small Givi screen as the wind seems to whip right under the front of my helmet too, making my face quite cold.

I do like the look of it without a screen though, so I may leave it for a while and see how I get on.

limbimtimwim
22nd September 2005, 10:17
As some of you know I ride a VTR250. ... And as for an upgrade, if I take up bodybuilding and pile on some weight, perhaps the naked may be the way to go, but in the meantime, think I'll stick to something with a fairing.When I first went 100+ on mt vtr (2 years ago.. Heck..), I couldn't handle how my head was being chucked around by the wind, being twisted side to side.

Anyway, I stopped noticing and got used to it. Perhaps my neck got stronger, who knows. I don't really get that tired riding unless the roads are straight, then my legs cramp up.

Ixion
22nd September 2005, 10:29
I've noticed a few subtle differences after riding the Goose - for a start I get much colder in the chest region than on previous bikes. Even with a neck sock and the neck insert in my DriRider jacket, it is noticeably cooler. The low bars mean I usually get a bit of a stiff neck anyway, but I have noticed a lot less pain in my wrists and arms from riding.

At speeds above 120 it is a bit breezy and you do tend to notice that you are going at that speed pretty quickly! Not enough to put me off, but I am hankering towards a small Givi screen as the wind seems to whip right under the front of my helmet too, making my face quite cold.

I do like the look of it without a screen though, so I may leave it for a while and see how I get on.

A naked bike is certainly going to be colder than a faired one - and you'll get wet. Bad weather is when a fairing and screen is really nice. Warm and dry and no need for waterproofs!

Experiment with your bars, not just height, but how far back they come. Often the HEIGHT is right, but the bars are too far forward, so you have to lean forward to reach them. Put the bike on its centre stand and sit on it (or prop it up vertically which is better, cos forks will be loaded) . Sit upright and straight , like you were back at school. Now lean forward, between 10 and 20 degrees depending on cruising speed. Bend your legs at right angles to your body, and your knees at right angles to the upper legs. Your feet should then rest on the foot rests. Put your arms out , bent, comfortably, as if you were typing something. Your hand should rest on the grips. If feet and hands are wrong, note what needs to move and adjust (easier said than done of course, modern bikes are shit for not having adjustable controls).

The correct position for touring on a bike is almost the same as the OSH guys say you should sit at when using a computer keyboard, just angled forward a bit (not much) , so your weight balance the wind force.

Big Dave
22nd September 2005, 10:39
Screens are for Homos. Toughen UP!

skelstar
22nd September 2005, 10:39
Something that has always interested me is that when you look at the new cages coming out for example, they are generally always a more modern look than its predecessor. Even the new Minis have had a modern upgrade. Having said this, why is it then, that motorcyclist seem insistant on riding something that was "modern" in the 70's or 80's?
I think the cost of a cage dictates that the style of a new cage has to be modern. A new car costs a lot of money (unless you buy shit). A new bike generally costs alot less, therefore the motorcyclist purchasing a new bike can afford to be more picky about the style of their new bike. Therefore there is a market that motorcycle manufacturers will cater for. People who want an old style (retro?) cage probably cant afford to spend $50 on what is essentially an old car with old technology. They are more likely to buy an old car and fix it up thats cheap as chips.

thehollowmen
22nd September 2005, 10:46
*perk*
naked?

did I hear you were naked?


seriously though, my bike has an adjustable screen. Big difference between windblast, nothing and a turbulance trail off the lip rattling my helmet like a mad thing. And very very comfortable when set up right compared with naked bikes at high speed. Very uncomfortable to get your head bopping around with that turbulance.

Although, saying that.. you don't have to clean the screen on a naked bike because of all the pollen and salt spray.

pritch
22nd September 2005, 10:50
Never deterred anyone before we had fairings!

Oh those rose tinted glasses... :-)

The things we rode in "the good old days" didn't really go fast enough to create decent wind pressure. If they did eventually wind up to any significant velocity oil would suddenly fountain out or bits would fall off.

