However, before we get into how and why we did it, we\u2019re going to dive into how to overcome some common pains brought on through riding and why motorcycle ergonomics are so important to a rider\u2019s safety and enjoyment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Why Are Motorcycle Ergonomics So Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to rider ergonomics, there are several factors that affect your comfort on a motorcycle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- How you sit while riding<\/li>
- Your body dimensions<\/li>
- Your distribution of weight and pressure while riding <\/li>
- The quality of your motorcycle\u2019s seat cushion<\/li>
- How long you\u2019re in the same position<\/li>
- Your experience & ability levels<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If any of these factors are compromised, you won\u2019t just be uncomfortable – you will also likely increase fatigue, and therefore the chances of an accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"damon](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Damon-Hypersport-Premier-Female-Rider.jpg\")
HyperSport Premier Prototype<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n What Are Some Common Pains Encountered From Riding?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Poor motorcycle ergonomics leave you vulnerable to a variety of body aches, pains, and difficulties. What\u2019s more, if you have pre-existing problems, incorrect motorcycle posture or an uncomfortable riding position will further exacerbate the issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the most common ailments that can arise when motorcycle ergonomics is not prioritized:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Neck Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A lot of riders have had the misfortune of suffering from neck pain after riding. A mixture of wind pressure on your bike helmet, tension or stress, and grinding your teeth without realizing are all primary causes of motorcycle neck pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, for those wondering how to prevent neck pain while riding a motorcycle, it\u2019s usually very simple. Neck pain is often caused by riders remaining too stiff while riding. To prevent this, move your head around while riding. The best way to do this is by moving your head towards your shoulder, smoothly but continuously. Breathe out along the movement and exhale completely as you finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"neck](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Neck-Pain-Stretches-For-Motorcycle-Riding-1024x640.jpg\")
Stretches For Neck Pain From Motorcycle Riding<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n Knee Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Knee pain after riding is a common complaint amongst riders. A lot of this can be avoided by adjusting your motorcycle sitting position or by looking at your cornering. In regards to the latter, here are a couple of things to consider if you\u2019re frequently hobbling after riding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- How far away from the engine you sit –<\/strong> A problem – which is prevalent with ICE motorcycles – is that riders don\u2019t want to sit too close to the engine or tank. This causes a strain on the knees when leaning into corners.<\/li>
- How far off the seat you sit –<\/strong> The farther you sit off your seat, the more your outside leg starts to lose contact with the tank when hitting corners. And, if the muscles in your legs can\u2019t take the strain, you\u2019re going to have pain on the inside of your leg and knees. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
You can improve these techniques by attending a class on correct cornering on a motorcycle track day.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Back Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lower back pain can be the bane of any rider\u2019s life. Imagine parking up and then discovering you\u2019re unable to get off your bike. No one wants that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best way to prevent this is to set up the correct motorcycle ergonomics. This usually involves adjusting your bike\u2019s seat and suspension. On top of that, you should take regular breaks on long journeys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A good stretch for back pain from motorcycling riding is to hold the left handlebar grip with your left hand and with your right hand on the back seat (facing right), then do it the other way around (facing left). You should repeat this several times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"stretches](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Back-Stretches-For-Motorcycle-Riding-1024x640.jpg\")
Stretches for Back Pain from Motorcycle Riding<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n Of course, most back pain – or knee and neck pain – can be avoided by riding with the correct motorcycle riding posture and in the correct position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s the Ideal Motorcycle Riding Position?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The best motorcycle riding position really depends on the type of motorcycle you\u2019re riding. With that in mind, we\u2019ve put this handy infographic together to help you identify the correct motorcycle posture for your bike:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Different-Motorcycle-Riding-Positions-By-Type-of-Motorcycle-1024x640.jpg\")
Guide to Different Motorcycle Riding Positions (By Type of Motorcycle)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n Motorbike Ergonomics Should Help Rider Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a new rider looking to buy your first motorcycle, it\u2019s likely that you\u2019ve got your eyes on one special two-wheeler. That being said, however much you love that bike, if it doesn\u2019t fit you properly, you may not feel 100% confident riding it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Riding is about balance. With new riders, it\u2019s recommended to choose a bike that allows you to plant your feet firmly on the ground at stops. However, more seasoned riders will be able to find equilibrium on one foot or even on their tippy toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On top of staying balanced, if you can\u2019t quite reach the controls, you\u2019ve got a problem. This will dull your reactions and also lead to major discomfort on long rides. If you\u2019re unable to reach the hand or foot controls comfortably, the bike may not be right for you. Alternatively, if you\u2019re too tall and reaching the controls requires you to sit in an unnecessarily uncomfortable position, you may want to consider a different size bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When considering motorcycle ergonomics, it all comes down to positions that optimize control. So if you\u2019re eyeing a particular model, but you\u2019re unsure if it\u2019s the right size or weight for you, check out this motorcycle ergonomics simulator<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"rider](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Damon-Hypersport-Premier-Riding-1.jpg\")
HyperSport Premier Prototype<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n Where Damon\u2019s SHIFT\u2122 Technology Comes In<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are a lot of considerations to take when it comes to rider position, comfort, and control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through our commitment to producing the future of motorcycling, we realized that motorcycle safety is influenced greatly by rider ergonomics and the ease of use under various conditions. Riders that are less fatigued are more alert and ready to react to their surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- How far off the seat you sit –<\/strong> The farther you sit off your seat, the more your outside leg starts to lose contact with the tank when hitting corners. And, if the muscles in your legs can\u2019t take the strain, you\u2019re going to have pain on the inside of your leg and knees. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- How far away from the engine you sit –<\/strong> A problem – which is prevalent with ICE motorcycles – is that riders don\u2019t want to sit too close to the engine or tank. This causes a strain on the knees when leaning into corners.<\/li>
![\"shift](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Damon-SHIFT-Technology-Riding-Positions-1024x640.jpg\")