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Major Softie wrote:BUT,

where you wearing leather underwear?????

Where?
Indoors hopefully!

I think that it's pretty well understood that the RS was designed around a rider who is somewhat smaller than many American enthusiasts and therefore, to some extent, the bikes either fits you or it doesn't but no matter what, you can get a lot more mileage out of an RS if you're ready for the ride!

By that I mean that the ergos of the RS put some strains on your body that other Airheads do not, so if you really want to enjoy an RS, get yourself in better shape. If you're sporting a tire around your middle, take an exercise class and get rid of it. Do stretches to limber up your back and shoulders and maybe pump your wifes 5lb weights. The RS tends to be top heavy and some mild weightlifting will pay dividends. If you get some neck and shoulder aches from the crouched riding position, a few sessions with your chiropractor can help (It sure helped me!)

As I mentioned before, If you suffer from backaches during longer rides. Try installing a set of rear-sets. That should remove some strain, while allowing the airflow to support your torso a bit. Yes, they'll be hard to find these days but they'll be worth the search.

Be careful with yourself and be careful with your bikes.

Chuey wrote:I have both configurations. I love the RS bars for about an hour. By hour two, I'm not so happy. My upper back, between my shoulders is starting to get tied up in knots. I've had that bike on dirt roads after about 900 miles. That is, just under 700 the first day, and then, the rest on the second day. I was miserable until the dirt road. The distraction, the difference in the dirt road was a life saver!

The other thing about the RS is that if you are going to travel when it is hot, it may be better to take off the lowers. Last trip, I wore mesh pants. When I got home after the desert section of my ride (North San Diego County to Gardiner, Montana) which encompasses Las Vegas (real desert), I had a second degree burn blister the size of a quarter on my right shin. I wished I had taken my S configured bike instead. I only had encountered about two hours of cold rain on the morning I started back home.

My problem is the bars. I've done very well with the seats. I love the looks of both. In the rain, I love the RS!

Chuey

dougie wrote:

Ken in Oklahoma wrote: So there you have it Dougie. My solution for your dilemna, if you have the coins and room, would be to buy yourself an S bike. Ken

One problem is I don't have either the coins or room.
I am also still wrestling with "heavy bike" thing that I was talking about a couple of months ago. I would really enjoy something that weighs in at 300 -350 lbs. Modern "gas 'n' go" wouldn't hurt either.
It's all a big dilemna, especially now that my Beemer is functionally damn near perfect.

I have been thinking of the weight issue myself. It takes a bit of coin tho. Change the stock starter for the after market Japanese starter and loose 1/2 the weight. The shorai battery will swap out the heavy old battery or gel battery for aone that weighs only 4 or 5 pounds. http://www.shoraipower.com/default.aspx For me that's a start and then it comes down to little things.

Major Softie wrote:BUT,

where you wearing leather underwear?????

No, Major but I'm flattered that you asked.

Chuey

Of course, I switch back and forth between the regular pegs and the passenger pegs when I'm on a long haul.

Chuey

Chuey wrote:Of course, I switch back and forth between the regular pegs and the passenger pegs when I'm on a long haul.

Chuey

Have you tried rotating the rear pegs forward to just the right position and using front and rear pegs together?
Sort of acts like a running board.

I really liked the bike, but I didn't like the stock bars.On a ride down to the Georgia Mountain Rally I was in considerable discomfort. My neck, wrists and lower back were killing me.When I got home I had serious thoughts of selling the bike,after lusting after one for years. My solution was to put a set of barbacks/risers on my '83 RS.Nothing had to be changed just adjusted,i.e. brake line. Problem solved. With the addition of a Brown sidestand it transformed the bike.An enjoyable ride and my size 13 feet could easily deploy the sidestand.

Woodgrain