My last bike was faired (K100RS) and I used to find I was accidentally doing the sort of speeds that result in confiscation these days. This time discretion suggested a bike where the wind pressure might provide a hint as to the pace. Not being a total masochist though I went for the fly screen opton.

I do wonder at BMW bring out a 160mph naked bike though. If you see a motorcyclist wandering around with his wrists dragging on the ground, he probably rides one of those.

Devil
22nd September 2005, 10:56
As I have mentioned before, I found the SV650S riding position way too uncomfortable for me, my back and neck couldnt take it, but that depends on the person. I found myself warmer on a the Hornet 900 because the riding position wasnt sending huge gusts of air down the front of my jacket!

I'm trying a naked sv today the riding position is quite different. We'll see if it sways me towards the sv's. Otherwise i'll be buying the xxxxxx (you'll have to wait).

I like naked bikes, I like being "out there" in the wind. When you balance your body right against the wind its fine.

cowpoos
22nd September 2005, 10:56
Screens are for Homos. Toughen UP!

you own a trophy dave???

Keystone19
22nd September 2005, 10:57
I like naked bikes, I like being "out there" in the wind. When you balance your body right against the wind its fine.

Yes, but you weigh 90kg, I weigh 57kg. Is it balance or ballast?

Devil
22nd September 2005, 11:02
Yes, but you weigh 90kg, I weigh 57kg. Is it balance or ballast?
Thats 85kg now!

You have offended my pies.

I shall now go and sulk.

Hitcher
22nd September 2005, 11:15
And there is no such thing as the "perfect" screen either. They can sometimes act as a sail, or in cross-winds like a wing, they can be noisy, create wind chop and buffeting around your helmet, just generally get in the way or all of the above. Effects are different for different sized riders too, depending where their head is in relation to the quiet air bubble that a screen creates.

Fryin Finn
22nd September 2005, 12:00
I have a Givi screen on my XJR it takes the wind off my chest but deflects it on to my helmet. The ride position is a bit sit up and the wind catches you when the bike is naked but if I had put on lower bars that would probably help a bit.
Remember with a decent screen your bike is a bit more aerodynamic and will help with fuel mileage.

Avignon
22nd September 2005, 12:10
Unless you do high speed touring or regularly punch through 160kph you dont really need a screen. As others have said, a bit of windblast is a great way to make sure you notice your speed and is a bit of a natural speed regulator. Horses for courses really. I think 'most' fully faired bikes look great, some of them like 05R1, gixxer thous, 999 etc look like they are doing 100mph just sitting there. However I also like naked bikes so I can see the engine, frame, exhaust headers etc. Its a dilema, Just as well I've got one of each. :2guns:

dawnrazor
22nd September 2005, 12:23
Every bike i've ever owned has been naked,..........except the last one and my current one. Used to hate fairings and bikini fairings and little screens. But now i'd never go back ever to a naked, not unless it was a muscle bike a CB1300 or speed triple. Nope i'll only draw the line at one of those BMW's scooter commuters things, with the up and over screen, so it looks like a 2 wheeled car with no doors. Saw a bloke in the CBD on one with an open face helmet, he looked so miserable. I think they even have seat belts, and window wipers. No shame, taste, sense, idea, spine, balls.........

Gontour
22nd September 2005, 12:37
I had a 600 Bandit unfaired, my reason for picking the unfaired version was to slow me down....that went out the window once 'they' took my license for 3 months. I now ride a Faired version but I found the unfaired seemed a little more risky and exciting to ride just because I could see the front wheel........Whatever you pick i'm sure you will get used to anyway.

Silage
22nd September 2005, 13:04
I rode the GB400 in its original neked state for a while. Then after a blustery trip to Marlborough where it was difficult to stay on one side of the road, I added a cheap bikini faring. The difference was huge, especially in wind. I have never had a sore neck from (GB400) speeds but see the main advantage in a good screen is handling.

