Master Yoda Riding Position questions

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I find myself on occasion arching my back too much instead of aligning it as in Master Yoda position. Too much aligning (arched) causes me to have lower back pain. I have to remind myself to tip my hips just enough to have back straight & not arched. Getting between slumped & arched where you have no pain is the key for me, but then again I've aged some.
I'd like to chime in with one l more suggestion... on long rides, when you are at speed and the bike is tracking the road nicely, Don't hold on at all.

Seriously
If you don't have your hands on the hand grips they will not get numb. ( It's kinda like if you keep burning your fingers when you re sharpen the drill bit, just keep an eighth inch gap between the tip and the grinding wheel. That sucker will never get hot.) Of course you will have to get some sort of throttle lock or cruise control to keep rolling down the road. Rest your hands on your fuel tank to help support your back. I've gone half way across the country and back using this technique coupled with Master Yoda. It took my mind away from the pain in my scapula and let me enjoy all those corn fields - miles and miles and miles of corn fields.

Brodie

 
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Ok, I know I am new to the FJR community and I have been spending money on my bike like I own an oil company but I have a few questions. First off I have a real problem with Throttle hand numbness. After 10 miles I have to take my hand off the throttle and use my Left hand. Not safe I know but I'm not willing to pull over and rest every 10 miles either. So I have been doing alot of searching to find out about the Throttle spring return mod and the G2 mod. I am riding an 07 AE and the throttle feels real stiff. So which way is better, TSR or G2. For some reason from reading other posts it seems the G2 fixes both but I could be wrong.
The problem is caused by your death grip of the throttle. Using a Crampbuster / Throttle Rocker will allow you to completely relax your grip at all times. Using a cruise control or throttle lock device will only help when on the highway where it can be deployed. That is why I have both a Throttle rocker and an electronic cruise control.

Now the other thing. I think I am a total wimp. I rode the other day to LA and back, 250 miles or so and my lower back was screaming at me. Matter of fact on the way down at about mile 100 I was in some severe pain. Some of this I know if from another injury I had 4 years ago when I was doing a high speed wheelie on my dirt bike and looped it over. My tailbone has still never been the same. Figured my custom BMS saddle would do the trick, and it seems great on my 50 mile commute but this ride to LA was miserable. Long story short I have been searching about hand numbness etc and came across this technique called the Master Yoda Riding Position. Never used it or tried it but sounds like it might be the ticket. One other question, do you ride on the balls of your feet or arches? I have always been an arches person but am thinking the MYRP seems to be teaching the opposite even though I never say where it said either way? Any ideas, tricks, tips to help out a SORE FJR owner let me know. Also being 6'4 and 260lbs isn't helping out either I suppose. Time to lose some lbs....
I can see from your avatar picture that you are riding in an extremely slumped position (convex back). This is undoubtedly the source of your back problems. If anything, your lower back should be very slightly arched (concave), with your torso leaned slightly forward and being supported by your legs on the footpegs (not your arms and hands on the bars). Being able to support your torso is the idea behind moving your feet back so the balls of the feet rest on the pegs. Arms should be loose with some bend at the elbows. This is the basis of the Master Yoda Riding Position. As others have said, learn to use it. It is what allows people to ride thousand mile days and walk the next day. I have never heard of anyone that is using it correctly having any comfort problems with that position.

 
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Unfortunately mods do have to be done on the FJR if you really want long distance comfort. Believe me because I am a chronic pain patient due to arthritis of the spine, (and alot of other affected areas) and finding comfort on a bike is a paramont goal for me.

As mentioned, do the spring mod, easy peasy. Next but not neccessary for wrist comfort, is the G-2 mod and throttle rocker as mentioned. I use a Kuryakin which is a rubberized wrap and a set of Grip Puppies to help eleminate vibration on the hands. Next get a set of Wild Bill pegs for another place to move your feet to while riding(not for wrists). And lastly but not for wrist comfort is get an after-market seat or have one made. Russell or Meyer's make the best. I made my own and plan on making another. Also of importance could be a set of risers for the bars or trees that would bring the bars up and farther back. World of difference as these all ad up to "comfort". Just do these and you won't regret it. Good luck and keep us updated. PM. <>< ;)

 
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One thing that really helped out my wrist numbness was adding the 1" bar risers. That in addition to a ThrottleRocker and Vista Cruise.

