Agressive riding position

[Baltimore Newbie]

I bought a used 94 FZR 600 a month or two back and just rode it for the first time this weekend. I have only been riding since May of this year and I started out on a ninja 250. I did'nt get bored with the 250 and I still own and ride it, I have put over 2100 miles on it since I bought it on June 21st of this year.

My problem is that I have become accustomed to the riding position of the 250. It's sort of an upright position and it's very comfortable. Also the levers are very easy to pull and operate. But after one day of riding the FZR and not even 50 miles of riding time, my back was sore from being leaned over. Not only that but the levers take a bit more to pull than my 250's. This combined with leaning forward and having more of my weight on my wrists made my hands cramp up. At one point I had to pull over and stretch my fingers and massage my hands. I know about squeezing the tank with my knees and keeping my arms slightly bent. But is there any other way of getting used to this position or does it just come with more time in the saddle.

I really like the style of sportbikes and eventually saw myself moving up to a gsxr-600. But I don't know if I will be able to get comfortable on that if I can't get used to the FZR's position and I don't think it's as agressive as the newer model 600's. The only other bikes I have ridden were the rebel 250 and 450 from the safety class and my friends Katana 600. All of these were comfortable, although the Katana was heavier than I would prefer. But I really like the look of the race replica bikes. Is it always uncomfortable to ride them or does it vary from bike to bike?

Sorry for the long posts and thanks for any replies in advance.

[sharpmagna]

From what I know the aggressive riding position goes hand and hand with a RR bike. The Katana is more a sport tourer so that is why you found the riding position more comfortable.

[Shorts]

Some sportbikes, while basically similar (hunched forward), have slight differences between brands/models that might be the difference between uncomfortable and tolerable. I recall seeing a thread recently where that was the case.

As said above, any sportbike will ultimately have that forward position. If you'd like a little different, try a sport standard/aka naked bike. Those offer an upright seating position but can still move for fun...Hornets, Bandits, SV,..etc.

You can become accustomed to the sportbike riding position, and like you said, it just takes time in the saddle. Your muscles and bones need to strengthen and learn to hold that position longer. And they will with more riding. Every bike will have its quirks and it'll take you a little bit to get used to, especially when you've been on another bike for a while.

[asiantay]

You could try getting a new seat. I know my brother, who has a GSXR 750 got a heli bar for his bike. I forgot what it's for, but I think it raises the handle bar a lil bit so there's a lil less stress on your wrist.

[oldschoolorange]

You pretty much want to strengthen your core muscles you are not supposed to be putting alot of weight on your arms and wrists. and yes it will take some time getting used too as well

[earwig]

doing lots of back and stomach exercises will help... practice holding yourself up with your core. but... sport bike riding positions suck! get a standard and you'll be happier! get a buell XB12S!

[Scott58]

Yep nature of the beast. Ride it for 500 miles and you'll feel like you have a spear in your back.

[VermilionX]

hahaha

it can get painful.

most i've done straight riding is only a little above 100 miles.

it's already painful after 80 miles straight.

i wanna at least be able to endure 200 miles straight. im halfway there.

i'll be hitting 150 miles straight once i decide to finally go to san diego and try the famous/infamous palomar mountain. but i usually play it safe and get gas before 150 miles. i don't wanna run out of gas and push my bike again.

[Baltimore Newbie]

Thanks for all the answers everyone. It kinda bums me out a little though. Ocean city Maryland's bike week is in a couple of weeks and I was wanting to ride the FZR there and back. But that's about a 3 hour trip from baltimore to O.C., and I doubt if I'd make it on that bike. Guess I will have to saddle up the 250. Time to hit Bally's and work on my core, lol.

[Scott58]

In the early 80's I rode my RD400 (clipon bars, cafe seat) from lompoc to LA and back. never ever did that again.