Why do you get pain, fatigue, numb hands and general discomfort? 

Glad to see you back Dave!! Hope you're doing well.

Dave has transformed my last 2 bikes with his set up advice. I now understand static sag and motorcycle ergonomics, very important as I’m 6ft 4ins and Japanese bikes are not set up for my size and weight. Thanks Dave.

Building core strength helped me with wrist, shoulder and between the shoulder blades pain on my K1200GT. Core carrying my torso weight instead of supporting it pressing on the grips. I still occasionally catch myself supporting my torso weight by leaning on the grips instead of using my core. The peg height and slightly behind position initially caused knee and hip pain. I noticed I was carrying my body weight on the pegs. I learned to relax my hips and sit on the seat rather than sitting on the pegs. My pain wasn’t so much the ergonomics of the bike as it was I didn’t have the fitness or awareness how the ergonomics affected me. Increased fitness and awareness where and how I carried the weight significantly reduced fatigue and aches.

The bucket seat not providing an optional position is the biggest draw back to riding a sporty bike.

I would like to see a part two of this video, where you get more in depth into motorcycle comfort

Great job explaining after 50 years of riding I have learned something new

I agree with your intro Dave. With time, I realized that when it comes to choose a bike, there's a huge difference between what you want and what you really need...

I remember a previous video of yours I saw a few years ago where you asked some track riders this exact same thing. You said "what's the first thing you modified?" And they all said "exhaust". You then had them sit on their bikes and explained the importance of "Ergos" where you adjusted the bar distance, bar angle and clutch & brake handles for maximum comfort with what they had. I had just recently bought a second-hand z900, and the previous owner had only modified the exhaust as well 😂 I'm a tall guy, and I hadn't realized how hunched over I was and how much I had to twist my hands for the bar & handles, or that I could fix it. I immediately went and got a riser and adjusted the sweep & put the handles in line with my arms, and the relief was immense. Never would have thought about it without your video. Thanks so much for 3 years of pain-free commuting ♥️

So that bike is definitely built for the shorter rider then , great to see you back Dave, you've taught us all so much over the years, your a legend 👍🏼👌🏼

Leg grip and lose the gut are two things that helped me.

First bike was 06 FZ6-S and I loved bike but my back, shoulders and hands were killing me after 1+ hour of riding it. Never really understood what was problem. At first I thought I just have to get "used" to ride a bigger bike. After 1 year I decided to get Tracer 900 GT and from moment I sat on it I felt as comfortable as I could have dreamed of. Did 25 hour ride (about 1600km) on it with small stops and other than my azz hurting from that long ride I had 0 issues. Now when I actually saw this video, it all makes sense. Handlebars are much wider, straighter and taller than FZ6 and lucky enough are exactly as they have to be for no pain at all. Thanks for video!

No! Do an experiment... hold a flat palm away from you as if pushing someone away. Look at the angle of your fingers, they wont be vertical to the ground. Move your hand so they are vertical, you feel your chest and shoulder get tight. The ideal position to gold ANY bar in any situation is to have the bar acros the palm of your hand so our elbows HAVE to be out. If your elbows are in, the stress is through small arm muscles. To engage the larger back muscles rotate your elbows up. ALL bike training courses advise this, from flat tracking to motorcross to road riding. And by doin this your weight will be split across your bum and back, and will make the bike feel larger and less compact.

I've had the numb throttle hand for years and across many different bikes, but never heard this. Thank you.

I had a Suzuki RF900RW (I sorely miss it, it was phenominally underrated bike), but I also modified her with a coupla 'Tweeks', first to raise the standard 'Clamp on' handlebars, then I moved onto the Bandit 1200 Yoke & 1 piece par setup, WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Night and day!!! So for the guys & gals that aren't aware, YES, IF your current 'Steed' makes you uncomfortable, look for 'XXXXXX' (being your bikes' make and model) & Handlebar risers/replacement kit", get it fitted correctly by a qualified/experienced bike tech, and you WILL ride with more confidence because of less pain! What's more, you may very well find you have more control over your 'Beastie' too! 👌👍 😎🇬🇧

Dave, your the best. I always enjoy your insights into what makes a bike work better for the individual rider. Thanks again for the great content.

