Motorcycle Racers that are successful know ergonomics as well as they know horsepower. A comfortable, tuned in feel of your motorcycle is important when one thinks of handling and quick maneuvers on the track, or on the street. How do you find that ergonomic comfort zone on your scooter? By practicing slow skill riding. Slow control and balance of your motorcycle is much harder than when you are motivating down the highway at speed. Anything that just doesn’t “feel” right will surface practicing slow speed maneuvers in a parking lot and you will find your ergonomic challenges before they become an issue on the street.
Does your front wheel feel heavy at slow speed in a parking lot; your handlebars could be too far back, or you could be seated too far back. If your arms are straight you have eliminated any flexibility and steering control you might have. The rake of your front forks will also give you that ‘flopping’ feel when turning or weaving and could be a factory Ergonomic Challenge that you will have to learn to love.
Are you having trouble leaning and turning from a dead stop, like leaving the party from a parking stall? It could be a high Center of Gravity affecting the balance of your bike. Try switching to a lower seat, or add a lowering kit to your bike. And be sure to practice proper rear brake and clutch control as you leave the parking spot, there is no need to let the clutch out all the way until you are underway.
The position of the rear brake pedal will contribute greatly to your safety in emergency situations on the street. Can you get to the foot pedal freely without twisting your leg to reach the lever? Does your toe touch anything or catch on anything while it is on the pedal, or on the way to the pedal? The rear brake pedal should be a natural reach by your right leg and an easy ankle movement to apply braking pressure.
Anything keeping you from easy and smooth braking should be corrected ASAP.
Control boils down to how well you fit in the saddle. How is the reach to the bars?
How balanced does it feel coming off the kickstand? Motorcycle aftermarket and O.E.M. parts like shocks, seats, footrests, handlebars and controls can help a scooter overcome its ergonomic challenges and become your dream machine where you can ride all day in complete comfort and control. If you cannot get ergonomically comfortable after a few modifications then maybe you should be looking for a different scooter. If you are thinking of an upgrade try out several models, take advantage of Dealer Demo Days, look around at the motorcycles of those you ride with, and don’t let the medal flake paint job fool you, smart riders are shopping for good Ergonomics and not just bling. At highway speed, or in the parking lot, your ergonomic comfort will equal control and control is what will get you home.
John ‘Hammer’ Hanzlik
American Legion Riders Post 1
Omaha, Neb.

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