rjr@spuxll.UUCP (06/22/84)
I commute approx 50 miles each way, and on a nice day,(rare in N.J.) I take my honda cb750 to work. One thing I have noticed in passing other cyclists is their tendency to ride with one hand. (the other resting on their lap) I tried this myself, but at speeds of over 60 I just did not feel comfortable unless both were holding on. (We're on a 3-lane highway). Does anyone out there have a rational explanation as to why anyone would want to ride one-handed? I thought it might avoid some back strain on a long trip, but the posture remains about the same as the throttle hand is still holding on. Are these guys just crazy or what? Thanx, Bob
darryl@ism780.UUCP (06/25/84)
#R:spuxll:-51100:ism780:15800019:000:630 ism780!darryl Jun 24 09:21:00 1984 While I don't ride one handed for long periods, I do occasionally take a hand off of the bars for some R&R. BTW, I can do this for either hand, since my bike has a cruise-control-like thumb screw that resists the throttle return spring. When you've been riding for an hour, it's nice to be able to wiggle your hand a bit and get some cool air through the gloves. As to why someone would do it continously, perhaps it's the "Look, Ma, only one hand" brand of machismo showing through. I too find riding with one hand uncomfortable, both physically and mentally. Ride safe, --Darryl Richman ...!cca!ima!ism780!darryl
djm@nmtvax.UUCP (06/25/84)
<how do we know the bug is gone> If I'm going a fair distance (anything over about four blocks), my hands tend to get tired from gripping the bars. Since muscle cramps aren't all that fun, I try relax at least one (still haven't figured out how to really relax and hold the throttle, though). As for loss of control, I have no problems up to ~73, at which point the bike tries to self-destruct. The fairing is aerodynamic enough to push the front end down, thus no real loss of traction. Then again, it could just be a manifestation of my suicidal qualities. Rube Goldberg II (djm@nmtvax)
lee@unmvax.UUCP (06/27/84)
I ride a 79 GS750EN, renowned for the MEANEST, NASTIEST throttle
return spring in the business. The longest ride I have made on it was
Albuquerque to San Diego; About a thousand miles. I did NOT ride one
inch of it one handed. I did not get cramps in my hands. I would
not suggest that ANYBODY ride one handed. Do anything to make
your hands more comfortable on the bars but KEEP 'EM THERE! The
next time you have to avoid half of some semis rubber you might
find you have a bit more control. Beats sliding, that's fer sure.
--Lee
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--Lee (Ward)
{ucbvax,convex,gatech,pur-ee}!unmvax!lee