Great explanation of Fit. I'm 6ft.2 - long inseams and arms. First bike was a 2006 Honda 599 Hornet and the hand position at the end of the bars rang so very true. I would ride with my palms at the edge of the grips with half my hand off, straightened at a different angle. Change in bars helped immensely. Upgraded to a 2009 Triumph Speed Triple - my goodness what a difference the riding triangle makes for comfort. As always, Thank You for the great videos and explanations. They've all been excellent, a huge catalogue of knowledge and value.

Your teachings are just so perfect

This video highlights a common problem with new bikes: the seats are cramped slots, placed behind a high and bulging gas tank. Then you have to lean over and around this tank to get at the handlebars. The bars are constructed for visual style, instead of comfort. Big "adventure" bikes are some of the worst offenders - exactly those bikes you would think would have figured out long haul rider comfort. But motorcycle stylists are currently fixated on the "angry insect" look - hard edges and angles, minimalist seats, tiny rear passenger space and skimpy little steel foot pegs. The wide and sensible handlebars of, say, the 1960's British road bikes need to be rediscovered. I have a BMW R1150 - and it seats quite close to my first bike, a 650 Triumph Saint, which the British police used for years.

Love ya Dave!!! It's always a good morning when there's one of your videos in my feed. 😉

Years ago l owned a Guzzi Lemans 850 and a Ducati 900 bevel drive. these bikes were of course 'cafe racer/road racer' style bikes...before the term Sports bike was commonly used. l would move the Clip-ons, plus the angle of the control levers. But one just had to suffer for the sake of 'The look' ...Now, more than forty years later ....I'm listening Dave..!

This is why I ride older bikes from the 60s and 70s. The seats are wider and flat so it is easier to position yourself. Also American style handlebars which are higher give a much more upright relaxing ride. It means little pressure on the wrists. The geometry on most modern bikes is all wrong and not suitable for longer rides. This is why many bikers are returning to more classic style motorcycles.

What Dave has described equates to why my 1982 Honda CB900F is such a comfortable long distance ride. There aren’t many new bikes other than a Goldwing that have the perfect ergonomics triangle and comfy seat. Great video.

This is exactly how I feel on my MV F3800 plus add in hip and lower back pain! After about 1.5hrs I need to stop and stretch it’s extremely frustrating especially when riding with other people. Thanks for the info Dave!

Now i understand why my arms hurt so much each time i ride to work. I kept thinking it was my riding posture, but i think it is the bike. Thank you for the video!

I hope this man never dies. He’s a legend

Yeah after 1.5 hours on a 650r 2017 I start getting pain in my wrists and numb hands. Nice explanation!

I have 175k miles on a 1998 Bandit 1200. Been all over the US with it. The secret? A modified Corbin seat cut flat to the gas tank and flat, "drag" bars, slight bend. The pegs are neutral; I can sit on it all day.

I ride a CBR1000RR since I was 27 years old. I am now 47 and still riding it. Same bike. Just about the only thing that hurts is my butt after about 2 hours. But never any pain the following day of a ride. Is it the most comfortable bike? No. Does it handle nicely. Hell yes. Would I trade it? No. Would I change anything? No. I have recently even installed a 47 litres Givi top box on it where the passenger seat should be. Nothing touches the paint work. Moto camping ⛺️ with the old CBR now. 🤩 The ultimate supersport tourer..!! 🥳

I think the majority of riders buy the wrong bike. Unfortunately the majority of riders aren't open to learning. Love your video's Dave and have been watching for years

Good information, you are lean forward on the handlebar on straight hands, that will put pressure on palm of your hands and also lower back pain. I had the problems with my naked bike, lean forward on the handlebars, changed the handlebar to high adventure handlebar plus risers, now I have adventure sport bike! Much more comfortable, upright setting position!

More talk needed about ergos! I think it's under appreciated.

Been shopping for a new/ used bike without ever giving thought to ergonomics like this. Lol being 54 and riding since a child I am still csb learn new things. Thank you for giving me more to think of.

