I was just checking this site out (
http://www.sargentcycle.com/csroadcom.htm ), as I need my old RK Touring Bucket restuffed. It's pretty interesting. These people seem like they have their act together. I'm thinking about sending my seat to them. Hoist!
PART 1:
The Road to Comfort and the ATOMIC Theory
"For all the happiness mankind can gain, is not in pleasure but in rest from pain."
John Dryden 1631-1700
Do you find yourself speeding from one rest stop to the next? After 250 miles of a two-day ride, do the words "Lincoln Continental" make your mouth water? Obviously, long-distance motorcycle riding should not be that brutal. On the other hand, most would agree that some degree of discomfort on long rides is not only to be expected, it is actually a unique part of the experience. Hence, the joy of arriving. It is important to realize that total comfort on extended rides (3-6 hours) may never be obtained. Let's face it, even in an automobile, with its large spring-suspended foam seat, discomfort can set in within only a few hours. By contrast, a motorcycle seat, with its small seating surface, severely limits movement and has a less dynamic solid foam suspension. That's the bad news. The good news is that diligent comfort seekers, armed with the right information, can be rewarded handsomely.
To be successful, you must first put discomfort in perspective. How much discomfort is too much discomfort, and can something be done to extend comfortable riding time? Since there isn't one solution that works for everyone, a clear understanding of the contributing factors is essential.
Introducing the ATOMIC Theory - the Advanced Theory Of Maximum Integrated Comfort. Its purpose is to help explain the various causes of riding discomfort, define limitations, and recommend possible solutions.
According to the ATOMIC Theory, three major factors contribute to the level of comfort that can be obtained on any given motorcycle:
1. Forced ergonomic position
2. Size and shape of the seating platform
3. Type of padding suspension
Examining each of these factors can provide valuable clues for potential improvements in comfort.
Forced Ergonomic Position. First, let's look at the riding position itself. The physical relationship between the foot pegs, handlebars, and the seat on any given motorcycle forces the rider into a specific seating position known as the forced ergonomic position. This position virtually defines all motorcycle types, and can have a profound effect on seating comfort.
For instance, the cruiser, with its high, back-swept handlebars, forward pegs, and low slung seat, forces the rider into a reclined position. Reclined doesn't necessarily mean comfortable. This reclined position causes all of the driver's body weight to be focused on the base of the spine. And, since cruisers typically have a locked-in or bucket-shape seat, the driver is prohibited from using the long distance riding technique known as LAP. Additionally, some cruisers suffer from a foam that is too soft and bottoms out.
CRUISER Many cruisers can be dramatically improved by installing a high-quality, closed-cell foam to relieve the pressure at the base of the spine. Installing straighter handlebars that force the driver to lean forward can also reduce this pressure.
STANDARD/TOURING Standard and touring motorcycles are defined by a neutral or upright seating position. While less severe than the cruiser, the weight is still concentrated on the driver's rear-end. Except for most touring models, these bikes often have relatively flat seats, allowing for the use of the LAP technique. Of course, good foam suspension is important and, like on the cruiser, foam that is too soft and bottoms out can be a problem. Modifying seat contours to better suit the driver and/or modifying the handlebars may also be beneficial.
Many find the sport touring configuration to be the best long-distance ride you can buy. These models force the driver to lean forward a little more, distributing some of the pressure from the rear-end to the arms and legs. In addition, many of these models feature a long, flat seat, allowing plenty of room to shift positions on long rides (LAP). Ergonomics are excellent on these models but, as with all models, foam that is too soft and lacks good suspension can shorten comfortable riding time.
L A P T e c h n i q u e. LAP stands for Long-distance Alternation of Position. This riding technique involves periodically changing position by moving from front to back on the seat, allowing the driver to rotate the pelvis, change the pressure points and stretch the arms and legs.
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Topic: Seats - The Road to Comfort (Read 2415 times)