Master Yoda Riding Position questions

[lacofdfireman]

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.

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....

 

[eeksnake]

Google search returns some interesting information. (+master +yoda +riding +position site:fjrforum.com).

According to the author of the article, you want to be on the balls of your feet (not your arches.)

As for tips, I found that a Vista Cruise throttle lock gives my throttle hand a welcome break. Stretching my legs out every once in a while and shifting around in my seat keeps most aches and pains at bay. I don't do this, but I know folks who take Advil or Ibuprofen prior to a long ride. They swear it works wonders.

 

[03HiYoSilver]

Laco..

Here is the link to the Spring Release: https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...st&p=220804

Initially I had the same feelings you did. I did the Spring Release and then the Grip Puppies and all is well.

https://www.casporttouring.com/store/mercha.../Yamaha_FJR1300

I also have the inexpensive VistaCruise that works well for me.

https://www.jpcycles.com/ProductDetail.aspx...0408&cs=All

Hope this helps.

 

[monk69]

Welcome......Myself starting into my 2nd ½ of life......I've noticed that it's a good thing that the recommeded foot placement are the balls of my feet,because even if it wasn't,it's something everyone(younger)should start doing.I,ve had the arch of my feet on those pegs since 62,trust me,your arches will start giving up on you,so you might as well start learning new tricks now.You will win on both counts.Proper tech.,and comfort.

For me,as far as the throttle,I find the "Brakeaway" throttle control has what I need / I can lock it,or release it with my right thumb,or it will release at the touch of the f.brake lever( $150 ± ? )

 

[lacofdfireman]

Laco..
Here is the link to the Spring Release: https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...st&p=220804

Initially I had the same feelings you did. I did the Spring Release and then the Grip Puppies and all is well.

https://www.casporttouring.com/store/mercha.../Yamaha_FJR1300

I also have the inexpensive VistaCruise that works well for me.

https://www.jpcycles.com/ProductDetail.aspx...0408&cs=All

Hope this helps.

Thanks for all the replies. I have already done the grip puppies. Like I said I have been searching and reading about the G2 mod and found out about the TPR was also a fix. Then after more reading it seems the G2 covers both? Is this right? Also I am thinking that while I am doing all of this I am going to try and change grips. I don't care for the stock grips, I would like something alot softer and larger. I like the grip puppies but think when they get wet they won't last long.

As far as the MYRP I will try the technique of riding on the balls of my feet. Something new to be but if it helps I will be forever greatful. Also I am going to have to put the Vista Cruise up high on the priority list while I am messing with my Throttle. Hopefully the numbness will be a thing of the past before to long. I need bar end weights to....

 

[vabrzn]

Pick up a hand exerciser at Wally World for $3 and use it while your waiting for stuff to load on your PC, after awhile ,really helps with hand numbness, etc.

 

[HartClimbs]

Pick up a hand exerciser at Wally World for $3 and use it while your waiting for stuff to load on your PC, after awhile ,really helps with hand numbness, etc.

For longer rides - you can try a crampbuster. For me - really makes a difference after a few hundred miles.

I don't use it around town, but for 10 bucks - it's a cheap thing to try and slips on and off in a few seconds.

Get the "Oversize version" so it fits over the grip puppies. Good luck.

Crampbuster Website

 

[SCRider]

Thanks for all the replies. I have already done the grip puppies. Like I said I have been searching and reading about the G2 mod and found out about the TPR was also a fix. Then after more reading it seems the G2 covers both? Is this right? Also I am thinking that while I am doing all of this I am going to try and change grips. I don't care for the stock grips, I would like something alot softer and larger. I like the grip puppies but think when they get wet they won't last long.

I have exactly the same problem with the numb right hand after 10 minutes of riding. One thing I just found out was that my gloves were causing some of the problem. If I rode without gloves, I could go about 30 minutes without numbness. I don't know if it's because they are stiff and it takes effort to close my hand just to overcome the stiffness or because I loose some "feel" of the throttle and I was gripping tighter. I have tried to stretch them out some and will give them another try.

