WANT TO STAY IN THE SADDLE LONGER AND MORE COMFORTABLY?
Add a kidney belt to your road-riding apparel.
My first kidney belt supported my guts and lower back in the 70’s during a tremendous amount of dirt bike riding. Man, do those things make offroad moto-life more enjoyable.
At some point after I started riding the pavement, I brought along the same kidney belt and found that I could ride much longer and with less fatigue whenever I wore the thing. 30 years later it is still a staple in my riding arsenal.
Basically, the belt keeps your innards from shaking around and it also supports your lower back. When I put mine on, I typically pull in my gut, tighten the wide kidney belt, and lock the hook and loop (Velcro) fasteners.
There are many choices of kidney belts, including varying degrees of additional back protection, and of course different sizes. Even though there is a greater selection of these belts available, compared to the 70’s, I’ve never found one as good as my first one. Nowadays, the majority of kidney belts are secured via hook and loop fasteners. But I find they wear out after about a year or so of heavy use and the fastening system can then detach by itself while riding.
My first one had metal hooks and metal fasteners that offered a variety of positions for different waist sizes. Like the modern versions, this one also included some elastic fabric so the belt would give a little as you straddled your seat, and because of the metal hooks and metal fasteners back then, the snug fit just wouldn’t detach.
The earlier one also had stainless steel strips, ensconced in rubber for back support. You can find that on some of the modern ones, but the fastening system will not last as long. Regardless, I wouldn’t go for a longer ride without one!
You should be able to buy one from any motorcycle accessories dealer, although more often than not, they will be with the dirt bike apparel.
Do you have a favorite kind of motorcycle kidney belt?
I started using a kidney belt a couple years ago. One of the best things I ever did to increase my comfort level on longer rides.
I purchassed a leather “lifting” belt for my kidney belt. Ido not use it around town, but on rides over 30 minutes I strap it on. Makes a world of difference!!
Thanks for your suggestion. Will try a kidney belt.
I use a leather lifting belt made by Schiek. It has a two-prong buckle with the holes about an inch apart so it is very adjustable and will not release while riding. However, it does not provide the custom fit that a velcro closure would. The front is almost as wide as the back so it provides support both in the front and back of the torso. The belt also provides plenty of padding all around and is very comfortable. I live in the South and do not find it to be anymore uncomfortable on hot days than fabric type belts. I do not wear the bbelt unless I am going on a long ride, but would not do such a ride without it.
I’m not a dirt rider, but I was introduced to kidney belts for street riding and I wear one most of the time.