Need more upright rising position

[PilotC150]

After this past summer and going on a couple of the longest rides I've gone on (nearly 200 miles for each ride, I've only been riding for two years) I've found that my lower back simply does not like the riding position on the 2000 Kat 600 for that long.

I've come to the conclusion that I either need to find a way to sit more upright on the bike, or I'll have to sell the Kat and get something new.

There are two things I think I can do to change the riding position. I'm looking for input and thoughts on my plan.

1) Raise the bars. I found 1" handlebar risers that appear to simply bolt on and don't require any changes to throttle, clutch or brake lines.
2) Lowering links.

I think if I can lower the back an inch or so, combined with raising the bars, I could get a more upright riding position that my back wouldn't hate as much.

Has anybody done these things? Do lowering links actually change the riding position or is it simply for aesthetics? Any other input or thoughts?

[Kreylyn]

After this past summer and going on a couple of the longest rides I've gone on (nearly 200 miles for each ride, I've only been riding for two years) I've found that my lower back simply does not like the riding position on the 2000 Kat 600 for that long.

I've come to the conclusion that I either need to find a way to sit more upright on the bike, or I'll have to sell the Kat and get something new.

There are two things I think I can do to change the riding position. I'm looking for input and thoughts on my plan.

1) Raise the bars. I found 1" handlebar risers that appear to simply bolt on and don't require any changes to throttle, clutch or brake lines.
2) Lowering links.

I think if I can lower the back an inch or so, combined with raising the bars, I could get a more upright riding position that my back wouldn't hate as much.

Has anybody done these things? Do lowering links actually change the riding position or is it simply for aesthetics? Any other input or thoughts?

What kind of posture are you using while on the bike?... back curved, or more straight with your shoulders back and relaxed?

Krey

[PilotC150]

What kind of posture are you using while on the bike?... back curved, or more straight with your shoulders back and relaxed?

Krey

I've tried both, but it never fails that after 20-30 minutes my lower back starts killing me.

I should have added in my previous post that I'm 6'2. So putting that into the equation it means I have to lean over to reach the bars.

My only concern with lowering the rear is that I can already flat foot with my knees still bent. I'm worried that if I lower the back it will be very uncomfortable when stopped.

[GytRDunKat]

IIRC, the 750 upper tripple sits higher as well. I can't remember if it was that or the 600's. Don't quote that as gospel though

[loudnlow7484]

Need more upright rising position

I suggest you try Viagra.....

[PilotC150]

IIRC, the 750 upper tripple sits higher as well. I can't remember if it was that or the 600's. Don't quote that as gospel though

I believe you're right. I've actually thought about that as a solution to the problem. Having the extra torque would be nice, too.

[squiggy]

I think if I can lower the back an inch or so, combined with raising the bars, I could get a more upright riding position that my back wouldn't hate as much.

Has anybody done these things? Do lowering links actually change the riding position or is it simply for aesthetics? Any other input or thoughts?

Lowering links will only physically lower the whole vehicle, actually just the rear. It will not change your riding position.

For you to abtain a more upright seating position you will need to change three points of contact to the bike. Your butt placement via the seat, your hand/arm placement via the handlebars and your feet position via the foot pegs.

In this case it doesn't sound like the footpegs are the issue. Because the seat is in a fixed location, that leaves the handlebars.

Mounting the 750 handlebar bracket on top of your 600 triple tree is a viable option. However the 750 bracket will only give you a vertical rise. What you need is handlebars that will bring your reach to the bars closer to your body, a horizontal change. Even with the bar risers that you mentioned, it will still only riase the bars upwards. I know because I have a 750.

From your description you will need to get an aftermarket handlebar risers like the LSL Handlebars or the ConvertiBars. Neither one is inexpensive, but they cost less then a new/used bike.

The LSL can use any regular motorcycle handlebars of your choice. Either high, low, forwards or backwards handlebars. You would have to experiment with each kind of handlebar to find out which one works for you.

The ConvertiBars, which is what I have, gives a nearly an unlimited placement. In my case I have the bars pulled back to give me a more upright seating position like you are describing.