Also, lots of stretching. One thing to help out the knees I tend to put my feet up on the fairing, on the black inserts of the fairing just under the handlebars, that really helps out to stretch the back a bit too. Not real comfortable to ride a bunch of miles, but for a couple just to stretch.

Grady

 
One thing that really helped out my wrist numbness was adding the 1" bar risers. That in addition to a ThrottleRocker and Vista Cruise.
Also, lots of stretching. One thing to help out the knees I tend to put my feet up on the fairing, on the black inserts of the fairing just under the handlebars, that really helps out to stretch the back a bit too. Not real comfortable to ride a bunch of miles, but for a couple just to stretch.

Grady

We'll need pitcher evidence of this contortionist act (I think)

 
Johnny80s recipe to keep the feeling in your hands

1. Do the Throttle Spring Mod - This is A number 1

2. Get Grip Puppies - for 9 bucks who cares if they eventually disintegrate

3. Get some kind of a throttle lock or cruise control - it doesn't matter which one just find one you like

4. Crampbuster - this is great but with the throttle spring unwound once you might not need it. While holding the throttle, open your fingers and rest them on the brake lever. Your hand will still keep the throttle where it needs to be. Again this is a $10 item so get one and check it out.

5. Makes sure your gloves are sized right. Too small and they will cramp your hands.

G2 throttle mod - will not help with numbness in your hand but does help for a smoother roll on of power when turning the throttle. Great for low speed turns.

So go buy some grip puppies and a crampbuster. Spend 20 bucks on those first. Then do the throttle spring unwind. If you are nervous about this find someone in your area to help you. It is easy but if you have not removed the gas tank it can be intimidating.

Motorcycle riding over long distance is something you need to work up to. If you don't do long rides a lot then go out and pound out 250 miles you are going to feel it. Keep practicing and it will get better. Also after a few 1000 miles if your seat is not comfortable call Rocky up and get it fixed. He stands by his product.

Hope my 2 cents helps.

 
Unfortunately mods do have to be done on the FJR if you really want long distance comfort. Believe me because I am a chronic pain patient due to arthritis of the spine, (and alot of other affected areas) and finding comfort on a bike is a paramont goal for me. As mentioned, do the spring mod, easy peasy. Next but not neccessary for wrist comfort, is the G-2 mod and throttle rocker as mentioned. I use a Kuryakin which is a rubberized wrap and a set of Grip Puppies to help eleminate vibration on the hands. Next get a set of Wild Bill pegs for another place to move your feet to while riding(not for wrists). And lastly but not for wrist comfort is get an after-market seat or have one made. Russell or Meyer's make the best. I made my own and plan on making another. Also of importance could be a set of risers for the bars or trees that would bring the bars up and farther back. World of difference as these all ad up to "comfort". Just do these and you won't regret it. Good luck and keep us updated. PM. <>< ;)
Sorry, but I think the above post goes directly AGAINST the tenor of this thread.

It's about 'Master Yoda Riding Position' which is a way to position yourself on a motorcycle for control and comfort -- not about modifying/changing your bike's ergonomics/physical design.

If you chose the wrong motorcycle for your riding style? -- good luck in redesigning it to fit your style.

High speed, long distance riding has been done for decades and a preferential (riding) form (as well as m/c design) has predominated -- something like what 'Master Yoda' has described.

