Introduction/R1150R Ergonomics Questions

[Hawkman]

I've got the manuals for a 2003 1150R in pdf. I've sent them to a few on this board. PM me if you want me to email it.

[drb]

Hi-

Success! The horse saddle sticky spray worked like a charm - no sliding whatsoever on the way to work today. The seating position is still a bit uncomfortable for me, so I'll go ahead and install the risers as well, but all in all the situation is much improved. I'd suggest it to anyone who is worried about sliding around on their seat.

For those who are unfamiliar (me, 24 hours ago), people spray this stuff on their horse saddles for a better grip. It doesn't hurt the leather (actually it makes it shinier), and it's easy to remove if need be. I was afraid that it would be a sticky mess, like spilling a can of Coke all over my seat and then letting it sit in the sun. It's not. It's actually hard to describe. It's only "sticky" in horizontal directions with respect to the seat. In other words, if you put your finger on the seat, and then pull it away, the seat won't stick to your finger. However, if you try to slide your finger across the seat, there is much more friction than before. It's the same sort of friction as the rubbery surface of a pencil eraser. Once I was planted in the seat, I didn't go anywhere unless I wanted to.

If anyone is interested I'd be happy to post details about the exact brand/type of spray when I get home from work tonight. It was a bit expensive ($14 a can), but my wife says it lasts a long time.

Now for another question. A few people have suggested strapping my messenger bag to the passenger seat rather than wearing it. I think this might be a good idea, but it would be more secure if I had a passenger backrest to strap it to as well (my seat already has the slot). Does that make sense? Has anyone tried to build their own Corbin passenger backrest? Even the knockoffs are $100 with shipping, and Ebay doesn't have any deals... Does anyone have any ideas for getting them cheaper?

Thanks again for all of the help!

--Dan

[drb]

Hi-

I received the risers yesterday and I thought I'd add an update. The risers do indeed make the seating position much more comfortable. When combined with the saddle spray, the sliding problem is pretty much totally eliminated - even with the fully loaded bag.

I'm still thinking of shimming the front part of the seat a few mm for comfort's sake. Does anyone know how I would go about doing that? The seat on my old bike had an obvious bolt on each side where you could add a few washers, but there isn't anything like that on this one. When I have the seat off, I see that there are two roller things just behind the tank. Does the seat rest on those? should I remove and shim them to raise the front part of the seat?

Thanks again for all of the help so far!

--Dan

[MattPie]

Hi-
The seat on my old bike had an obvious bolt on each side where you could add a few washers, but there isn't anything like that on this one. When I have the seat off, I see that there are two roller things just behind the tank. Does the seat rest on those? should I remove and shim them to raise the front part of the seat?

Yep, the seat rests on those.

As for the laptop, I'm a bit nervous about the vibration on the back seat or a top case. I always carry my (work) laptop in a back pack; the human body is a great vibration dampener.

[rdsmith3]

Hi-

I'm still thinking of shimming the front part of the seat a few mm for comfort's sake. Does anyone know how I would go about doing that? The seat on my old bike had an obvious bolt on each side where you could add a few washers, but there isn't anything like that on this one. When I have the seat off, I see that there are two roller things just behind the tank. Does the seat rest on those? should I remove and shim them to raise the front part of the seat?

Thanks again for all of the help so far!

--Dan

My seat is shimmed, and it helps a bit. You can shim it with some washers, and you will need longer bolts, both of which you should be able to get at a hardware store. There will be more of a gap between the front of the seat and the tank.

I am 6'2" with 34" inseam. I have the tall seat, a sheepskin butt pad, and the shims, and I have it just about right for me. I do not have any complaints about the seating position.

[drb]

Bob-

So to be clear, I would be replacing the bolts that hold the roller things with longer ones (and washers)?

Thanks!

--Dan

[kantuckid]

It is kinda hard to shim the 1150R seat up in front-I was able to stack on my R1100R with washers, but I'd do something else on your bike.I think the guy that developed the BMW seats since 1995 was a girl, cause they seem to make for a hard life on the family! Tell us what your inseam is and arm size? I am short(5'8" & 28.5 inseam) and use the low seat with a sheepskin-works for me.Riding with proper boots will affect ergonomics too. The Moto-techniques you have coming work great. They will cause your turn signal to hit the tank on one side-test after installation, with bike on the ground,not on centerstand, to see what I mean. If you don't have valve cover protectors they are worthwhile as is a throttle lock-many(me) prefer Throttlemiester. I have found no need for expensive seats with the sheepskin, plus if you are short they are too tall anyway. Make sure you check the cables as mentioned and cut the ties that restrict them too much!This can result in an affect on the kill switch that you will not like!

