Steering Wheel Design

[Mojo]

The 2006 Ridgeline steering wheel does NOT have a hand-hole at the BOTTOM of the steering wheel. I guess I'm used to having this from my Acura and Odyssey, and am finding it uncomfortable to hold it to the side.

I think that the design I want is called a "Racing Steering Wheel", which does have the hand-hole at the bottom...not because I'm racing, but because it is more comfortable and easier to steer when driving for more that 5 minutes.

[lprjones]

Amen.
I have had mine for 3 months and I still can't find a confortable grip.
The first thing I noticed when test driving was that there is not a hole at the bottom of the steering wheel which is where I have always gripped.
This is my only complaint about the Ridgeline.

[3SuperSports]

I'm getting used to it, but I agree.

[Webwader]

I think that the design I want is called a "Racing Steering Wheel", which does have the hand-hole at the bottom

I don't know of any racing driver that would grip the steering wheel at the bottom. The best grip for racing is at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock because those hand positions allow the maximum amount of wheel turn without moving your hands on the wheel. 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock are good too.

[Spritegeezer]

I was taught 10 & 2 but... I don't think he means an actual racing wheel (although it would be cool to be able to take the steering wheel with you like they do in F1 - try and steal it then!). I think he means a different spoke arrangement. Any alignment tech would be able to do that. Just loosen it up and turn the wheel the retighten everything. I don't know what that would do to the air bag however. I wouldn't chance it myself. I like it just the way it is.

[LadyRidge]

Originally Posted by 3SuperSports

I'm getting used to it, but I agree.

Ditto.

[Webwader]

I guess what I should have said is that the 9-3 and 10-2 positions are the best grips for any driving, not just racing. If you have both hands at the bottom of the wheel, your ability to turn the wheel very far in either direction is very restricted. In an emergency situation, it can mean the difference between avoiding the situation or becoming part of it. I understand the lack of a comfortable position in the RL because the steering wheel is farther away that most other vehicles. Having raced for many years, I just don't feel comfortable with my hands at the bottom. I think I have finally reached a decent compromise by bringing my seat back a little more vertical that I used to. I hook my thumbs over the side spokes and my arms no longer tire so quickly and it's probably better for my aging arthritic back anyway.

[Spritegeezer]

If I may put two more cents into this thread...I have been told that things have changed and I'm having some trouble with those changes. One of these changes involves air bags. We all know there is an airbag in the center of the steering wheel. I have been informed by two Highway Patrolmen that if you hold the wheel as I was taught (10 and 2 position, firm grip on the wheel) you are very likely to have your thumbs broken should the air bag be deployed. I guess you are supposed to keep all your fingers and both thumbs on the outside of the wheel. I'm having some trouble remembering this but I'm working on it. Broken thumbs sound like a very unpleasant experience. Sounds like something the Mafia would do to "make you an offer you can't refuse."

[Webwader]

I have been informed by two Highway Patrolmen that if you hold the wheel as I was taught (10 and 2 position, firm grip on the wheel) you are very likely to have your thumbs broken should the air bag be deployed.

It wouldn't happen on the RL, Spritegeezer. If you'll look at your steering wheel, you will see that the air bag cover is inboard of the controls, a long ways from your thumbs. What the patrolman was referring to was the fact that as the air bag deploys, it blows that cover off (it's hinged at the bottom). My son was hit by a woman that ran a red light and he says the air bag sure does sting though, and being 6'5", he doesn't sit close to the wheel.

BTW, I use to race a Spridget and also had a Bugeye at one time.

[Desert Ridge]

First thought when considering any of the design elements of the Ridge is "Total Safety." You are being forced to put your hands where you will not be hurt if/when the airbag deploys. You guys don't really think that Honda brought something this sophisticated to market without engineering the primary human interface to the highest level of their ability, do you???