Ergonimics on older bikes are better than what they make now. Like running backwards into the future

This may sound wrong but I woke up thinking of you and a video pops up on my RU-vid feed 😂 I definitely overlooked these simple things. Amazing how they make a huge difference. Priceless knowledge

My friend added a Renthal bar to his Yamaha R1. And he loves it !! Comfort increased a lot for him, and he is still just as fast !! Great to see you back again on the Channel 😊

i'm always amazed at how few motorcyclists sort the ergonomics of their bikes. it's always the thing i pay first attention to, risers, bars, seat height, before anything else... you wouldn't even drive a hire car without adjusting the seat to suit you, bum to pedal, backrest to steering wheel and gear lever, so why would you ride your own motorbike without sorting your foot to bum to hand relationship?

Mr. Dave: this one is one of the best. Thank you. It has been a while since I checked your lessons. Glad that YT offered this one to check.

Intriguing set of ergonomics. Certainly for me as a 6’3” long legged individual. I sold a 2016 BMW R1200R and bought a 2019 BMW R1250GS, purely because the leg room of the R was too cramped (feet trucked up a touch too high). The measurement was that with my hand hanging down from a seated position I could touch my heels on the R, whilst on the GS my feet were a good 4” lower and my legs weren’t so cramped. Result happiness. Don’t get me wrong the R was a brilliant bike - I was just too tall for it. But here’s an oddity… recently 2,700 miles across the USA two up (me driving) on a 2023 Heritage Softail and it was pure bliss to ride for 300+ miles per day. I was very surprised - but also very aware that was “sit back and enjoy the scenery” riding. Not much in the way of UK country “A” or “B” roads. I really didn’t expect it to be that comfortable. Bearing in mind a 2006 Road King (in 2006) gave me quite a lot of pain in the small of my back after similar daily distances. Great video - if I can just suggest that you stick to one imperial or metric measurement please. I know it covers all bases, but it’s harder to cross relate when you give two bike’s dimensions in two separate units.

Thanks for info Dave! Glad to see you up and continuing to educate us! Stay safe…

I’ve got a Spyder F-3S it is very nice and sporty! Comfortable all day.

Made a massive difference adjusting the lever angle to how comfortable I felt operating the bikes controls, that I began to shift my weight toward the outside of the bike on corners, which would indicate an increase in confidence. Looks like handlebar angle/height is next on the list.

Awesome content as always! You have opened my eyes and showed me the way. Suspension and ergo! Many thanks for all that you do! Hope to meet you someday.

SO happy to see Dave back in the saddle!

Great to see you safe and healty again master

My 1200 Bandit is comfortable on long roads and never experience such un-comfort and pain, even after 8 hours on the road with breaks every 1.5 - 2 hours. But I had to go and measure to compare. I am 1.8 meter with most of my length in my legs. Bar width = 72cm. Seat to bar = 55cm and the seat is as you know slightly stepped. I don't have experience with many other bikes, especially long road riding, but this one is here to stay for as long as I can ride or it will last.

this is very helpful, because with bicycles you can choose the size of frame, handle bar width etc to suit your body type. Thanks for sharing

Thats exactly why my next bike is gonna be a BMW GSA 1250, I'm just too big for most bikes, problem solved.... hope you feel better Dave...

Thank you so much for all your videos… they’re among the best of the best!! I’m 56 years old and bought my last sport bike - a 2016 BMW S1000RR and start getting the wrist cramps around the one hour mark… your advice is much appreciated Sir… Kudos!!

Hi Dave. I've been riding daily since 1974, owned bikes since 1970. Your videos always educate me. Thanks heaps. I hope you will excuse me if I offer you a little education, all be it from an Australian perspective. Thanks for using metric measurements. In Aus cm aren't to be used in engineering, building, or architecture. The metric system is based on lots of 10 to the power of 3. micro, milli, kilo, mega etc. Centimetres are 1/100 so don't fit. So inches and feet have been recognised engineering units, centimeters have never been. Maybe I'm completely wrong here because you are talking about body dimensions and cm are used in medicine. Thanks again for your clear accurate educational videos. Keep the shiny side up.

