Pain while riding

[Baba Booey]

Hi all. I did a few searches and found a lot of posts about wrist pain and some knee pain, but, I was wondering has/does anyone else experience constant knee and leg pain while riding their C14? This bike is pretty new to me. I ride mostly on Saturday and / or Sunday. As the day progresses the pain seems to be more bothersome. For example, I rode about 150-180 miles yesterday and I found myself standing on the pegs to leg stretch at least 20 times. It gives temporary relief for me and as the day progresses, I feel the need to stand more increases. When I get off of the bike, it takes me a few minutes to get back to "normal" and I have that feeling like I ran up a bunch of stairs (tired legs).

Today I feel mostly fine, just slight sore. I'm afraid to throw parts at it as that can get costly with no guarantee of a solution. I think I read post somewhere that a guy took 7500 miles to get "used" to his bike. I guess I am looking for thoughts on the matter both in possible solutions and also people sharing if they have a similar, painful, experience with their C14.

Thanks in advance!

44 y/o and 6 foot-ish

[lather]

I have owned 3 Concours 14s from 2007 to August of last year about 250,000 miles. About 10 years ago I developed symptom you describe. Upper legs start to ache after being in riding position for a length of time. At first 40 50 minutes but progressed to where now its 5 10 minutes! I have to stand on pegs 5 to 10 times per hour. The condition has also progressed to sitting in most chairs and sleeping on side with legs bent. I believe I have something called Restless Leg Syndrome.

Lowering the pegs helps a little. Also Highway pegs. Anything to change the leg position. I have a set of peg lowerers that you can have for the cost of shipping.

[maxtog]

I can't ride even as long as you.  It isn't the bike, it is just my crappy body.  For me it is neck/shoulder/back pain and my hands go numb.  No amount of adjustments can help all that much, it is just me.  I suspect some of it might just be you.  If you have long legs, it might help to get a taller seat or lowered pegs.  (I have short legs and had to lower the bike and seat, and wear tall boots).

I will say that someone on a new (at least to them) bike *is* going to have much more pain and problems until they get used to the exact riding position.  With repeated riding, you will tone the muscles that support the various positions.  I haven't ever had leg/knee pain, however, but that is just me.

When I first got the C14, I spent a lot of time trying to change things to help with my back.  Even so far as to adding pseudo highway pegs.  But after much riding and time, much of that pain disappeared as I became more "in shape for riding."  I haven't even used the far pegs in many years.

My recommendation would be to give it more time before making changes.  You might also combine this with stretching/range of motion and even toning exercises in the areas of your body that suffer.  Riding a motorcycle isn't a "natural" position we take in everyday life, for sure.

[Baba Booey]

Thanks for the info guys. I think I had an issue with the FZ as well. That bike still can get uncomfortable, but I think I got used to it, mostly. Thanks for the suggestions. I will try some exercises and more stretching for sure. Thanks for the peg offer. I'm going to give it a bit more time without mods but thank you, seriously. Interesting speaking of RLS, I squirm in bed a lot too, so I think you're onto something for sure.

[Big Red]

At 6'5", I use bar risers, peg lowering brackets, and highway pegs. Also, I move back to the pillion seat to stretch my back while riding.

[Boomer]

I found that getting rid of the awful OEM saddle worked wonders.
It tilts you forwards in an unnatural feeling way so you are constantly fidgeting and changing position.
I also fitted bar risers and that helped, but it was the saddle that allowed me to do 400 mile days with minimal discomfort.

[WG]

I get pain on the outside of my knee and down my calf.  It comes from my arthritic hips.

Standing on the pegs or getting off for a few minutes helps.  A narrower bike also helps.

Cheers,
Wayne.

[Baba Booey]

I found that getting rid of the awful OEM saddle worked wonders.
It tilts you forwards in an unnatural feeling way so you are constantly fidgeting and changing position.
I also fitted bar risers and that helped, but it was the saddle that allowed me to do 400 mile days with minimal discomfort.

I think the last owner repalced the saddle. Ill have to double check that. Thx for the info.

[maxtog]

I get pain on the outside of my knee and down my calf.  It comes from my arthritic hips.

Standing on the pegs or getting off for a few minutes helps.

An older friend of mine I ride with often, who has a much smaller model (not a Concours), also has hip issues and ends up having to stand on his pegs occasionally.  I do it too, sometimes, just to help with my back, when it starts to act up.

[Baba Booey]

I think the last owner repalced the saddle. Ill have to double check that. Thx for the info.

Just to get back to this, I confirmed it’s the low version of the Sargent Saddle.

[Boomer]

I have the Corbin modular 2 piece saddle. For me it stopped the forward slide issue that had me trying to grip the tank with my thighs and that may be the cause of your pain.
It is not perfect but does allow me to do back to back 200 mile rides with just a 15min gas/restroom/drink break in between.

On my C10 I have a Russell Daylong and solo I can literally ride all day on that, and have.
I also did 600 miles in one day with a pillion. My pillion was so comfy she slept for a good ½ of that day.

I can't comment on the Sergeant saddles as I have never ridden on one.

[Baba Booey]

I have the Corbin modular 2 piece saddle. For me it stopped the forward slide issue that had me trying to grip the tank with my thighs and that may be the cause of your pain.
It is not perfect but does allow me to do back to back 200 mile rides with just a 15min gas/restroom/drink break in between.

On my C10 I have a Russell Daylong and solo I can literally ride all day on that, and have.
I also did 600 miles in one day with a pillion. My pillion was so comfy she slept for a good ½ of that day.

I can't comment on the Sergeant saddles as I have never ridden on one.

Thank you Boomer for the information and I will continue to do some more research!

[maxtog]

Just to get back to this, I confirmed it’s the low version of the Sargent Saddle.

That is what I have.  It is pretty hard. 

But I needed that version because I have short legs.  I wouldn't recommend it for people without short legs, because of the lack of padding.  The normal version is probably fine.

[hank]

I am 6'3 275lbs
I have had every saddle you can buy(I'm serious) The Russell and Baldwin are amazing but ugly IMO, The happy medium for me was a corbin front seat that was re-upholstered its good looking and comfortable for about 8 hours a day for multiple days, the factory kaw tout=ring seat is pretty good also, so is the one piece corbin. this is all just my opinion

[Baba Booey]

I am 6'3 275lbs
I have had every saddle you can buy(I'm serious) The Russell and Baldwin are amazing but ugly IMO, The happy medium for me was a corbin front seat that was re-upholstered its good looking and comfortable for about 8 hours a day for multiple days, the factory kaw tout=ring seat is pretty good also, so is the one piece corbin. this is all just my opinion

Thanks Hank for info.

[Baba Booey]

Just last week, I ended up just ordering a new Corbin saddle as well as the Murphs risers and wedges. Hopefully this will do the trick (especially the near 2' difference between the Sargent Low and the Corbin).