Just Right

[Jac]

Reading all the threads about aftermarket seats to change height (I’m not talking about stock seat cushioning comfort), suspension adjustments, handlebar risers, aftermarket windshields and windshield appendages to counter buffeting have raised a question in my mind —- what is the ideal sized rider for the as-built Honda Crosstourer VFR1200X?   What sized riders does it seem Honda engineers were envisioning when they designed our bike?  Said another way, if we could change OUR dimensions to ideally fit our bikes as built, what would you change?

For me, the bike is nearly perfect without modification for fit, but I wouldn’t mind an extra inch or so of leg length to add to my 5’10” height.  I have recently added a MCCruise electronic cruise control that makes a difference in comfort on long rides but doesn’t change “fit.”

[Jfro5867]

Hi Jac,
There probably isn't a perfect size.  I believe most bikes are compromised to cater for the average rider which is something like 5'8 to maybe 6'. If you are much either side of that you can encounter problems. I tried an AT but found it just a bit too tall for me. Didn't gel with it. I am a smidge under 5'11" and find the CT a very good fit. Now some will say the Jap bikes are actually designed for smaller riders than European or say American folk, personally I dunno. I wouldn't be surprised if the same bike actually had subtle differences to cater for a different market, like EU or non EU. Riding a bike is such a personal thing isn't it. What one person finds really irritating another says what's the problem?

[maki]

I am 6'7 and suits me perfect. Before I have a Varadero '99, a bit mor clumsy, goog driving experience, footpegs are bit to far back now on CT much better.
Moastly riding with pilion.
rgds

[SleppRock]

Good question- there never seems to be honest ergo sharing on a bike.  I’m in the Twin Cities, USA so I fit the bill of A fat American! I’m a smidge over 5 11 and weigh 230lbs.  The as is set up is almost perfect for me.  I swapped the original stock seat out for a memory foam Sargents seat - same measurements.  When I bought that used the seller threw in a set of used 2 inch Rox risers. I found myself leaning forwards on longer rides so I put the risers on, adjusted the brake cable and have ridden about 300 miles now and I am very happy with that change as I feel like I’m straighter/upright in the seat. I really needed to change out the stock seat as it feels Like a brick to me I really could take the risers off and be happy with the stock set up. 

[mzflorida]

6 feet, 2 inches.  Corbin seat  made it a lot more comfortable pushing me back 2 inches.  Still haven't added the risers but I need to do so.  Lower Footpegs moved slightly more forward would be welcome.  Screen is fine.

[Sevenpedaler]

Originally Posted by SleppRock

Good question- there never seems to be honest ergo sharing on a bike.  I’m in the Twin Cities, USA so I fit the bill of A fat American! I’m a smidge over 5 11 and weigh 230lbs.  The as is set up is almost perfect for me.  I swapped the original stock seat out for a memory foam Sargents seat - same measurements.  When I bought that used the seller threw in a set of used 2 inch Rox risers. I found myself leaning forwards on longer rides so I put the risers on, adjusted the brake cable and have ridden about 300 miles now and I am very happy with that change as I feel like I’m straighter/upright in the seat. I really needed to change out the stock seat as it feels Like a brick to me I really could take the risers off and be happy with the stock set up.

Im also in the Cities.  I love my Touratech high seat.  Stock seat was awful.  I’m 6’7” 255#.  I love this bike.  I hope Honda updates it and brings back to USA.  If not, I’ll probably get a GS.