I am fortunate enough to own 5 motorcycles. I have found that the bars that have more sweep cause hand cramps and my wrists to get numb and sore. One of the first things I do is upgrade the handlebars to suit my needs and body.

a mod video for this bike (because it's a popular bike that many people have) will be good to show the difference and parts that would make a difference.

One of fav men on youtube. Glad to see you uploaded!

Gripping the tank with your legs and bracing your core will also help with back, shoulder, arm and wrist pains.

Always enjoy and learn so much from your videos. Thank you!

Absloutley make sure you're comfy with the bike you buy! I'm a sooter rider at 5'10" knee space is very important for steering.

Good to see you're back up again. Looking forward to your next workshop at RS Motorcycles. Cheers

Thank you, My Indian feels 10x times better after you set it up yesterday

Dave, me old son, that's an interesting video and I'll certainly be giving that a bit of thought. I rode my XR650R from Sacramento to Cabo San Lucas, when I got there I was literally in physio for 2 months (I have herniated disks and it really kicked them off). My main issue was sitting on a 4x2 plank of wood for a dirt bike seat shuffling from one arse cheek to another, this has been changed for a much better Renazco seat, expensive but totally worth it. I have plenty of seat to handlebar room of course depending how much shit I am carrying but I will look at those other measurements for sure as I'm planning on some other long rides. Good video that though. Glad to see you up and running as well mate. All the best Youngie...

Perfect video, great summary and explanation, thank you so much! I own a NINJA650 and can't ride it more than 2 hours total trip in one day!!

The manufacturer should make the bar adjustable, provide the range of dimensions for the rider triangle the bike supports, also provide what height and weight of rider they set up the bike for. Better yet the dealer should be able to set up the ergonomics according to the buyer's height and weight etc. . it would be also better if the manufacturer also provided alternate bars for riders which do not fall to the initial range supported.

In my opinion if you want comfort you buy a mega scooter or an on-off motorcycle. Any "sport" model, turing, street etc. won't be ideal for everyday use or long trips. That's why I always had more than 3 motorcycles, one for every occasion...

I’m in California. You showed me a lot Dave I appreciate it.

good day Mr.Dave williams how are you here good day Mr. Dave moss🙂 thanks for the video

Dave, you have to be, the most informed, informative and authoritative motorcycle channel on the planet…it’s great your British! Others dabble and recycle everyone else’s “expertise”, which to an extent is ok. However, you truly are an expert and you communicate in a calm, composed and logical manner. Thank you for an excellent channel.

Good explanation. I have the same issues on current bike and almost none on a test ride with an other. Despite it being leaning towards the front too. So I now understand the complete issue with these factors.

You're back!! Good to see you again!!

Good info. Thanks for pointing out this mystery of growing miserable from riding a once initially awesome choice of motorcycle. Aftermarket parts....👍🤪 not to just make the bike look good but feel good. Ialways upgrade my seat and handlebars on every new motorcycle to me.💡

I bought a Renthal bar for my Buell and it made an enormous difference based on this same problem. It’s straighter and wider and it is amazing

Great to see you back Dave! 👍

Thankyou for this vid from a beginner valuable information

Thanks Dave for giving me a good understanding of suspension balance ,with spring preload and hydraulics, Appreciate the vids 👍

At 6ft 2 I had to get the seat of my BMW XR customised so that i could sit further back to reduce the hip/knee angle. Also an opportunity to make the seat more comfortable. The OEM was a bucket style seat with no room to move.

Hi Dave, thanks for your passionate work that helped thousands of people, hopefully you could help me too, i'm having a hard time entering corners while trail braking, it feels like the bike doesn't want to tip in and kinda wants to stand up, i feel like i have to use a lot of counter steer to compensate and it doesn't feel natural, i'm riding a KTM 890 Duke R, mostly sporty street riding through twisty roads, my weight is around 90kg, suspension travel is 150mm rear and 140mm front, thank you and greetings :)

One of the most comfortable bikes I had was a CBR1100XX Blackbird 1997 and another was the Fazer 1000 2005

Good to see you Dave I hope your doing well Sir.

