[sound3]

just bought my first Ducati (20 year Jap bike rider) and I'm VERY uncomfortable riding the thing! Don't get me wrong... I love my 1098 and won't go back for anything, but I'd like to make my riding experience as comfortable as possible. I'm 6'4, 170lbs. and all legs... can anyone help me with some suggestions...

 

[sfarson]

I'm 6'4" 195lbs with a 36" inseam, and fine on the 1098. Being in shape and flexible helps immensely. My first suggestion is to seek out exercises that will enhance muscle tone, including the waist area, and stretching/flexibility exercises. You can also explore rearset/peg options to lower them but I would pursue the exercise thing first. It doesn't appear at 170lbs it is an overweight issue, but one of tone and flexibility.

Would also note this... when I bought my first Ducati it was a 100 mile ride home and I had some aches. It all vanished in a few weeks as I adjusted to the bike and developed new muscles. This could be your case.

 

[1099]

I guess that extra 2" (in height, that is) makes a big difference. I'm 6'2" and have absolutely nothing to complain about.

Nothing.

 

[sound3]

Thanks sfarson, I think you're right... although I'm in excellent shape (run 6 miles a day), my flexibility has always needed work... I think I just need to give it some time to adjust to... I lowered the clutch and brake pedals and that helped a bit... only have 60 miles on the bike so far, so maybe I'll wait till 1st service, and if need be, will raise the bars with a triple clamp... thanks for the reply.

 

[daaef]

Yeah, I'm 6'4" and ~220lbs and found all Jap bikes waaay too small in the legroom without having to add 6" rear set extensions!

Comfortable as on my 848. The higher standard seat height works well too.

 

[mmm]

Gilles rear sets

I am not as tall as you. But, I have had surgery on my knee, so I couldn't flex it all that much. So, I had Gilles rear sets put on, and then had brackets made to lower the position one more inch...had to cut a bit into the right fairing for proper positioning of the brake pedal. This actually worked for me. Also, you could have a seat specially made with an additional 1 or 1.5 inches of padding to raise your seating position (that was going to be my next option if the Gilles rear sets and bracket didn't work).

 

[XXTi]

I'm 6'-6" and about 235#. I'm very comfortable on the 1098 after getting used to it. Things get more comfortable above 40mph or so when the wind helps support your upper body.

Keep your elbows bent to keep weight off your wrists. Use your stomach muscles and legs to support your weight.

 

[JohnnyDuc]

6' 2" and 223 pounds. Bike fits perfectly. The taller guys actually have it better, in my opinion. I don't have such a long reach to the bars. However, the bike itself is not very comfortable. My shoulders and neck get sore after an extended period of riding. The seating position (Balls into tank; forward) is a little bit uncomfortable as well.

My 999s, is a far more comfortable/civilzed machine. I would prefer the 999s for longer rides. Just so much more comfortable. I also can adjust the pegs and seat.

 

[U53ful 1di0t]

Im 6'5 230 lbs. I rode a 99 VFR800 for 2 years before I bought my 1098, and since i bought the bike without riding it before, I was a little scared that I wouldnt fit righ and would have to suffer on it, which is really something i was willing to do. To my great relief, i noticed that I actually feel better on the 1098 than the VFR. My knees go exactly where they belong, my feet are just enough back, and my reach is just right so i can keep my elbows bent without leaning forward too far. Ive ridden the bike 2 hours 106 miles to my vacation house, and I actually felt better than i did when i rode the VFR there.

The europeans just obsess over ergonomics. I sat on a CBR1000RR yesterday, and i got a cramp just being in the showroom.

So in reality, youve been riding cramped bikes for 20 years, and youll get used to the more natural position of the 1098.