I've been lurking for months and finally am getting down to the wire here. I'm ready to replace my bike. The trouble is, I can't decide on what to buy. The RC is one of a couple of bikes that I'm considering, but here's the rub... Not only do I LOVE the twisties, I really like to spend all day on the bike once in a while. I'm also a bit bigger than Honda had in mind for the RC. I'm 6'6" and around 275lbs right out of the shower with 38" long arms and a 36" inseam. An aftermarket seat is a given, but, I'd love to hear from folks that really put a lot of miles on their bikes. How much of a compromise will an RC be? I'm willing to trade some comfort for the capabilities of the bike, but I don't want to have to see a chiropractor after every ride, either. A friend of mine was generous enough to let me have his RC for a very long day of riding a few years ago. I was fine until the long freeway jaunt back home. By that time, I was hoping my butt would just fall off..... for what it's worth, the bike was bone stock-and I loved it!
I'll spend 99% of my time on the street and about half of that time riding a spirited pace. I don't NEED an RC... I just want one in the worst way.
Just how uncomfortable can I expect to be getting to and from the fun roads? Am I fooling myself?
Owning 2 bikes is ideal, but it's not an option right now.
A RC is an aquired taste like drinking dry wines. It is uncomfortable, heavy, and doesn't make amazing horsepower. But it is an exclusive ride that not everyone has and its owners are more loyal than Red Sox fans. It is comparable with the Ducati but cost a fraction of the price. Understand that you do not just not buy a bike with the RC but a lifestyle. I can ride my 929 way faster than the RC but somehow I find myself riding the RC more and more. Unfortunately, I can not answer your question as this bike is not for everybody.
well i can tell you i haev grown into mine, and i love it. my friend cant stand the position of it, but then a gain he does ride a triumph. on the twisties the seat lends itself perfecty to sliding back and forth on transitions. highway riding isn't too bad as long as you find a comfortable position and adjust everyonce in a while. I have ridden from carbondale to chicgao a few times (350mi) and i can get off of it and stretch a little and be alright. Oh if you were wondering i am abotu 6' 200lbs. and i have strong legs so i switch where my weight is and can hold one position with my legs for a little while so it helps.
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Not everyone like RC51s..... only those who like twins messing around between thier knees
'02 RC51
-- Jardine RT-ONE race baffles
-- undertail that i dont like, but cant afford a new one
I've put 10,000 miles on my RC last year,But I'm 5'9" at 140lbs wet,If your last bike(s) was a sport bike,I dont see no problems with an RC,For me 400 miles or so,is far as I can ride it(stock seat),Just remember I4 bikes have no soul,Good luck
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sasquatch
I've been lurking for months and finally am getting down to the wire here. I'm ready to replace my bike. The trouble is, I can't decide on what to buy. The RC is one of a couple of bikes that I'm considering, but here's the rub... Not only do I LOVE the twisties, I really like to spend all day on the bike once in a while. I'm also a bit bigger than Honda had in mind for the RC. I'm 6'6" and around 275lbs right out of the shower with 38" long arms and a 36" inseam. An aftermarket seat is a given, but, I'd love to hear from folks that really put a lot of miles on their bikes. How much of a compromise will an RC be? I'm willing to trade some comfort for the capabilities of the bike, but I don't want to have to see a chiropractor after every ride, either. A friend of mine was generous enough to let me have his RC for a very long day of riding a few years ago. I was fine until the long freeway jaunt back home. By that time, I was hoping my butt would just fall off..... for what it's worth, the bike was bone stock-and I loved it!
I'll spend 99% of my time on the street and about half of that time riding a spirited pace. I don't NEED an RC... I just want one in the worst way.
Just how uncomfortable can I expect to be getting to and from the fun roads? Am I fooling myself?
Owning 2 bikes is ideal, but it's not an option right now.
I'm quite familiar with what an RC is and exactly why I want one. That isn't what my question is about. My post is strictly about how I'm going to feel physically after riding one or if I'll even be able to stand being on it for more than 2 tanks of gas in a day. Nobody is going to let me loose on their RC for a weekend so I have to depend on my past MC experience and the words of fellow riders. Unless you are a physical anomoly, you won't be able to answer my question. I do appreciate your efforts to help me out though.
If I recall correctly, Colman is abnormally tall and he rides the hell out of his bikes. He could be of help here... Colman, where are you?
Height is a HUGE issue-sport bikes just aren't made for guys like me. The big folks who put on a lot of miles are the people I really want to hear from. All 3 of them.... I'm not talking about riding an Ironbutt-just getting my fix in the mountains every weekend.
Keep the posts coming, I need as much info as I can get!
i am 6'3 270ish i have no problem putting 350 miles in aday. i have not tried to travel on it. granted my ass goes into shock about 200 miles, so yes a Af seat is a must for long distance. aside from that, believe it or not the RC is the most comfortable sportbike i have ever been on. sure there is some discomfort but every morning you fire her up and hear the sound she makes, you will smile from ear to ear and not worry about a sore ass.
