Chunky needs a new whip...

[WrexhamWrider]

Usually known as kidney belts. I have had them for years.
Stops your back muscles getting chilled/aching
The modern elastic and Velcro kidney belt used today was born in the late 1910s and 1920s. It was invented specifically for early motorcyclists to protect their lower backs and internal organs from the intense vibrations and jarring impacts of riding un-suspended bikes on rugged dirt roads.

I'm going to order one to see how I get on with it! A lot cheaper than a new bike/new suspension

 

[Redboots]

I'm going to order one to see how I get on with it! A lot cheaper than a new bike/new suspension

I have this one. With a removable warm insert.
Some have thin, spring metal supports at the back.

 

[siddo]

Yeah, I've already got the high seat.

I'm inexperienced, but I've done nearly three years so far, so I'm not *that* inexperienced. The rest of me is okay; I don't get a numb bum, arm fatigue or leg fatigue (which I did on a smaller bike); I'm pretty strong, so I don't have any other bike fitness issues, it's just my back, which I struggle with off the bike as well to be fair. Maybe the V85 is comfortable enough for somebody with a healthy back, but it doesn't work for me. I'm exploring my options. Thanks for the thoughts, though.

Sounds posture related to me.

 

[WrexhamWrider]

The Honda NT1100 isn't minging - it's a very good bike. My touring mate has one - we've been to the 4 corners of Europe - and his bike has been superb. FWIW.

That's why I said "Probably ideal, but too minging". It's all subjective. I was offered a ride on one when I rode the Africa Twin, but it even makes the Versys look exciting.

 

[WrexhamWrider]

Okay, bit of an update. My trying of other bikes was mainly comfort related, but obviously demo bikes are nice and shiny too, and who doesn't like shiny things? Also, with me only ever having ridden about 10 bikes in my life, and one of those being a Lambretta, I feel the shiny shiny thing more than most, as I've got some catching up to do.

Anyway, the long and short of it: I've bought a GS. Just waiting for a delivery date.

And despite getting a bit Basil Fawlty with the old V85 on more than one occasion, I've started to feel a bit sad about letting it go. Ah well, onwards and upwards...

 

[WrexhamWrider]

Just as a potential denouement, here is my new bike; TB Triple Black, bone stock apart from spokes and adaptive height.



So far so good; I'm still getting used to it but it seems to be everything I hoped it would be.

I don't want to start farkling just yet, but...

• those radiators and cylinder heads look a bit vulnerable. I won't be tackling anything gnarlier than a gravel path, so I think I might just get the OEM plastic grilles for £40, and some basic engine bars, maybe SW-Motech. Or would head protectors/sliders be better for road use?
• I'm looking into luggage options too, but not getting anywhere fast. It's got the Vario mounts, but I looked at Vario boxes on a bike in the dealership and they seemed a bit flimsy/pokey for the price, even extended. I've read all the R1300 luggage threads on here but I'm still none the wiser which way to turn. The Apduro boxes for the Vario mounts look good, but they're bike-specific and I wonder if I might be better served with bike-agnostic stuff, so I can put it on other bikes in the future with a different rack.

 

[wessie]

Just as a potential denouement, here is my new bike; TB Triple Black, bone stock apart from spokes and adaptive height.

View attachment 544341

So far so good; I'm still getting used to it but it seems to be everything I hoped it would be.

I don't want to start farkling just yet, but...

• those radiators and cylinder heads look a bit vulnerable. I won't be tackling anything gnarlier than a gravel path, so I think I might just get the OEM plastic grilles for £40, and some basic engine bars, maybe SW-Motech. Or would head protectors/sliders be better for road use?
• I'm looking into luggage options too, but not getting anywhere fast. It's got the Vario mounts, but I looked at Vario boxes on a bike in the dealership and they seemed a bit flimsy/pokey for the price, even extended. I've read all the R1300 luggage threads on here but I'm still none the wiser which way to turn. The Apduro boxes for the Vario mounts look good, but they're bike-specific and I wonder if I might be better served with bike-agnostic stuff, so I can put it on other bikes in the future with a different rack.

@grantmac can advise on converting the GS to have the luggage capacity of a Rhine barge

 

[grantmac]

Adventure, sorry Wanktoaster, ya dopey twat….
And yes the roll bag does make it a tad top heavy but works for me….

 

[ymfb]

I was 121 kgs and 182 cms tall. I had no problems with

F650 Funduro
F800 GS (2)
R1200 GSA
R1250 GSA
1200 Multistrada

All except the Funduro & the Multi were much better with Corbin seats, the OEM saddles were torturous.

Saddles IMO are a very personal thing.

Good luck