Downsizing from a Blackbird, Would you do it?

[shewie]

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I was going to suggest a handlebar for this bike but it looks like the windshield and adjacent fairing need to be trimmed for clearance?

With the right adapters and handlebar selection there's usually no need to trim anything. If the rise is not too ridiculous it's also possible to keep the existing cables and hydraulic lines with a little careful rerouting, too.

 

[shewie]

Here is my Blackbird

Nice looking example. You wouldn't happen to be the guy buying up all the wrecked birds from the bone yards, would you?

 

[nfq]

FYI: you shouldn't really take drugs like advil (ibuprofen) constantly, these companies do a good sell on the safety, but they typically lead to liver and stomach problems in chronic users.

What's happening is that over 40, core strength typically decreases, which means you put more strain on your position on your upper back, and pressure on your hands and arms while braking. This can lead to muscle and tendon pain, sometimes spasms (not fun) and tendonitis (also not fun).
People adjust the position, but it really doesn't fix the problem. At home core strength exercises work wonders (crunches, planks), but be prepared for 6-8 weeks to see any effect.
Short term, concentrate on bracing your self on the tank and consciously use your core to hold up you upper body with a lighter grab on the bars. It's kind of re-learning riding, but it should relieve any pain.

+1 it will take a month or 2 to see and feel the difference, but definitely this. You don't have to go all Arnold in the gym either. Heck, swimming and yoga will do it too. The key is consistency. Find 10 mins/day, that's all you'll need. Don't get rid of the bird.

 

[jc100]

Ibuprofen is my vitamin I!

 

[inreb]

Any older guys taking low dose aspirin regimen should avoid ibuprofen. Ibuprofen used to be my feel normal for a couple hours drug.

 

[inreb]

FYI: you shouldn't really take drugs like advil (ibuprofen) constantly, these companies do a good sell on the safety, but they typically lead to liver and stomach problems in chronic users.

Went to the pain clinic recently for a consistent 4/10 neck pain. She said Tylenol at the amounts I need daily will cause no long term damage. Total BS imho. Use drugs sparingly.

 

[RedDogDarren]

FYI: you shouldn't really take drugs like advil (ibuprofen) constantly, these companies do a good sell on the safety, but they typically lead to liver and stomach problems in chronic users.

What's happening is that over 40, core strength typically decreases, which means you put more strain on your position on your upper back, and pressure on your hands and arms while braking. This can lead to muscle and tendon pain, sometimes spasms (not fun) and tendonitis (also not fun).
People adjust the position, but it really doesn't fix the problem. At home core strength exercises work wonders (crunches, planks), but be prepared for 6-8 weeks to see any effect.
Short term, concentrate on bracing your self on the tank and consciously use your core to hold up you upper body with a lighter grab on the bars. It's kind of re-learning riding, but it should relieve any pain.

No. Cute advice but after a while the pure sport position is just not comfortable. I would offer myself as evidence as I am in the upper echelon of strength conditioning. Not bragging, just fact, and sport bikes still get uncomfortable.
Good advice on saying no to drugs.

 

[CafeRay]

Went to the pain clinic recently for a consistent 4/10 neck pain. She said Tylenol at the amounts I need daily will cause no long term damage. Total BS imho. Use drugs sparingly.

http://consumer.healthday.com/bone-...-against-back-pain-study-contends-690055.html

Lots of this is coming to light. There is a huge placebo effect with pain meds. The liver and stomach damage from these drugs is huge. People to take some, no effect, then take more.

 

[CafeRay]

No. Cute advice but after a while the pure sport position is just not comfortable. I would offer myself as evidence as I am in the upper echelon of strength conditioning. Not bragging, just fact, and sport bikes still get uncomfortable.
Good advice on saying no to drugs.

I check on Moto Ergo, the Blackbird position is quite low on the bars, but its somewhere between SS and ST.

what exactly is the upper echelon of strength conditioning? I'm down on the mezzanine.

 

[RedDogDarren]

What exactly is the upper echelon of strength conditioning? I'm down on the mezzanine.

Mezzanine huh? Somehow I doubt that, you have some knowledge.