+1 on the morning smiles. Its amusing how many people comment on the sound above all else. Cagers don't expect a sport bike to sound that throaty.
The RC is a compromise for anyone who buys it regardless of inseem. Just thinking about foot peg position might be a slight issue in terms of comfort vs. ground clearance.
Aftermarket musts:
VERY tall screen
aftermarket rearsets
rear link to raise your already tall ass higher up.
(otherwise you will feel like you are on a stretched out Busa sitting at stop lights)
But who cares about any of that stuff, GET AN RC!!
If you know you like it, buy it. Like others have said, It will change your life!!
ssshhhh psssssst. it will be money well spent. all she asks for is some gas, oil and alittle maint and a few cheap mods, and she will give you many many wild days and night
I've been lurking for months and finally am getting down to the wire here. I'm ready to replace my bike. The trouble is, I can't decide on what to buy. The RC is one of a couple of bikes that I'm considering, but here's the rub... Not only do I LOVE the twisties, I really like to spend all day on the bike once in a while. I'm also a bit bigger than Honda had in mind for the RC. I'm 6'6" and around 275lbs right out of the shower with 38" long arms and a 36" inseam. An aftermarket seat is a given, but, I'd love to hear from folks that really put a lot of miles on their bikes. How much of a compromise will an RC be? I'm willing to trade some comfort for the capabilities of the bike, but I don't want to have to see a chiropractor after every ride, either. A friend of mine was generous enough to let me have his RC for a very long day of riding a few years ago. I was fine until the long freeway jaunt back home. By that time, I was hoping my butt would just fall off..... for what it's worth, the bike was bone stock-and I loved it!
I'll spend 99% of my time on the street and about half of that time riding a spirited pace. I don't NEED an RC... I just want one in the worst way.
Just how uncomfortable can I expect to be getting to and from the fun roads? Am I fooling myself?
Owning 2 bikes is ideal, but it's not an option right now.
all the sportbikes are shrinking these days, like the seat to bars distances.
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"What the hell's an aluminum falcon????"
I travel around the state on mine no problem. Be sure to get a corbin seat if you want to really put the miles on, that really helps keep the blood flowing to your ass. I'm no freak of nature, but I am over 6 feet and over 200 lbs. Never in all the time I've spent around other people that own RC's have I heard of a single one regretting their purchase. Every ride is like the first one for me, the bike is just so much damn fun. And people are always impressed by it, just yesterday I went to a machine shop to get a pipe blasted and the guy came out and said to me while my RC was sitting there idling "holy shit, i can feel the ground shaking."
the rc is not a lazy boy chair and it will hurt when you go in a straight line or on boring roads. my wrist, butt and knees hurt like hell after 1 hr on lame roads, but as soon as you get to a twisty road or even just one corner the pain is gone.
I've been lurking for months and finally am getting down to the wire here. I'm ready to replace my bike. The trouble is, I can't decide on what to buy. The RC is one of a couple of bikes that I'm considering, but here's the rub... Not only do I LOVE the twisties, I really like to spend all day on the bike once in a while. I'm also a bit bigger than Honda had in mind for the RC. I'm 6'6" and around 275lbs right out of the shower with 38" long arms and a 36" inseam. An aftermarket seat is a given, but, I'd love to hear from folks that really put a lot of miles on their bikes. How much of a compromise will an RC be? I'm willing to trade some comfort for the capabilities of the bike, but I don't want to have to see a chiropractor after every ride, either. A friend of mine was generous enough to let me have his RC for a very long day of riding a few years ago. I was fine until the long freeway jaunt back home. By that time, I was hoping my butt would just fall off..... for what it's worth, the bike was bone stock-and I loved it!
I'll spend 99% of my time on the street and about half of that time riding a spirited pace. I don't NEED an RC... I just want one in the worst way.
Just how uncomfortable can I expect to be getting to and from the fun roads? Am I fooling myself?
Owning 2 bikes is ideal, but it's not an option right now.
I'm 6'3", 200lbs minus gear and the RC is uncomfortable as hell. About 250 miles is all I can endure. My knees hurt, sometimes I feel like I have hamstrung myself when I make a shift. After the Kyle link was added I thought I was going to roll over the top during a good hard stop. I like the stock seat cuz I can scoot my butt around on it easy but I do wear leathers when I ride.
I am about 6'3" and I can honestly say my RC is almost as comfortable as my old VFR750. I find I have plenty of room on the RC.
The stock bars suck dogs b*lls, they are locked into a totally abnormal angle/height anput pressure on all the wrong parts of your hands/wrist. Dump them and get a set of adjustable clip on's. They'll save you some serious bone doctors bills in later life.
Next, get a new seat. Seargent is my pick, as it is comfy and does not lock you into one position, but others love the Corbin.
Done. You'll love it.