The Vista Cruise is the best thing I've done to help with this problem. To give the necessary clearance to install the lock, I had to move the stock grip slightly outward where it tends to drag on the bar end. I had to add some washers behind the bar end to move it outward and it's not a problem now. I'm a little concerned that unwrapping the throttle spring would cause this problem to arise again so I haven't done it. Some people have released the spring and it was too loose so they put it back to stock. The real answer is for someone to make a throttle spring out of a smaller wire diameter to reduce the force but what a pain that would be to install. Unwrapping the stock spring just reduces the preload, sometimes to 0 which is not really the answer.

The G2 just changes the throttle cam to reduce the "instant on" throttle and would do nothing to reduce the spring tension (I don't have the G2 but this is what I've read here).

 

[RatoneMuerto]

I can relate to the spending money like an oil baron.The way I am going on a restoration it wont be long before I have to pitch my tent in the back yard to join the dogs.My hand still goes numb even after two years with my FJR.I personally think the angle of the bars is off by a few degrees.I dont have this problem riding my vintage cruiser or a buddies BMW RT.The Heli-bar fix was a major improvement for me and several on here have reported great improvement on Gen 2 using the Heli-bar.The angle is changed slightly with the farkle as well as brought back towards you .I can only relate to a Gen 1 but what I see and read is the problem is still there into the second generation.I have always used a Throttlemeister over the years.Pricey?Yes but so much going for it with the good bar end weights.You can always use these guys for your cruise control.Very pricey but excels beyond anything I have seen.Since you are in a spending mode check out these guys. Farkles.You just might find a few good things to increase you comfort and safety.The highway pegs are pretty good.I have always tried to think of adapting the bike to me instead of me adapting to it.I have been told that the 2009 models will have changes in the ergonomics.So maybe Yama Mama listened to the gripes

 

[Checkswrecks]

You've got 2 complaints and maybe 3. All are covered in MANY previous threads.

#1: Wrist/hand:

Throttle spring release is free and works wonders toward relieving your hand/wrist. Did it to both of my FJRs.

Throttle rockers or any of the other paddles work and are good bang for the buck. But they just don't compare to taking your hand completely off the throttle like you can with any of the throttle-locks, be it a vista cruise or one of the bar-end types. Had both and settled on a VistaCruise for this bike.

#2: Lower back:

First, realize that you can slightly change the position of the bars. Look for how in your owners manual or previous threads. Second, being a firefighter, I'll venture a guess that you're a big guy, so look into spacers (such as Helibar) that set your bars up and aft. There's another current thread where a new owner is showing photos of all his new farkles, so check that one out.

Use your clock for something more than telling the time. On the hour and half-hour, shake out each leg and arm, do a full stand, stretch, shake out your ***, head-roll to twist your neck, etc. (Cars behind usually suddenly drop waaay back.) Then go thru a full bike check for gas level, look around the bike that you can see, whether you like the radio station you're listening to, etc. You'll be amazed how refreshing it is and how much longer you can go. If I'm on a really long ride, I do a partial shake-out every 20 minutes.

Master Yoda is a learned technique that works for some and not for others, but after a while you never think about it. Personally, my knees are usually in contact with the fairing and I do ride on my arches unless in the twisties. I also occasionally put my left hand back on the passenger grab rail to twist my back and act as a back-rest.

 

[Bigbeavk]

Hi Everyone,

I've had my 07 cherri' for 3 weeks now and 2300miles. Throttle spring mod was done 1st "Oh What a relief it is" and what a great write up and pictures for instruction by Rick. Then grip puppies and cramp buster were added. G2 just arrived to finish the job. I can see the maybe just the G2 would work but since I went for the spring 1st I feel that it was needed anyway. Some sort of cruise control will be added sooner or later.

As for the seat I'm sure a new seat is in the future but I am getting used to it. It takes time to evaluate but I need a little lower one anyway. It does help to move around a little now and then I'm not into going out for short rides(under 50 miles) so changing positions helps a lot.