Good to see you up and posting again, Dave. I'm 5'10" and blessed w/a gorilla-esque physique. On my former Ninja 1000, I added Murph's risers- they didn't address the angle issue but added some height and backwards movement-, grip puppies, HVMP bar ends and a throttle lock to add some comfort on my ailing, aching. elderly shoulders. I tried a number of different seats but ended up w/a seat designed by a local auto upholsterer. I also added footpeg lowering brackets to give my knees and hips a bit more room- voila! Still wasn't perfect but it was a much better fit for my riding purposes and needs. You gotta make the bike fit you!

So happy to see a new video. I hope you're feeling much better!

So timely. I ride a sport tourer and this season have been struggling with hand and wrist pain/numbness. Thanks for this.

Thank you Mr Moss. All the best to you.

Cheers Dave.

Hello Dave , we really need someone with your knowledge and experience here in Costa Rica...Cheers...👍

Learn something new everyday, much appreciated.

That is solid advice! I always wonder how motorcycle journalists are criticizing handlebars and things like this. That´s the first thing I change when it doesn´t fit. Most of the time the reach doesn´t work with the width, and additionally the back sweep of the bar is not ideal. Probably rotating the bar helps, but only if the bike doesn´t get too twitchy or sluggish; depending if too far forward or backward rolled. I come from mountainbiking and there reach and stack are the two factors you look into.

At 62, I bought my current machine with ergonomics first. I bought a GSXS 1000GT + knowing full well that I need a bike with wider and taller bars, a more upright riding position and a minimum of knee bend. The only drawback is my old ass gets sore after 150 miles 😂😂😂

Looking trim sir. Nice video!

Yes, you were up against the fuel tank too where there is no padding. Looking around I've seen the same thing on other bikes too where styling is apparently more important than comfort and rideability.

I did the pro taper and 30mm raised clamp on my bandit 1250N mutch better bike to ride now 👌cool vid Dave hi from 🇦🇺

I put Helibars on my Hayabusa and doesn't look any different but what an improvement like Dave is talking about here. Mini investment and more important easy to put on.

When I bought my Kawasaki 250 ninja I was appalled at the comfort level on this bike. the handle bars were so low you had to bend forward just to hold them, riser blocks that added 1" of height to the handle bars helped some but not much... it is by far the most uncomfortable bike I have ever owned.... and they made it that way !

I found out real fast that riding position had to be perfect if I was to take my adv bike through a rock garden without dumping it. On a paved road the extra grip and smooth ride can hide bad habits or bad ergonomics.

Welcome back Dave!!!

It's interesting to hear the overlap between motorcycle triangles and bicycle triangles --- except in bicycling there is huge emphasis on fit, whereas virtually none in motorcycling.

This 650 is promoted as being 'Learner Approved'. Having 'relaxed, sporty ergonomics' and a 'comfortable passenger seat'. If you happen to be a 55kg, 165cm tall lightweight and your pillion is 42kg and has the worlds narrowest arse, made of mahogany.

Good one! I commute daily on my HD Low Rider S and I get neck C-6 to T-1 neck pain (Cervical 6 vertebrae to Thoracic 1st vertebrae) and numb hands. Looking into new seat and handle bars and risers which will allow me to lean back some. I think that will make the difference. Like to see a more in-depth video where you actually make the changes and ride it then tell us if it made a difference

Another consideration is that changing to bike with more sport orientated ergonomics engages muscles differently than say for examplethe Multistrada he refers to. Over time, those muscles get stronger and adapt.

Thanks for using inches!!!!🇺🇸

This man is a legend. Nothing but respect

God job Dave😊

Incredibly useful information. Thank you

Dave, I have 2 bikes I'm currently playing with the triangle issue. A 2013 Diavel AMG and a 2003 FZ1. I picked up the Ducati yesterday morning after they installed custom bar extenders, and it's as close as I can get with it. Hopefully, the FZ1 will be completed this week with a 3 1/2-inch riser/extender and it'll be more squared away. Had to have the throttle cable extended out of state. After that, I'll need to reach you to set up these guys. Many thanks!