Race track riders will no doubt disagree with me, but you never spend any time on the seat or at normal wrist/bar angles anyway.
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Ausie with an '05 RC51, flapper mod. (oooh that was a hard one ), Pilot Power 2CT's, Moriwaki low mounts, PCIIIusb w. custom map, speedo healer, 15/41 520, Kyle clipon's, soft grips, sargent seat, Scott's damper, Gold valves springs and shimed shocks, raised rear 3.5mm, braided lines, Turn One Airbox, HID, alarm, Magic Racing hugger, Turn One Carbon tank protector...and still smiling like a crazy person!
I am on the other end of the spectrum in terms of height, at only 5'6", I might as well be dwarfy like Pedrosa and Loris. I find the seat height on the RC better than my previous F4i. Since the front of the seat is narrower than the F4i, I find getting my feet on the ground to be easier. Hell, the new 600RR seems incredibly tall in the seat compared to the RC but the RC seat is like sitting on a plank. After a couple of hours of riding, you might as well forget about blood circulation in the legs. Other than that, I find the RC leaps and bound more fun to ride than the I4s...there is a soul and sound that is unique to the RC.
Honestly anyone who says the RC is a comfortable bike for trips is just plain nuts. The bike was never meant for it and the few 300 mile days I have had on my RC51 have left me sore as hell afterwards. (I am only 5'10 185lbs.)
My TLR is more comfortable for road work and probably built for a larger frame person like yourself.
Hearing the guy who's 140 pounds put 10K on the trip odometer last year probably shouldn't mean much to you since your're twice his size and would probably not like to do that kind of mileage on an RC.
You'll have to sit on one and decide for yourself.
they are great bikes, but not built for guys your size. If you decide you can be comfortable on one, then my hat is off to you. Also depends upon what kind of day to day mileage you're talking about to get to work and to the mountains.
Ken
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Quotes From Turd Burglar 51
Quote:
Originally Posted by Area 51
I'm fifty and ride a sport bike. I guess I'm a tool too - just like you, bros. Got a few hunting guns too.
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Originally Posted by Turd Ferguson
Can't say for sure but I suspect Rand Paul is an ass.
Pot and Kettle..together forever. Hypocrisy knows no boundaries..
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Originally Posted by nero
IQ51 still fits, i see...
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The problems we face today exist because the people who work for a living are outnumbered by those who vote for a living.
Perhaps everyone on this forum is biased.......just maybe. Sure the RC is uncomfortable.....but so are the rest of the sportbikes. What the RC does have that not all sportbikes have is boat loads of torque everywhere, which should work nicely for your size (oh yeah, and it has that thing called soul). And depending on where you live in NORCAL, you do not have to drive too far to find nice twisties........should i say Stewart's Point Skagg's Spring's Road? (Seriously jealous of the riding in Cali.) In the end, if you like the RC, go for it. I have had all kinds of I4's, from liter bikes to 600's, but the RC is the most fun.
Twenty years spent on my FJ 1100/1200 the flying sofa is what the mag's called them,so damn cozy I nodded off more than once Getting to the point I picked up the RC on sheer impulse knowing it was a sportbike and being that I am 6'3" 200#...and long in the sleeves...I figured the long rides were over.....well with the bike stock I was correct. It was a torture rack. D/K clip-ons were a must and helped a bunch. I still have the stock seat so I can't help you there,However the range/comfort went 2X after getting a decent suspension under it. The question at hand is so very subjective all you can do is sift through opinions.........or......... drop the coin and deal with the shit eating grin that makes your helmet tight...and of course the inevedible hard-on to tank clearance issues...Buy it
I bought mine new in june of 01, but she only has she has 24k on the clock.
I know the bikes supposed to be uncomfortable, but as long as the pace is reasonably quick, I never notice being uncomfortable.
However, when TRULY commuting, I do find myself thinking about it. I'm talking about the long stretches when you lean on the tank with your elbow, or sit up and rest you hand on the tank, or your hip.
In short, the bike is really only uncomfortable when you have tome to watch the odometer.
GET DK CLIPONS (or other adjustable ones AND A SEAT if you have the extra $'s!) .
It totally changes the comfort factor on this bike and imho, improves the ridability as they are/can be wider and you can concentrate on the road and not the bike/wrists/bum/back/neck etc.
IMHO, Honda should have 2 options for bars for this bike when you buy it ...1) boy racer with wrists of steel and 2) street/trackday rider.
<RANT MODE OFF>
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Ausie with an '05 RC51, flapper mod. (oooh that was a hard one ), Pilot Power 2CT's, Moriwaki low mounts, PCIIIusb w. custom map, speedo healer, 15/41 520, Kyle clipon's, soft grips, sargent seat, Scott's damper, Gold valves springs and shimed shocks, raised rear 3.5mm, braided lines, Turn One Airbox, HID, alarm, Magic Racing hugger, Turn One Carbon tank protector...and still smiling like a crazy person!