Passenger comfort 2021 Vitpilen 401?

speakez17

speakez17

contributing rider
Joined
May 4, 2022
Messages
6
Location
PA
My wife wants to start riding more with me, but after 20 minutes she starts feeling discomfort in her back. I'm new to riding so I'm hoping there are some suggestions here for adding more comfort for her. We're both very small (I'm 5'5 around 150lbs and she's 4'11 around 110lbs) so space doesn't seem to be an issue. I think it's the forward lean and rear grab bar isn't the best for comfort either.

I thought about a backrest, but haven't found one for this bike. Though making one doesn't seem too difficult given the grab bar bolts being there already.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
For reduced back pain, normally need to find the right rotation for the hips.

Could of course be other posture related things too...

How does she mainly "hold on", with her lower body or with her upper body?
 
BISavage said:
For reduced back pain, normally need to find the right rotation for the hips.

Could of course be other posture related things too...

How does she mainly "hold on", with her lower body or with her upper body?
Click to expand...
She mainly holds on with her upper body hugging my torso. I didn't even think of that. I will ask her to try grabbing/bracing with her legs to the frame similar to how I do while riding.

Thanks.
 
Just wanted to provide a quick update on this. A buddy of mine recommended a buddy belt and I ended up getting this one (Grip-n-Ride ). She loves it and is way more comfortable now both upright and on the rare occasion she wants to lean forward.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
 
How's your back with her holding on? Maybe Handlebar risers would help both of you?
Here's the correct risers for the 2022 Svartpilen 401:
roxspeedfx.com

KTM 390 & Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 1 3/4" Pivoting Handlebar Risers fo

Made in the USA 1 3/4" (44.5mm) Center-to-Center Rise Pivots Backward/Forward based on Rider Preference 26mm Stem Accepts 26mm Handlebar Will NOT on the SMC-R!! They have a different bar diameter Always check and confirm that your machine has adequate cable and brake line length before...
roxspeedfx.com roxspeedfx.com
 
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Peter said:
How's your back with her holding on? Maybe Handlebar risers would help both of you?
roxspeedfx.com

2" V-Twin / Street Pivoting Handlebar Risers for 1" Handlebar- 3 Color

Fits nearly any V-Twin / Harley / Cruiser Bike with a 1" Diameter Bar and open mounting area 2" of Rise 1" Stem Accepts 1" Handlebar Lifetime Warranty Made in the USA CNC Machined using 6061-T6 Billet aluminum Available in Machined Aluminum, Black, or Chrome Finish These will work on nearly any...
roxspeedfx.com roxspeedfx.com
Click to expand...
It's doing ok. Definitely start feeling discomfort after about 20 minutes of riding, but nothing really painful. I have been thinking about risers, but don't really want to spend $400+ on a the handlebar kit.

I have been thinking about risers, and have seen those, but I'm not sure if those work on the Vitpilen since that style seems to be for bikes which already have risers like the svartpilen.

Do you (or anyone else here) know if the style of risers you linked would work on the Vitpilen?
 
You can't put risers on the Vitpilen. Some people swap for the Svartpilen triple tree top portion and bars. You might be able to find somebody with a damaged bike selling the top of the triple tree, they usually survive a crash that bends forks etc.

Here's the difference.

This is the Vitpilen, the bars fit into the sockets out the sides.
1653955088543.jpg

This is the Svartpilen. the risers fit into the two holes each side of centre and the bars sit on the risers.
1653955159234.jpg
 
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Dr.Shifty said:
You can't put risers on the Vitpilen. Some people swap for the Svartpilen triple tree top portion and bars. You might be able to find somebody with a damaged bike selling the top of the triple tree, they usually survive a crash that bends forks etc.

Here's the difference.

This is the Vitpilen, the bars fit into the sockets out the sides.
View attachment 3321

This is the Svartpilen. the risers fit into the two holes each side of centre and the bars sit on the risers.
View attachment 3322
Click to expand...

Thanks, that's what I figured.

I'm curios why "risers" which slide into the triple where the current handles do exist? I'm guessing it's either $$$ or maybe strength concerns from extra stress the new handle position might cause on the stock triple?
 
Vatte said:
Just a look over the edge of the plate. These type of risers do exist. Maybe there are options for the 401 also.

Edit: View attachment 3323
Source: https://vitpilenforum.com/forums/topic/vitpilen-clipon-risers/
or
View attachment 3324
Source: https://vitpilenforum.com/forums/topic/f1e-handle-bar-risers/
Click to expand...

Thanks, I hadn't seen those! I'm wondering if the 1" ones would make a worth it difference. The Woodcraft seem to be a great option (though I would make the bars black).

Being a new riders, I'm going to keep trying with the stock setup for at least 1k miles and if I find it comfortable then I'll give the Woodcraft ones a try.
 
UPDATE: I just added these Risers https://roxspeedfx.com/collections/harley-vtwin/products/2-street-cruiser-pivoting-handlebar-risers to my Svartpilen.
Update Sept 22: I used the wrong Risers from Rox Speed Risers on this first reply. They sent me the correct ones upon my returning the wrong units.
I've fitted the 1.75" riser EASIY on the bike with a few tools. Only Slight clutch/brack handle adjustments to ensure there's no pinching in the cables.
They work as described: Higher bars for more upright riding and easier when off road handling (because you're not leaning over as much when standing.)
Here's the correct Risers from Rox Speed: https://roxspeedfx.com/products/1-3-4-pivoting-handlebar-risers-for-26mm-handlebar
 
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On my Vitpilen 701 I could gain some line lenght under the fuel tank. There were kind of loops, I hope you know what I mean.
 
Peter said:
... BUT, I'm really concerned about the wear and tear the tight brake line and clutch cable will have....
Click to expand...

The clutch cable on my 401 was "sketchy" from stock, where when turning one way it was rough and the other way smooth... and I rerouted it a few times till I liked it more... still though it was gonna break like at any minute... never did though.

I also rotated the brake line fitting to gain a few mm of slack.
 
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