 
Unfortunately mods do have to be done on the FJR if you really want long distance comfort. Believe me because I am a chronic pain patient due to arthritis of the spine, (and alot of other affected areas) and finding comfort on a bike is a paramont goal for me. As mentioned, do the spring mod, easy peasy. Next but not neccessary for wrist comfort, is the G-2 mod and throttle rocker as mentioned. I use a Kuryakin which is a rubberized wrap and a set of Grip Puppies to help eleminate vibration on the hands. Next get a set of Wild Bill pegs for another place to move your feet to while riding(not for wrists). And lastly but not for wrist comfort is get an after-market seat or have one made. Russell or Meyer's make the best. I made my own and plan on making another. Also of importance could be a set of risers for the bars or trees that would bring the bars up and farther back. World of difference as these all ad up to "comfort". Just do these and you won't regret it. Good luck and keep us updated. PM. <>< ;)
Sorry, but I think the above post goes directly AGAINST the tenor of this thread.

It's about 'Master Yoda Riding Position' which is a way to position yourself on a motorcycle for control and comfort -- not about modifying/changing your bike's ergonomics/physical design.

If you chose the wrong motorcycle for your riding style? -- good luck in redesigning it to fit your style.

High speed, long distance riding has been done for decades and a preferential (riding) form (as well as m/c design) has predominated -- something like what 'Master Yoda' has described.
Well I'm sorry that your sorry my reply goes directly (NOW LETS YELL, "AGAINST" THE TENOR OF THIS THREAD). Maybe the first three quarters of his thread "BEFORE" the poster even mentioned the word YODA is meaningless and and really has NOTHING to do with THE YODA RIDING POSITION but has MANY THINGS to do with his problems while riding the bike. And which in my response address's THOSE concerns and the concens of MANY here who have had similar if not the same EXACT same symptoms and have MODIFIED their FJR to FIT THEIR ERGONOMICS/PHYSICAL design to help get rid of not ONLY WRIST AND BACK PROBLEMS but many other issues that can cause discomfort.

So do you still think I picked the WRONG motorcycle for MY STYLE? Are you a mind reader or do you just make generalizations on what type of bike people should or shouldn't ride? Get real.

Maybe you could say I modified my bike to fit my style but really I modified my bike so I could just ride it, period. My neck is fused, my spine is fused, my ribs are fused. I could go on but I wouldn't want to crimp your response to mine. As a matter of fact I had to modify all my bikes and my cars for the same reason. Praise GOD I can even walk let alone ride a bike. You couldn't walk ten feet in my flesh friend, you couldn't stand the pain. GET it, PAINMAN? So I guess your definition of long distance and endurance are really different from mine.

High speed, long distance, something dreamed about and only conqured rarely by some. Maybe I should have mentioned that in my first reply that the Yoda riding positions doesn't work for me but I thought my suggestions to the writers complaints would be more benefical. I was only trying to help the poster GET SOME COMFORT just like the majority here who have modified their FJR to gain comfort to "fit their style". And you know, I know without a doubt this is the bike for me and I've had GREAT SUCCESS in making these modifications. Just like the many that did their modifications before me. And I say a huge THANK YOU to them for their ideas and helpful input. So if the Yoda Positions doesn't work for you, modify without abandon......Hey, Yoda might even work WITH modification. What a concept. PEACE. PM. ><> ;)

 
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Maybe you could say I modified my bike to fit my style but really I modified my bike so I could just ride it, period. My neck is fused, my spine is fused, my ribs are fused.
As much as I agree with you,and admire your,over coming the above mentioned obstacles,I was just wondering if you have relays on all of those fuses? :yahoo:

Just thought I'd throw in a little time out!(Not that I don't think a belt would work).........

 
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I find myself on occasion arching my back too much instead of aligning it as in Master Yoda position. Too much aligning (arched) causes me to have lower back pain. I have to remind myself to tip my hips just enough to have back straight & not arched. Getting between slumped & arched where you have no pain is the key for me, but then again I've aged some.
I'd like to chime in with one l more suggestion... on long rides, when you are at speed and the bike is tracking the road nicely, Don't hold on at all.

