The ergonomic experiment

The XS500 came with a similar looking part stock .....

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It appears that the raised "ring" rides in between the chain's side plates on the rollers. Not sure if this part could be adapted for 650 use or not.
 
The XS500 came with a similar looking part stock .....

Z9rQdwz.jpg


ltvFr67.jpg


It appears that the raised "ring" rides in between the chain's side plates on the rollers. Not sure if this part could be adapted for 650 use or not.

Interesting, but you've just horrified Bob with that photo of the filthy chaincase ! ;)
 
This subject interested me and thanks for the motivation to fix some things. My 1975 XS was actually getting to be not enjoyable to drive. Taking it out less each year and that bothered me.
Some time spent readjusting carbs, softer rear shocks made it a little more user friendly to be around. But now I decided to tackle the too firm seat foam and while for me it turned out to be a lot of work the ride is transformed ! Old seat was way too firm and the rider was always sliding forward, not helped by the slope of the front of seat. Soft foam has transformed the ride.
I’d have to suspect that foam can get more brittle with age sometimes ?
 

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This subject interested me and thanks for the motivation to fix some things. My 1975 XS was actually getting to be not enjoyable to drive. Taking it out less each year and that bothered me.
Some time spent readjusting carbs, softer rear shocks made it a little more user friendly to be around. But now I decided to tackle the too firm seat foam and while for me it turned out to be a lot of work the ride is transformed ! Old seat was way too firm and the rider was always sliding forward, not helped by the slope of the front of seat. Soft foam has transformed the ride.
I’d have to suspect that foam can get more brittle with age sometimes ?

Wow! I’m happy to hear you found it interesting. So did you try what I had outlined near the beginning of this article, cutting out some of the old foam and inserting memory foam? Old foam definitely gets stiff , even crumbly over the years.
 
Ergonomic experiment update:

As you might recall, if you’re reading this, in an effort to make my bike a more comfortable highway rider, I made a number of changes aimed at relaxing the riding position and dropping high speed RPM’s. I did the following,

1. Taller handlebars with more pullback, and a longer brake line it requires
2. Foam handgrips
3. Highway pegs for that kicked back riding position
4. A 31 tooth rear sprocket to drop rpms at highway speed
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So now I’ve had time to rack some miles up. I have taken it out a bunch of times now for a couple hours or more each time, all rides have included long stretches at 60 - 65 mph. And I’ve reached some surprising ( to me at least )
conclusions.

First up the handlebars, I really really wanted to like them. Just sitting in the garage they feel so comfortable, I’m more upright and it just felt more relaxed. Around town they’re fine, but I wanted them for faster, longer rides.
The reality , for me at least, is that they feel good early on but as the miles pile up, my lower back starts squawking because of my upright seating position, so to compensate I start leaning forward but the bars are high and close so I bend my arms in an uncomfortable way to compensate. In the end they just aren’t working for me, a huge disappointment. Also when you make a U turn the bars felt awkward and they crowd you.

The highway bars, again I really wanted to like them, but I don’t. They made me feel less in control of the bike, it’s probably just me, but I’m not into them.

The foam grips, Love em, they’re fat and squishy and do a great jobs of neutralizing vibes, plus they’re very comfortable.

The 31 tooth rear sprocket, Love that too, the motor feels very relaxed at highway speeds.

So, here’s the current set up,
Handlebars - Back to stock, along with the shorter brake line
Grips - Still running the foamies
Highway Pegs - Outa here!
31 tooth sprocket - Still running it
And.....The Givi windshield is off for now , replaced with a fly screen , for at least the summer.
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I’ve always been a skeptic of those who say that lower bars that lean you into the wind is the way to go for comfort, but I’m starting to get that. Now I’m thinking what’s next? Maybe some low rise handlebars? Maybe some bar end mirrors? Who knows.
To quote George Jones,
“I got a hundred dollars smokin' in my billfold
I know I ought to save it, but it's burnin' a hole
Right through my pocket and into my skin
Come Monday morning I'll be broke again“

Later, Bob :bike:
 
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So, I thought u were runnimg a 33 or 32 for a while, big difference to the 31?

Yeah on this bike I was running a 33 originally. If this was my only bike, I’d probably still be running a 33. With the 31 you do lose some snap off of the line and it’s a little less exciting around town. My XS2 has a 34 tooth rear and is a real ripper for running around the neighborhood.
Going from the 33 down to a 31 makes cruising at speed feel much more relaxed with less vibes and the bike pulls it easily.
 
Yeah on this bike I was running a 33 originally. If this was my only bike, I’d probably still be running a 33. With the 31 you do lose some snap off of the line and it’s a little less exciting around town. My XS2 has a 34 tooth rear and is a real ripper for running around the neighborhood.
Going from the 33 down to a 31 makes cruising at speed feel much more relaxed with less vibes and the bike pulls it easily.
Glad you've found a combination that works for you, Bob.
The handlebars that you've returned to are my favorite!
I've got them on my '75 and the '82; they make me happy :)
.
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Bar end mirrors are nice. I put these on my RE. New it had 2 perch mount mirrors. They were OK until you started the bike. Going down the road I had 6 mirrors. Couldn't see shit out of any of them. The bar ends are great crystal clear. I do wish they were a little bigger. Only bad thing about bar end mirrors are they make the bike seem wider.
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Best mirrors of any bike I have ever rode are the ones on my BMr. Fairing mount, plenty big and clear as a bell.
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On my XS2 I still run a single mirror. It's not as clear at speed as the other two bikes but it's close, can see fine out of it. Thought about bar mounts but I just don't think they would look right. Also I don't want to cut the ends off of the grips.
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Speaking of mirrors the one I've had on my XS2 is aftermarket. Have never liked it real well as it doesn't have the same lengths and bends as the original had. Found a NOS on E-Bay last week.
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The blue on the back is the original plastic protector.
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Very interesting conclusions Bob. I get the words about the bars and the HW pegs too. I have tried pegs but always felt insecure and the higher bars on the ‘81 Special haven’t worked for me either. OTOH, the stock ‘76 bars on Lucille feel about perfect and I am anxious to try the Euro bars on Betty (‘78E).

It is good to try new things though.

Now, where did I put that hoopla-hoop?

Pete
 
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I like bar end mirrors because they give the best view of what's behind you. They help with the bar vibration like bar end weights. With the carbs synced you get an almost super clear view at speed. If you need less width most can rotate inward.
 
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