Consequently when looking around last year I was looking mainly at bikes that are not all plastic but that do have a bit of a screen. Probably should have looked longer at screen options for a Hornet, but the GS1200 matched what was wanted fine. The screen on it works great at any speed (well the screen is big enuf!!) but once I almost lost a hand from the wind blast when waving to a bike while passing at speed. The only thing I notice is that from about 90kph up with a pillion, the wind flow must change and my head is forced to bob around all over the place - quite annoying. Only happens with a pillion.

Riff Raff
22nd September 2005, 13:12
I tried both versions of the SV and the faired model one hands down. With an existing neck injury I found the naked was too uncomfortable for me.

dawnrazor
22nd September 2005, 13:23
I tried both versions of the SV and the faired model one hands down. With an existing neck injury I found the naked was too uncomfortable for me.

Yeah, good for you - ya see it is an easy ride , can be a bit lumpy at low revs, you'll find yourself dipping the clutch around town in slow traffic a lot. But great fun on the open road, could ride it all day without any serious pains. I sold mine not so long ago. If your serious about buying one, PM me, there are a couple of things that you need to look out for or ask about, before buying. The placement of the engine in the frame makes access to the rear cylinder a big job and there are a couple of things that can need attention on a 2/3 year old bike in this area. Of course if your buying new, have fun - and get them to stick on an aftermarket pipe into the bargin, the v twin is really qite grunty, but the stock pipe really hides it.

Phurrball
22nd September 2005, 13:39
As some of you know I ride a VTR250. When I purchased the bike it had a Givi screen on it. I am currently thinking of upgrading my bike and decided to take the screen off to see what it's like to ride naked... (snip)


Interesting comments. Your VTR is a similar style to our baby-Bandit, and having travelled the North-Western, I found the buffeting and wind-blast from trucks disconcerting. (This was at a time when it was not a car park, and with a little more change than an L-plater should have rattling in their pocket ;))

Now, admittedly I'm an L-plater with only a couple of hundred kays under my belt, and I'm sure that I'll get used to it, but a little Givi screen does have a certain appeal for the commute. Maybe a mini screen after all the other goodies I owe the bike...

(Makes mental note to work more hours)

That said, the bike looks pretty hot in red, and hotter still with Mrs Phurrball in the pilot's seat :love: perhaps a little wind-blast isn't so bad...

Pwalo
22nd September 2005, 13:49
Try both of them and see which one suits you more. With the naked bike you should try Mr Ixion's recommendations and check out the bars in different positions (a big advantage with one piece handlebars).

On my GS I've got a Givi A755 fairing (must update my photo), and have moved the bars back a bit. This moves them a bit closer and lower and works really well with the screen. Any buffeting gets me around the shoulders, but Leaves my helmet in still air. Also keeps me much warmer, and surprisingly drier in the rain.

Now if I could only get a little more ride height at the rear, and some decent aftermarket suspension.

Lou Girardin
22nd September 2005, 13:51
Screens are for Homos. Toughen UP!

One word, Trophy!

Big Dave
22nd September 2005, 14:17
you own a trophy dave???


I *knew* someone would mention that.

jrandom
22nd September 2005, 14:26
I *knew* someone would mention that.

you have a trophy? thats impressive, what was it for? Im sure you polish it well.

I hope it has your name engraved on it.

Big Dave
22nd September 2005, 15:27
you have a trophy? thats impressive, what was it for? Im sure you polish it well.

I hope it has your name engraved on it.

I have 34 trophies.
The most impressive one is a 1998 Black 1200 Triumph. No engraving. Well polished.

Next most treasured are hardware for the MVP and the top scorer in the Sydney BBall championship 1988. Then come all the domestic comp trash. Still in storage. The 'For Services to Basketball' one is kinda cool too.