Seriously
If you don't have your hands on the hand grips they will not get numb. ( It's kinda like if you keep burning your fingers when you re sharpen the drill bit, just keep an eighth inch gap between the tip and the grinding wheel. That sucker will never get hot.) Of course you will have to get some sort of throttle lock or cruise control to keep rolling down the road. Rest your hands on your fuel tank to help support your back. I've gone half way across the country and back using this technique coupled with Master Yoda. It took my mind away from the pain in my scapula and let me enjoy all those corn fields - miles and miles and miles of corn fields.

Brodie
While the hands-off approach may be good for your forearm recovery, it is kinda dangerous. Turning your head to one side for a couple of seconds can have catastrophic results. I tried this on Rt66 near Beantown, IL and I looked over to wave at another biker on the paralled HWY 57. I ran off the road into the graveled shoulder at 60 MPH. The bike stayed vertical and recovered, but wholly **** - that was exciting for a few seconds. Yes, it was due to my own stupidity.

If I cannot be a shining example, please let me serve as a horrible warning.

"Hands-off" is not recommended. Bikes are much too weight shift sensitive.

 
Maybe you could say I modified my bike to fit my style but really I modified my bike so I could just ride it, period. My neck is fused, my spine is fused, my ribs are fused.
Just thought I'd throw in a little time out!(Not that I don't think a belt would work).........
We don't use belts, we use drive shafts...

Burp...... :clown2: :stinker:

Now back to topic.....

 
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I feel your pain!! Biggest help for me was the Heli Top clamp. It rotaes the angle of the grips up to a more natural position.

I had the same pain and numbness issues and these have gone away since i installed the heli clamp. No throttle tube, no spring unwind. 4 to 500 mile days are no longer a problem My 2 cents.

reddog

 
<snip>...Ok, ...I have a few questions. ...came across this technique called the Master Yoda Riding Position. Never used it or tried it but sounds like it might be the ticket. One other question, do you ride on the balls of your feet or arches? I have always been an arches person but am thinking the MYRP seems to be teaching the opposite
Well, a few have replied 'on topic' -- but, I guess it's too much to hope for that others will...?

Instead of talking about all the band-aid accessories purchased, couldn't we stick to the topic -- Master Yoda Riding Position? :huh: :(

I'm merely another FJR rider that would like to see more discussion on the topic (if any?) -- there's plenty of threads devoted to equipment add-ons to change the FJR.

 
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I got to say it really works!!! I went out yesterday morning with no destination and no time limit. Being Bike week is starting i tried to stay on all back roads, twisties, staights, bumpy etc. tried to have all types of driving time in the saddle to experiment with using the MYRP. I concentrated most on moving up on the tank and staying on the balls of my feet. Elbow were another hard thing as my reach isnt the best but made the effort and din the chicken wing postion. riding 10 miles along the beach i think was the hardest, cause at a slow speed you become laxed. Well anyway it worked great got home at 6:30pm 9hrs in the saddle with 1 stop for fuel & 1 stop for a bite to eat, and 1 on main steet. no back pain, wrist felt good, and next day no post complaints. I am now a young(old) jedi

Also met a fellow FJR rider in the day. "stevesfjr" good meeting you, look foward to rides in the future.

Bob

 
Last year I had to have my ankle fused and have a lot of metal parts and had to see the Orthopedist last Friday about perhaps removing some of the hardware. I asked him about the wrist numbness I get sometimes and I feel it in my shoulder to on the right side only. I though the 2 might be interconnected but he suspected that anytime the wrist hurts and are fingers are cold, he suspects blood circulation is impeded. I loosened my grip and made sure my shoulders were not up by my ears but relaxed. It seemed to help a lot over the weekend. He also told me for my lower back tightness when I take a break lay on my back with my heels close to my butt and push my pelvis up a dozen times or so. He said it helps relax the muscles. Have not tried that one yet.

 
He also told me for my lower back tightness when I take a break lay on my back with my heels close to my butt and push my pelvis up a dozen times or so. He said it helps relax the muscles. Have not tried that one yet.

Visualizing that little exercise at a busy rest area. :blink:

You'll have the wimmen grabbing the young 'uns and running for cover... :lol:

 
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