SockMonkey
Tuned and Synch'ed
Full disclosure: I do not own a Stelvio and have never ridden one. The Stelvio is however on a very short list of bikes that I am interested in for my next ride (likely purchase fall 2013).
I read a review in Motorcycle Consumer News recently which while overwhelmingly positive, mentioned one area of particular concern - especially for me being somewhat long-legged (35" inseam):
"Alas, the Stelvio has one very serious flaw in terms of ergonomics. The left cylinder is closer to the rider than the right—too close for a rider with long legs. With your knee against the cylinder cover, which has a plastic insulating jacket on its back side, the heat averages 150°F on a hot day, enough to make contact while riding in jeans uncomfortable. But, even worse, just beneath the cover, on either side of the intake port, the cylinder fins will run 200° or more, which is enough to cause blistered skin even through heavy riding pants. Shorter riders may not encounter this problem, but a taller rider will be obliged to find a fix—the heat is intolerable."
While heat is very subjective, I'm wondering if there isn't a simple fix? Something like this for instance: http://www.quickcar.net/index.php?crn=2 ... how_detail. I wonder how these would work if a pair where sewn into the lower leg just below the knee of my riding pants?
I read a review in Motorcycle Consumer News recently which while overwhelmingly positive, mentioned one area of particular concern - especially for me being somewhat long-legged (35" inseam):
"Alas, the Stelvio has one very serious flaw in terms of ergonomics. The left cylinder is closer to the rider than the right—too close for a rider with long legs. With your knee against the cylinder cover, which has a plastic insulating jacket on its back side, the heat averages 150°F on a hot day, enough to make contact while riding in jeans uncomfortable. But, even worse, just beneath the cover, on either side of the intake port, the cylinder fins will run 200° or more, which is enough to cause blistered skin even through heavy riding pants. Shorter riders may not encounter this problem, but a taller rider will be obliged to find a fix—the heat is intolerable."
While heat is very subjective, I'm wondering if there isn't a simple fix? Something like this for instance: http://www.quickcar.net/index.php?crn=2 ... how_detail. I wonder how these would work if a pair where sewn into the lower leg just below the knee of my riding pants?