[bikermeow]

Hi-

Now for another question. A few people have suggested strapping my messenger bag to the passenger seat rather than wearing it. I think this might be a good idea, but it would be more secure if I had a passenger backrest to strap it to as well (my seat already has the slot). Does that make sense? Has anyone tried to build their own Corbin passenger backrest? Even the knockoffs are $100 with shipping, and Ebay doesn't have any deals... Does anyone have any ideas for getting them cheaper?

Thanks again for all of the help!

--Dan

Get ROK straps .... excellent stuff. Really.

[Airman]

Hi-

I'm still thinking of shimming the front part of the seat a few mm for comfort's sake. Does anyone know how I would go about doing that? The seat on my old bike had an obvious bolt on each side where you could add a few washers, but there isn't anything like that on this one. When I have the seat off, I see that there are two roller things just behind the tank. Does the seat rest on those? should I remove and shim them to raise the front part of the seat?

Thanks again for all of the help so far!

--Dan

My seat is shimmed, and it helps a bit. You can shim it with some washers, and you will need longer bolts, both of which you should be able to get at a hardware store. There will be more of a gap between the front of the seat and the tank.

I am 6'2" with 34" inseam. I have the tall seat, a sheepskin butt pad, and the shims, and I have it just about right for me. I do not have any complaints about the seating position.

I'm surprised the tall seat needs the shims. I installed the low seat to make life more comfortable around town, but my tall seat was nearly flat front to back.
I have some 1" thick nylon stock and thought that would be perfect for the job. I originally specified the tall seat because I slid into the tank on my test ride. Made the dealer eat the cost of it too as he was overcharging me in every other way.

[snowprick]

Hi-

Now for another question. A few people have suggested strapping my messenger bag to the passenger seat rather than wearing it. I think this might be a good idea, but it would be more secure if I had a passenger backrest to strap it to as well (my seat already has the slot). Does that make sense? Has anyone tried to build their own Corbin passenger backrest? Even the knockoffs are $100 with shipping, and Ebay doesn't have any deals... Does anyone have any ideas for getting them cheaper?

Thanks again for all of the help!

--Dan

Get ROK straps .... excellent stuff. Really.

+1

Never leave home without them. Purchased in Singapore as it happens.

[kantuckid]

Hi-

Success! The horse saddle sticky spray worked like a charm - no sliding whatsoever on the way to work today. The seating position is still a bit uncomfortable for me, so I'll go ahead and install the risers as well, but all in all the situation is much improved. I'd suggest it to anyone who is worried about sliding around on their seat.

For those who are unfamiliar (me, 24 hours ago), people spray this stuff on their horse saddles for a better grip. It doesn't hurt the leather (actually it makes it shinier), and it's easy to remove if need be. I was afraid that it would be a sticky mess, like spilling a can of Coke all over my seat and then letting it sit in the sun. It's not. It's actually hard to describe. It's only "sticky" in horizontal directions with respect to the seat. In other words, if you put your finger on the seat, and then pull it away, the seat won't stick to your finger. However, if you try to slide your finger across the seat, there is much more friction than before. It's the same sort of friction as the rubbery surface of a pencil eraser. Once I was planted in the seat, I didn't go anywhere unless I wanted to.

If anyone is interested I'd be happy to post details about the exact brand/type of spray when I get home from work tonight. It was a bit expensive ($14 a can), but my wife says it lasts a long time.

Now for another question. A few people have suggested strapping my messenger bag to the passenger seat rather than wearing it. I think this might be a good idea, but it would be more secure if I had a passenger backrest to strap it to as well (my seat already has the slot). Does that make sense? Has anyone tried to build their own Corbin passenger backrest? Even the knockoffs are $100 with shipping, and Ebay doesn't have any deals... Does anyone have any ideas for getting them cheaper?
I have posted this before but I easily made a backrest with plywood,foam and leather for my Chinese Givi top case. When riding alone on longer trips I have my Roadgear Jumbo Euro bag on the pillion seat and can lean back on it as needed. I can see that with some aluminum bar stock one could be made after the pricey ones too The backrest is easy with the same plywood,foam and leather that I used for the pad. I really don't see the need to ride with back support and I do not have such a new or great back!I think having good physical conditioning and muscle tone goes a long ways toward riding comfort...

Thanks again for all of the help!

--Dan

[bikermeow]

+1

Never leave home without them. Purchased in Singapore as it happens.

Really? No longer available now it seems. Gotta get it from the States!