Since you asked:
Weight training and bodybuilding (natural) for the past 35 years, bodybuilding competition many years ago in the NPC, won the Pacific USA and West Coast as a 19 year old and qualified for the Nationals, did a tour with the USMC, trained with a couple of IFBB pros when I lived in California, was on the tug of war team (unique method in the Marines, speed strength), did slightly over 10.6 sprinting the 100m at my best, play around with a friend in his dojo kickboxing and grappling but nothing serious, still train intensely when the old body permits it, and still asked if I am competing in shows. I'm no heavyweight but OK for an old man of 45.

And I still get uncomfortable on sportbikes on the long haul.

 

[inreb]

And I still get uncomfortable on sportbikes on the long haul.

imho I have to conclude people are just different in a way that is counter intuitive. I shouldn't be comfortable on a mountain bike where the seat is way higher than the handlebars but I am. Last year I rode my low bar Buell for long days no problem but I sit here typing this in discomfort.

 

[basmn]

Something is definitely wrong if you have to load up on Advil before riding, unless you've been couch surfing all winter. Maybe changes to a few ergos on the XX is all you need, but it's always fun to do some demo rides. Something smaller/lesser power will never give you the highway comfort of the Blackbird.

Nothing wrong with a few advil before a ride. Helps keep the arthritis in check.... yea us old guys still ride

 

[xxrider]

Thanks for all the good advice. Decision final, the Blackbird stays, but will explore Helibars!

 

[inreb]

Sounds dangerous, get a designated driver.

 

[Zoodles95]

Thanks for all the good advice. Decision final, the Blackbird stays, but will explore Helibars!

Worth a try... Do some mods to make the 'Bird fit you better. Beautiful ride. I would ask to ride with you since I am in Guelph but by the time you get out of first gear you would be gone! My poor CB 750 will never have a chance...

 

[Jayshun]

Just going to chime in quick. I believe a cbf1000 might suit you nicely, but I love the vfr's. Might want to give them a look.

 

[Morrissey]

I'd say pull the trigger. I have had my 600 bandit since 2010 and love it. The GSXF650 is basically the same bike, just 50cc bigger with FI and a full fairing. I have a full set of givi bags on mine, E41's on the sides and V45 on top. I have also added 1" bar risers and a Givi windscreen and love the bike. I have toured with it to the East Coast and through the norther States and found all day comfort was not a problem, once I installed to bar risers and windscreen. But I'm only 5'8" with T-rex arms, so if you're taller you may not find the stock reach as bad as I did! I think it has plenty of power to provide lots of fun and get you into trouble if you're not paying attention. I've ridden the GSXF too and the FI just makes the bike that much better. If it doesn't already have one, get the centre stand for it. I don't understand why all street bikes with a chain don't have one? I've also ridden the 1250 and if you're not riding two up, I actually like the 650 better. It revs higher and you can roll on the throttle a little harder without getting into as much trouble as the 1250. If you ride two up, the 1250 is the way to go. If I had it to do over again, I would have gotten one of those vario windshields with the adjustable lip.

 

[CafeRay]

Mezzanine huh? Somehow I doubt that, you have some knowledge.

Since you asked:
Weight training and bodybuilding (natural) for the past 35 years, bodybuilding competition many years ago in the NPC, won the Pacific USA and West Coast as a 19 year old and qualified for the Nationals, did a tour with the USMC, trained with a couple of IFBB pros when I lived in California, was on the tug of war team (unique method in the Marines, speed strength), did slightly over 10.6 sprinting the 100m at my best, play around with a friend in his dojo kickboxing and grappling but nothing serious, still train intensely when the old body permits it, and still asked if I am competing in shows. I'm no heavyweight but OK for an old man of 45.

And I still get uncomfortable on sportbikes on the long haul.

Exact opposite, bicycle racing. No real upper body strength and hold the least weight possible, but we have to hold our hands below our hip lines for hours while pushing the pedals. all cardio and V02 max.

 

[RedDogDarren]

Exact opposite, bicycle racing. No real upper body strength and hold the least weight possible, but we have to hold our hands below our hip lines for hours while pushing the pedals. all cardio and V02 max.

Hardcore endurance, you have my respect.

 

[busabim]

Thanks for all the good advice. Decision final, the Blackbird stays, but will explore Helibars!

Put some helibars and one inch risers on my busa as I was used to GS comfort.

You can also get LSL high bars and they are unreal compared to clip on changes. Anyone I know who has done this conversion would never go back . No more back/neck/shoulder pain of any kind

http://www.spieglerusa.com/handlebar-conversion-kit-4286.htm

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