Need Help FZ6 S2 is really uncomfortable for me...help?

[Sandseller]

Since my FZ6 S2 is now running again after a long period of inactivity and many repairs, and I needed to test out the instrument cluster, I took advantage of my vacation and went on several rides right away.
I had already noticed a little bit last year that my shoulders and lower back were aching, but this year, instead of several short rides, I did a few longer ones. After two days of moderate rides of 130 km/80 miles each (about 3 hours each), I can now barely move my right shoulder without pain, and my lower back is also really sore.
I’ve already installed moderate handlebar risers (about 2 cm/1 inch), and I try to keep my back straight, bend my arms slightly, tighten my abs, etc., but I can’t maintain that posture for the entire ride. The snappy throttle doesnt really help.
I’m 184 cm / 6’1” tall. Is it me, or is it the bike? To be honest, after all these repairs, I’ve lost some of my love for the bike, but I’m not sure if I’d be better off with something else. Especially since I actually really like the specs and the engine of the Yamaha.

 

[vanness]

Since my FZ6 S2 is now running again after a long period of inactivity and many repairs, and I needed to test out the instrument cluster, I took advantage of my vacation and went on several rides right away.
I had already noticed a little bit last year that my shoulders and lower back were aching, but this year, instead of several short rides, I did a few longer ones. After two days of moderate rides of 130 km/80 miles each (about 3 hours each), I can now barely move my right shoulder without pain, and my lower back is also really sore.
I’ve already installed moderate handlebar risers (about 2 cm/1 inch), and I try to keep my back straight, bend my arms slightly, tighten my abs, etc., but I can’t maintain that posture for the entire ride. The snappy throttle doesnt really help.
I’m 184 cm / 6’1” tall. Is it me, or is it the bike? To be honest, after all these repairs, I’ve lost some of my love for the bike, but I’m not sure if I’d be better off with something else. Especially since I actually really like the specs and the engine of the Yamaha.

Same thing happens to me, I’ve done so many repair on it, in fact I actually enjoy repairing it more than riding it, I feel like the bike is fighting against me instead of serving me, only 30mn ride and my whole body already sore. The buzzing handlebar, snatchy throttle and jerking at low speed doesn’t help either, my hands went numb all the time.

 

[Gary in NJ]

I find the riding triangle of the FZ just about perfect. The seat is narrow and that can lead to (my) discomfort during a long ride.

If your shoulders and arms are aching after a ride, I would suggest that you are riding too tight/ridid…you need to relax. Your weight should not be supported by your arms, it should be supported with a strong core, making sure you are lightly gripping the bike with your knees.

 

[grahammarsden]

When you put the risers on, did you try changing the positioning of the bars?

I'm only 5'7", but I realised a few years ago that I was adjusting my body to fit the bike, rather than vice versa and that was causing me to lean my weight on the bars.

After I rotated them in the mounts, I found it a lot more comfortable.

PS as for the throttle, there's a member on here selling the Zady modification which takes out the "jerk" you get when you roll back on after a bend

 

[Sandseller]

Same thing happens to me, I’ve done so many repair on it, in fact I actually enjoy repairing it more than riding it, I feel like the bike is fighting against me instead of serving me, only 30mn ride and my whole body already sore. The buzzing handlebar, snatchy throttle and jerking at low speed doesn’t help either, my hands went numb all the time.

Did you sell the bike or did you just accept your fate?

I find the riding triangle of the FZ just about perfect. The seat is narrow and that can lead to (my) discomfort during a long ride.

If your shoulders and arms are aching after a ride, I would suggest that you are riding too tight/ridid…you need to relax. Your weight should not be supported by your arms, it should be supported with a strong core, making sure you are lightly gripping the bike with your knees.

My butt is fine, I don't think that the seat is overly uncomfortable.
I try to relax and I think I AM relaxed as I can move my elbows during riding without affecting the bike or anything. Same with my knees, I lightly press them against the tank and the only time I have to press stronger or I feel pressure on my wrist/arms is when I have to brake.

When you put the risers on, did you try changing the positioning of the bars?

I'm only 5'7", but I realised a few years ago that I was adjusting my body to fit the bike, rather than vice versa and that was causing me to lean my weight on the bars.

After I rotated them in the mounts, I found it a lot more comfortable.

PS as for the throttle, there's a member on here selling the Zady modification which takes out the "jerk" you get when you roll back on after a bend

Rotate them towards you? By how much?
I read the Zady thread and I want to test this mod as it is quite inexpensive but it is also highly illegal here.

 

[vanness]

Did you sell the bike or did you just accept your fate?

50-50, listed it and riding it at the same time, just test rode a 2011 Ducati Hypermotard 796 it felt much better than mine, not sure if i'm ready to dip into the money pit yet, lol. I never got the chance to ride a well sorted FZ6 yet, so I'm not quite sure what the bike's potential feels like if you got what I mean. From what I've read/heard/watched it is a phenomenon bike for its age and price.

 

[Gary in NJ]

Here is a check to see if your body is balanced on the bike properly. While riding take your hands off the bars. This is easiest when going down hill. If your body wants to fall forward you are riding on your hands. If there is no or little effect - meaning you don’t have to adjust your weight - then you are riding with your body in balance.

 

[grahammarsden]

Rotate them towards you? By how much?
I read the Zady thread and I want to test this mod as it is quite inexpensive but it is also highly illegal here.

I couldn't say how much I rotated them, I just sat on the bike with the clamps loose enough to be able to rotate the bars with a bit of pressure, then tweaked them until I found the best position.

It's a shame that the mod is illegal, but, there again, unless they inspect the bike with the tank lifted and know enough to spot the extra bit of cabling, or do very careful emissions testing, who's to know?

PS Also, if it's an annual thing, just unplug it before taking it in, then put it back afterwards...

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Many years ago, I did 1" up risers, which wasn't nearly enough (I'm 5'8")

I installed "rise and set backs" (0ne unit) which solved my issues.
All cables fit, tucked my GPS in the middle of the gap..

Their cheap enough and should help...