Two Separate Issues...Saddlebags and Back pain
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,429
Likes: 10
From: TX
I had the same issues on my fat Bob as you
I had forward controls, but added mini floorboards to ease the pain
I also added a driver backrest on my Corbin seat, I have logged 700 miles in one day now with min issues
I found a set of HD distressed bags on Ebay with detectable ghost brackets for $300 plus shipping so I am all set up
I had forward controls, but added mini floorboards to ease the pain
I also added a driver backrest on my Corbin seat, I have logged 700 miles in one day now with min issues
I found a set of HD distressed bags on Ebay with detectable ghost brackets for $300 plus shipping so I am all set up
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 894
Likes: 4
From: Newberg OR
All excellent advice Matt, I totally agree that Seat quality, Heal Rests, and Bar height are the first places to make adjustments, followed by Suspension.
One relatively cheap option for Bar height on a Fatbob would be 2" spacers under the risers. SpacerJim sells a set for under $50, jim@spacerjim.com, or you could just use a stack of fender washers with a couple longer bolts to try out the concept. The next simplest option would be a set of 6" pull-back risers. Beyond that you're looking at re-wireing bars and potentially replacing cables.
Hope you find a solution that keeps you in the saddle!
One relatively cheap option for Bar height on a Fatbob would be 2" spacers under the risers. SpacerJim sells a set for under $50, jim@spacerjim.com, or you could just use a stack of fender washers with a couple longer bolts to try out the concept. The next simplest option would be a set of 6" pull-back risers. Beyond that you're looking at re-wireing bars and potentially replacing cables.
Hope you find a solution that keeps you in the saddle!
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 302
Likes: 8
From: Huddersfield. U.K.
I find a motocross style kidney belt helps on long rides. Although I have a two up sundowner which is mega comfortable, I still prefer the look of stock, and do most of my rides on the stock seat.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 2
From: Deltona, FL
Lower back pain is usually an ergonomic thing. You might be reaching too far for the bars. What is your height? You can try getting some pullback bars or risers to move them back to you.
Also, as mentioned a better seat with more lumbar support or a rider's backrest will help.
Also, as mentioned a better seat with more lumbar support or a rider's backrest will help.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
I had back problems every time I rode my Harley's for a lot of years, finally I got the Mustang with DBR big help. Only trouble was I had to have the back rest on most all the time. Then this year I got a 10 FXDC my very first Harley with mid's, always had forwards before. To my surprise with the mids and for the first time most all my back Pain is gone. Before I even rode my new bike I got a new Mustang with DBR and at 3100 miles I still have not used the back rest. Every ones back pain is different, but for me all it took was mid control's. I sure wish I knew that back when I got my first 2000 Sportster with forwards.
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 428
Likes: 4
From: Santa Ynez, Ca
Back pain, I dunno cause I get the same after long rides. I'm going to look at a softer seat and try less preload in the rear shocks. For bags I went with HD, direct bolt and am glad I did. Got caught in the cold and was able to use warmer clothes that I had in bags. Worth every penny!
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 95
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
I've had my '08 FXDF for about 3 months now, got 1500 miles since I bought her. I've got two separate issues which I need help with.
First, I've been getting some pretty significant lower back pain after about an hour in the saddle. Enough that I have to pull over and walk around for a while. Every bump after an hour or so causes a "hot poker to the spine" feeling. I don't have the problem with shorter rides, just the longer ones, and that's keeping me from really riding it long distances. I test drove it before, and only started noticing it on longer rides.
Second, I've been looking for bags/racks that are most convenient for weekend trips. I'm assuming that my back thing will be fixable with this bike. I'm not opposed to different models, but I do love my FXDF. I just want the back pain to go away, and I would like to have a convenient way to pack some clothes/essentials.
Thanks in advance. I appreciate everyone's time and expertise.
Matt
First, I've been getting some pretty significant lower back pain after about an hour in the saddle. Enough that I have to pull over and walk around for a while. Every bump after an hour or so causes a "hot poker to the spine" feeling. I don't have the problem with shorter rides, just the longer ones, and that's keeping me from really riding it long distances. I test drove it before, and only started noticing it on longer rides.
Second, I've been looking for bags/racks that are most convenient for weekend trips. I'm assuming that my back thing will be fixable with this bike. I'm not opposed to different models, but I do love my FXDF. I just want the back pain to go away, and I would like to have a convenient way to pack some clothes/essentials.
Thanks in advance. I appreciate everyone's time and expertise.
Matt
Check out bikerfriend.com for their bags as they have lumbar support and are top quality. Not cheap however...Regards
try changing your bars, i put Z bars on mine and it made a world of difference the stock bars are fine but for my height (6 FT) it was just off a bit and I felt the same **** had to constantly lean forward and stretch when on long rides, with my new bars no issues at all.
Same stock seat, so give it a go get some new bars and try a few positions.
As for the bags i got some cheap throw overs from EBAY :-)
Same stock seat, so give it a go get some new bars and try a few positions.
As for the bags i got some cheap throw overs from EBAY :-)