Man what an awesome bike!!! :yahoo: And man what an awesome forum!!!! I've been reading for over a year while I had my Harley and really enjoy the team work. I hope to meet up with a bunch of you all sometime and ride into the back roads. :yahoo:

 

[Kieth]

Get on the balls of your feet, it preloads the tendons in your legs, helps take weight off your hands, and helps support your back.......it also keeps one from dragging their feet in corners and transfers weight to a lower position on the bike. This is why the Harley feet sticking out riding position is really so uncomfortable, it makes one support all of your body weight on the base of your spine....................Kieth in Tulsa

"riding a motorcycle well is a combination of lots of very small things, that when changed make riding so much more fun"

"On the Gas, loose on the bars, turn your head and look dummy look" :clapping:

Hi Everyone,I've had my 07 cherri' for 3 weeks now and 2300miles. Throttle spring mod was done 1st "Oh What a relief it is" and what a great write up and pictures for instruction by Rick. Then grip puppies and cramp buster were added. G2 just arrived to finish the job. I can see the maybe just the G2 would work but since I went for the spring 1st I feel that it was needed anyway. Some sort of cruise control will be added sooner or later.

As for the seat I'm sure a new seat is in the future but I am getting used to it. It takes time to evaluate but I need a little lower one anyway. It does help to move around a little now and then I'm not into going out for short rides(under 50 miles) so changing positions helps a lot.

Man what an awesome bike!!! :yahoo: And man what an awesome forum!!!! I've been reading for over a year while I had my Harley and really enjoy the team work. I hope to meet up with a bunch of you all sometime and ride into the back roads. :yahoo:

 

[FJR1300Mark]

G2, grip puppies, and throttle lock make a huge difference.

Also having gloves that fit correctly while holding the throttle are huge too. If you are fighting your glove all the time it will really tire you.

Change sitting positions and standup or move arround enough to keep the circulation moving in your lower half.

 

[happyPuppy]

I agree with Keith. Before I learned to ride that way I had problems too. Some boots really help you get in the right position too, one reason to go to a well stocked shop, and put on boots and get on your bike or one like it. The difference is amazing. The HD boots do not work for me at all, others did much better helping get my weight off my wrists

 

[Jetmaker737]

The G2 just changes the throttle cam to reduce the "instant on" throttle and would do nothing to reduce the spring tension (I don't have the G2 but this is what I've read here).

LACO - This is the correct answer to your question as to whether the G2 mod solves all the throttle issues. It doesn't. A PCIII also helps in a big way in terms of throttle response (but again, not stiffness)

 

[mattster31]

Pick up a hand exerciser at Wally World for $3 and use it while your waiting for stuff to load on your PC, after awhile ,really helps with hand numbness, etc.

Doesn't everyone strengthen their hand the old fashioned way????

BTW, the MYRP works for me.

 

[RatoneMuerto]

Laco

Gear makes a big difference!With my arthritis I have found that I am spending more money on gear than ever before.My Harley style boots work well on my cruiser and standard but pain sneaks in soon if I dont wear the correct shoes on the FJR.The AGV Sebring boot has been great for me on my FJR.I have also worn just a good running shoe which is not a good idea protection wise but like the AGV the balls of my feet are held in position by the way they are made.I am not fighting the weight of the shoe.I always keep different styles of gloves with me.I have the fingerless,ultra soft full fingered touring and compression knit for warm riding.I have also experimented with a modified ace bandage under deer skin when my arthritis is really bad.Before you plop down big bucks for a seat look at adding something as simple as the beaded pad.Spending $35 is always better than $350.No one likes monkey butt!

 

[Harald]

The G2 won't help you during highway cruising - it only changes off idle throttle response by making it smoother. What will help is the grip puppies to isolate your hands from vibration (and possibly the larger diameter) and the throttle spring unwind. I did the spring unwind as soon as I got home from the dealer and added grip puppies later. I've also added a Audiovox cruise control and it really helps on long trips.

But those mods by themselves won't help if you don't use the Yoda technique and most importantly stop giving the grips a "death grip." I've been riding my entire adult life (over 25 years) and I still have to consciously remind myself to loosen my grip on the bars. My hands go numb when I forget to hold on loosely.

BTW, I just completed a SaddleSore 1000 ride (over 1000 miles in less than 24 hours) a week ago and had no numb hands. I did end up with a knot in my upper back (life long back problems) and of course a sore butt. I guess the sore butt is the conditioning necessary to develope an Iron Butt.

 

[Wolfhound]

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.