Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 851 / 888 > Advice on 888 riding position

[Jasper]

I have fitted Harris bars and The SP comes with adjustable reasrets,you could fit a set of them?Altering the lever/switch gear position help as well.

[aka.eric]

I use bars from Baines,originally made for their Imola project bike,but they are very close to standard 888.Adjustable rearsets are thin on the ground for 888,s.Lucas is one.Genuine SP are long since deleted.SS,hangers will fit the frame ok,they will lower the footpeg position,I believe.I had a plan to modify the standard footrests,but couldnt find anywhere to make pegs long enough.

[Jools]

Before you change the bars have you considered your leathers? Don't laugh but when I first got my 888 I thought "oh dear, I'm not going to be able to ride this, it's doing my neck and shoulders in". Then i realised that the 888 riding position showed up a problem with my leathers that I hadn't noticed before...the jacket is too short in the body for the 888 riding position and puts loads of pressure acroos my shoulders. Net result excrutiating neck pain after 20 miles. They're two piece leathers so if I leave the jacket unzipped I can ride all day with no problems.

[851neil]

ride faster - air pressure takes weight off your wrists, at lower speeds ride as much as possible with one hand....
Lots of solutions, most common cause of wrist ache has already been mentioned and that's the relationship of your arms on the bars to the levers, if you are having to lift or drop your hands to get to the levers then this is a big factor and it's amazing how many people do this and don't recognise it.
Sit on the bike and adopt your normal rising position now go for the levers but watch what you have to do with your hands - if you are lifting / dropping or over reaching then a simple adjust will alter how you feel on the bike in a big way.

[Tim Hall]

Thanks for all the advice guys - I also think age is a contributary factor!
thanks

Tim

[Rob B]

I have tried two different bar heights plus the standard clip ons. They all give the nck a work out. My solution was just to accept the riding position, and get fitter. 45 BTW

Rgds, Rob

[Tim Hall]

Hi Rob - Funnily enough I concurr 1961 was a vintage year!. I currently run a 900ss -with no problems.
Maybe more hours down the gym required!
cheers

tim

[neil]

Originally Posted by Jools

Before you change the bars have you considered your leathers? Don't laugh but when I first got my 888 I thought "oh dear, I'm not going to be able to ride this, it's doing my neck and shoulders in". Then i realised that the 888 riding position showed up a problem with my leathers that I hadn't noticed before...the jacket is too short in the body for the 888 riding position and puts loads of pressure acroos my shoulders. Net result excrutiating neck pain after 20 miles. They're two piece leathers so if I leave the jacket unzipped I can ride all day with no problems.

I have to say, I rode the 851 on Friday for the first time in a long while and by the end of the ride home I thought I couldn't live with it - pain in knees, legs feet and hands.
But, having hoiked my leathers up today (and sung sapprano) it was much much better.......I'd sort of decided that the armour in the knees was having an adverse effect after I sat on it in my jeans and trainers - bliss!

[851neil]

aha good for you Neil, I thought you'd garaged her for the duration..

[weeveetwin]

How about these Tim..? Check out the 'My eyes' post.