I bought my F4 a couple of months ago, and am struggling with some physical limitations I have to ride it longer than an hour or two at a time.
I have a titanium plate and 4 screws in my neck (I had a disc removed-C6/C7 area) that limits my range of movement (imagine looking up) and prevents me from holding my head as far up as it will go for long periods of time. In addition, I have had recent surgery for a motocross injury to my right hand and wrist for torn ligaments. After the pins were removed, I went through a full rehab program to strengthen my hand to its full potential, but it will never be the same. The most recent analysis from the docs is that I have developed progressive arthritis in the thumb and will need to fuse some bones to eliminate constant pain, which I am unwilling to do at this point in my life.
I know I sound like a really old man with these injuries, but I am 44. The problem I have found with myself riding the F4 is that:
1. I live in Los Angeles -- a lot of slow-and-go traffic.
2. During this type of traffic, the riding position (which is currently stock -- the bike has a little over 400 miles on it) forces me to place a lot of pressure on my hand/wrist.
3. Once I get to open road and tuck in at speed, it is difficult to hold my head up
I have watched the threads on various suspension adjustments that can be made on the bike. I feel that if I can just achieve a little more upright riding position, it will be a lot more comfortable for me to ride--- I need to take some weight off of my hand. I am curious if anyone has used the Ferracci bar risers with any success, and what your thoughts were about them. Could they help? Should I consider lowering the rear a bit to help my situation? Am I SOL and should consider a Brutale with a more upright riding style? I don't want to completely compromise the handling, but need to make some adjustments. Where should I start?
I have a titanium plate and 4 screws in my neck (I had a disc removed-C6/C7 area) that limits my range of movement (imagine looking up) and prevents me from holding my head as far up as it will go for long periods of time. In addition, I have had recent surgery for a motocross injury to my right hand and wrist for torn ligaments. After the pins were removed, I went through a full rehab program to strengthen my hand to its full potential, but it will never be the same. The most recent analysis from the docs is that I have developed progressive arthritis in the thumb and will need to fuse some bones to eliminate constant pain, which I am unwilling to do at this point in my life.
I know I sound like a really old man with these injuries, but I am 44. The problem I have found with myself riding the F4 is that:
1. I live in Los Angeles -- a lot of slow-and-go traffic.
2. During this type of traffic, the riding position (which is currently stock -- the bike has a little over 400 miles on it) forces me to place a lot of pressure on my hand/wrist.
3. Once I get to open road and tuck in at speed, it is difficult to hold my head up
I have watched the threads on various suspension adjustments that can be made on the bike. I feel that if I can just achieve a little more upright riding position, it will be a lot more comfortable for me to ride--- I need to take some weight off of my hand. I am curious if anyone has used the Ferracci bar risers with any success, and what your thoughts were about them. Could they help? Should I consider lowering the rear a bit to help my situation? Am I SOL and should consider a Brutale with a more upright riding style? I don't want to completely compromise the handling, but need to make some adjustments. Where should I start?