[Dexter]

I used to have this problem on my KZ440. I felt really scrunched up on that bike because it was so small. Lowering your Kat will not solve your issue. Your best bet is to try what Squiggy suggested with the aftermarket handlebar risers.

[BigFish]

Sounds like you're the ideal candidate for a Corbin seat with a lower profile. It might also be useful for you to move the pegs forward a little and the handle bars up. Make the posture slightly more touring and slightly less sport. I wonder if anyone associated with Motorcycleanchor.com can still get the seats at a discount.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[PilotC150]

Sounds like you're the ideal candidate for a Corbin seat with a lower profile. It might also be useful for you to move the pegs forward a little and the handle bars up. Make the posture slightly more touring and slightly less sport. I wonder if anyone associated with Motorcycleanchor.com can still get the seats at a discount.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Ya know, I never thought of that (getting a Corbin). I don't think the pegs are an issue because I don't have any real problems with my legs.

I guess I was thinking getting lowering links would accomplish the same thing that you're suggesting the Corbin seat would accomplish.

I'm still not sure I understand why it wouldn't do the same thing. If the back of the bike is lowered, but the front isn't, then wouldn't that lower the seat relative to the bars?

[overboost07]

wasnt steves selling some handlebar raisers?

http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=102337&highlight=risers

nvm pre98 risers

[Kreylyn]

I'm still not sure I understand why it wouldn't do the same thing. If the back of the bike is lowered, but the front isn't, then wouldn't that lower the seat relative to the bars?

Does the handle change relative to the seat on a see-saw in use?....

Your not going to change that unless you change the seat or the bars themselves.

Krey

[PilotC150]

Does the handle change relative to the seat on a see-saw in use?....

Your not going to change that unless you change the seat or the bars themselves.

Krey

If the handle was at the fulcrum of the see-saw it would, wouldn't it?

The way I see it, dropping the back end of the bike would pivot on the handle bars. Well, it would pivot on the front axel, but since the bars are connected directly to the axel, it would be the same or close.

Plus, if all I do is drop the seating position with a new seat, then I get closer to the pegs so my legs would be folded up tighter and might just introduce a new problem.


And just you know, I'm not trying to argue this because I think I'm right and you're wrong. I'm just trying to gain an understanding of the whole geometric machine of the bike.

[Psycho1]

Lowering the rear of the bike and not the front will cause some handling issues because it changes the rake of the forks. Your best bet is to buy a set of stock 750 risers, Helibar risers, or something similar from another manufacturer. I'm not positive, but I think the risers for the SV650 might work on the post Kats (I'm sure someone else on here can confirm). http://www.helibars.com/products.php?cat=12

In the meantime, make sure you're using your knees to grip the tank, and using your abdominal muscles to help support the weight of your upper body.

[loudnlow7484]

If the handle was at the fulcrum of the see-saw it would, wouldn't it?

The way I see it, dropping the back end of the bike would pivot on the handle bars. Well, it would pivot on the front axel, but since the bars are connected directly to the axel, it would be the same or close.

Plus, if all I do is drop the seating position with a new seat, then I get closer to the pegs so my legs would be folded up tighter and might just introduce a new problem.


And just you know, I'm not trying to argue this because I think I'm right and you're wrong. I'm just trying to gain an understanding of the whole geometric machine of the bike.

Raising or lowering the suspension will have no effect on your position. The triangle formed by the bars, seat, and pegs will always be the same unless you change the position of one of them. Sure, lowering the back will raise the bars in relation to the seat, but it will also lower the pegs and move them forward. You're in the same position, just leaned back. Add to that the fact that when you lower just the rear, you slow your steering by raking out the front, and you see why this isn't an ideal solution.

Any raised bar kit will help. I would think converting to a set of normal bars instead of clipons would do wonders. Plus, putting a set of Renthals on a sportbike is cool to some people....

Changing the seat-peg relationship is harder. I don't know anybody that makes rearsets for the kat in an even more relaxed position than they already are. You could have a set made up, I suppose, if the peg position really bothers you.