None are as impressive as my medal.
http://www.davidcohen.co.nz/story1.htm

Can't keep my hands off them.

Keystone19
22nd September 2005, 15:33
None are as impressive as my medal.
http://www.davidcohen.co.nz/story1.htm

That is the coolest thing I have ever read. Congrats Dave.

crashe
22nd September 2005, 15:44
http://www.davidcohen.co.nz/story1.htm

Well done Dave.....Congratulations
:first: :first: :first:

Big Dave
22nd September 2005, 15:56
Thank you - long time ago now. back to ghey screens.

Those givi etc things ruin the look of a mototcycle to me. That said - If I had a naked that i was touring on I'd use one for sure - just as long as they are removable for round town and show.

Some of them act like a big sail on the front of the bike too - can 'detract from the experience'.

Anyway - screens are not ghey if the come with the bike - it's only if you are a girl and have to add one that it counts.

Lou Girardin
22nd September 2005, 16:17
Anyway - screens are not ghey if the come with the bike - it's only if you are a girl and have to add one that it counts.

Nuture, not nature then?

Devil
22nd September 2005, 18:09
I tried both versions of the SV and the faired model one hands down. With an existing neck injury I found the naked was too uncomfortable for me.
I was the entire opposite. Couldnt stand the S, my neck and back just couldnt take it. The naked on the otherhand, was fine, just need to do something about the funny seat.

Rainbow Wizard
22nd September 2005, 18:36
Your riding position is wrong. I've done 100's of thousands of kilometres on naked bikes, cruising at around 80mph / 140kph in perfect comfort (as to wind anyway). In fact I think a naked bike is more comfortable than a faired one because you have no load on wrists/arms/back......Get the position correct and a naked bike will have no wind problems.
Little air dam over the headlight fairing splits the rush such that the two streams cancel each other out up to a height around about helmet head. The height of the effect varies according to speed but I rode virtually non-stop back from Christchurch to Taupo with no discomfort whatsoever.

Whatever you ride it's always better naked! :niceone:

pritch
26th September 2005, 14:04
See, this is odd because in nearly 40 years, I've never experienced any problems with neck on long rides

I did a round trip this last weekend. On my way north, after leaving SH1 it seems the speed may have inadvertently increased to the point I became aware that my neck was getting distinctly tired. As it happened the hills soon materialised and the problem went away as soon as the speed was reduced.

It would seem that comfort is the limiting factor on a naked bike. Generally the maximum cruise would have to be about 130kph to 140 depending on the ambient wind strength and direction. Should we, of course, live in a country where such speeds were legal...

Krayy
26th September 2005, 15:10
...Well, after a certain point on the dial (around $115) life became extremely uncomfortable, extending up to down right miserable, as I had to use every muscle in my body just to hold myself on the bike, as well as trying not to let my neck break....
I know just how you feel, as after Saturdays ride, my neck muscles have been aching like hell. Mind you, that was probably due to stretching my neck forward to peer at Zed as he disappeared into the distance rather than the 40 knot winds we were riding in (or maybe not). :eek5:

I still love the VTR naked though.

jrandom
26th September 2005, 15:12
people who get sore necks on naked bikes obviously need to eat more pies and do more chin-ups.

pussies.

Hitcher
26th September 2005, 15:16
people who get sore necks on naked bikes obviously need to eat more pies and do more chin-ups.
There appear to be some odd laws of physics in play here. Or anatomy. Or diet -- I would hate to be accused of being pie-ist. Or not.

Big Dave
26th September 2005, 15:23
I would hate to be accused of being pie-ist. Or not.

That would take the cake - and I thought you were just a bit Crusty

Krayy
26th September 2005, 15:51
That would take the cake - and I thought you were just a bit Crusty
Oh crumbs!!! Enough with the bad jokes :shake:

Big Dave
26th September 2005, 16:03
Enough with the bad jokes :shake:

Like...stop posting completely?