Seat height and handling

[thompsonian]

So....did a little search, didn't find anything, so I'll ask away. Went for a quick jaunt out one of my favorite roads today, just to get some miles in the new bike. Rode out with the seat in the low position, then back in with it in the high position. I prefer the high position as I've got partial knee replacement on both knees and it feels more relaxed to me than the lower. But....it feels like the rear end wants to dance around everywhere. Does anyone else feel this way? Or could it be my lack of miles in recent years and getting back into the groove? Or possibly even pushing it a bit more as I'm more comfortable and confident when I'm relaxed?

 

[kebo123]

I am always on "high" seat position as it is more comfortable for my knees, especially on long trips. A bit harder to handle the bike on parking slots, but no difference with handling during ride - you just need to "used it" I suppose...

 

[rbentnail]

It's all in your head.....

 

[wheatonFJR]

The stock tires are crappy...as soon as you are done with them, the magic will begin.

 

[900gc]

On a MotoGP bike with them riding on the edge of insanity, changing the center of mass by raising/lowering the rider mass (seat height) can make a subtle difference in transitional handling, braking, etc. but... on our FJR's, ahhh, not so much.

 

[rbentnail]

On a MotoGP bike with them riding on the edge of insanity, changing the center of mass by raising/lowering the rider mass (seat height) can make a subtle difference in transitional handling, braking, etc. but... on our FJR's, ahhh, not so much.

Not unless you move the battery to under the seat

 

[Bill Lumberg]

I don't find any noticeable handling difference between low and high rider seat positions. My comfort seat did raise the passenger up a bit. And believe me I notice that ****. More at low or no speed than when grinding.

 

[mjs5761]

I'm 6' tall with a 32" inseam and started out on the factory lower position, but also found out that the taller position is most comfortable, and easier on the knees.

I do like being up a bit higher, but that means the wind shield has to go all the way up to avoid buffeting. I like the looks of the stock shield, so it is either all the way down or all the way up for highway speeds or high wind days.

Handling did not change with either position.

 

[Pterodactyl]

author="rbentnail"

It's all in your head.....

More likely in the arse....

 

[rbentnail]

author="rbentnail"It's all in your head.....

More likely in the arse....

If one's head is up one's arse, well then....

 

[K_Flyer]

I had about 20k on my '07 K1200GT when I had my first knee replacement. Had to put the seat in the high position to ride at the start but noticed a big difference in the handling so worked hard to get the flexibility back so I could lower the seat. With the second knee replacement, I kept the seat in the low position and suffered, which meant that the flexibility came back quicker.

On both the Beemer and my new FJR, I notice a difference in handling between full and empty gas tank. Should expect that. Moving your body up an inch or so would also affect the handling. I'm just a sport rider, not a hot shot.

Murray