Arms should be bent. If you do that it's hard to put a lot of pressure on your wrists. I try to shake my elbows every 15 min or so to ensure my arms aren't locked. BTW, bent arms give you much more control in corners as well.

 

Man, when I opened this thread I didn't know what kind of riding position we were going to get into!

 

And another option for people (like me) with shorter arms is Heli Bars. They bring your bars back about a half inch and up about an inch, not a big change, but really helped in the comfort range. At stock, I couldn't even reach the bars unless my arms were straight!

-Susan

 

I am 6'6" but find the ***** of feet on the pegs helps a lot, if I am not in hard corners and cruising long distances I put my left arm across the tank, paralellish to my body and rest on it, it is even more comfortable with a tank bag.

 

the best way to keep the weight off your arms and wrists is to keep your back straight (dont slouch) and squeze the tank w/ your legs. this will not only keep you more comfortable but will also keep weight off the bars which in turn makes you a better, safer rider. you might also want to lay your left arm across the tank and lean up on it while your crusing. just keep trying things until you find what works for you. my $0.02

 

standing on your tank helps the arms out

 

This site should have a section dedicated to riding form and technique...i think that would make it easier for us newbs to find info and would make it easier on the vets so they don't have to keep on repeating stuff

 

sounds like a good idea

 

as far as what was said in the beginning about using your back. Over the winter time, work on situps and strengthening your core muscles as well as lower back. You can find different types of excersises online. It will help you support your weight better.

 

I know exactly what you're talking about. I just discovered this myself a couple of weeks ago. You put the ***** of your feet on the back pegs of the brake/shifter instead of your heel. Doing this takes a little weight off your butt. It has the same affect as having rear sets.