Seating Position Changes

[Electric Head]

I thought I'd post up an experience I've been having, not a seat change, handlebar position actually, but it changes seating position.

I have an 06 Fatboy, stock everything as far as seating is concerned. I have removed my rear shift lever, so my feet are in the same spot on the boards. I lifted my grips about an inch maybe a little more, and the effect it has had is pretty profound, but mainly not for good. I lifted them to try and get my back more upright, which it does but I'm actually used to using my back muscles more now, so it feels sorta worse, holding it in a different position.

More wind hits me now I'm slightly more upright, and the bars have more leverage in this position, so wind blows me around a lot more. Also initiating a lean takes more upper body movement as the ends of the bars need to move more to turn the front the same amount.

I've noticed I feel less stable, like more top-heavy, but also that it is easier to reach the ground, as I guess my hips must be rolled forward more from sitting more upright.

Also noticeable is the weight on the bike, my old riding position leans me more forward, making the bike drive the line with the front wheel, whereas now it feels more balanced. I can feel the front end bump a little more with less weight on it, and can feel the rear carrying more weight around corners. I don't really like this, the rear seemed to be carrying enough before, now I feel it has too much, I can feel it move around a little more now during cornering.

Right now I want to change back to my old setup, but I'll give the new setup a fair chance to convince me that I like it. It does feel very "touring" - hands up higher, sitting up straighter, but it hasn't really given me what I was looking for, and has certainly shown me a lot of unforeseen ill side-effects.

Anyways, I just thought I'd share, feel free to comment!