Back pain when riding
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 263
From: Catalina AZ
I did not read the (complete) comments.
But it boils down to riding position (IMHO).
No one thing is a cure all, if you can not tell by your self get some assistance.
Either professional (be careful of agendas) or a friend with a camera will work.
It could be bars, seat, back rest, pegs/board, basically riding position (or your physical shape).
I had a seat reworked once, payed attention and now I can (for the most part) evaluate myself and my riding position.
Allowing me to make adjustments myself.
I am sure there is allot of information out there (with a little research) you should be able to figure out what works for you.
If you feel you need professional help get some, it will make you riding experience better in more than just comfort.
But it boils down to riding position (IMHO).
No one thing is a cure all, if you can not tell by your self get some assistance.
Either professional (be careful of agendas) or a friend with a camera will work.
It could be bars, seat, back rest, pegs/board, basically riding position (or your physical shape).
I had a seat reworked once, payed attention and now I can (for the most part) evaluate myself and my riding position.
Allowing me to make adjustments myself.
I am sure there is allot of information out there (with a little research) you should be able to figure out what works for you.
If you feel you need professional help get some, it will make you riding experience better in more than just comfort.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,300
Likes: 2,398
From: Florida
In my experience, handlebars are the No. 1 factor in any kind of pain while riding a motorcycle. Solve that, and you've most likely solved the problem.
Seats and foot controls are a distant runner-up.
The only time I've ever experienced pain while riding is when the handlebars were too low. I went to apes and problem solved, period.
Seats and foot controls are a distant runner-up.
The only time I've ever experienced pain while riding is when the handlebars were too low. I went to apes and problem solved, period.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 5,100
From: usa
Nobody mentions shocks and the only thing that fixed my back pain on my bike was new shocks. Seats and bars didn't help. Jackhammering your spine is not good. The cruiser riding position is not good with knees higher than hips, can't get the weight off your butt at all.
Last edited by blap; Mar 26, 2020 at 01:27 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 298
Likes: 263
From: Kansas
I had an old cowboy ask me one time why Harley riders rode with their legs out in front of them....he thought it was kinda silly, said he couldn't imagine riding a horse all day like that......I always got a chuckle outa him......he was a hoot.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 691
From: Headland, AL
Had lower four disks removed, 360 degree fusion surgery, cut front and back, titanium cage, rods and screws in my back. Took two years+ to heal. Still get pain and spasms, I will never be 100 percent. Good days and bad. Touring seat with back rest, Back A line brace from Areostich catalogue, stretching exercises, core exercises and the best solution was a teeter hang up best stretching out possible, the only thing that kept me walking before my surgery. Anti inflamitory drugs and steroid injections when it really becomes unbearable. It sucks to get old but don't give up..
When I describe my surgery, I usually just say "back surgery" without getting into any details. Most people without back problems don't understand the details, and others just tune out what they perceive more or less as "just more sniveling." I wouldn't wish either the need or the act of getting such surgery on my worst enemy, but on the other hand, it is nice every once in awhile, to run into somebody you know understands what it means to be in that level of pain for that long of a time period.
Wishing for you that your good days outnumber the bad days by orders of magnitude.
Blues
Supporter
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 3,714
From: Mid Con USA
Last edited by Jed Clampett; Mar 31, 2020 at 07:42 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 342
From: Okanagan, BC
I found the new bikes all have low handlebars for my liking. The stock seat was also crap.
Changing to an aftermarket seat (Saddlemen) was the best move. Night and day difference for sure.
Changing to an aftermarket seat (Saddlemen) was the best move. Night and day difference for sure.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,178
Likes: 600
From: SoCal.....I'm only here for the weather
I will say this even though it's likely not the kind of advice you were searching for. But I am 64 year old that has lived with low back pain since I was 17 years old. I've had countless low back pain events (caused from Ankylosing spondylitis**) that have taken me out of service for anywhere from 3 days to a week. I started an exercise routine about a year ago and it has been a godsend in my ability to stave off any severe pain events. I do 7 stretches every morning that help to develop core strength and flexibility. They take less than 15 minutes to do.
This is the Youtube video that has literally changed my life. Good luck in your search for relief.
**Ankylosing spondylitis
"Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis in which there is a long-term inflammation of the joints of the spine. Typically the joints where the spine joins the pelvis are also affected." ... (Wikipedia)
This is the Youtube video that has literally changed my life. Good luck in your search for relief.
**Ankylosing spondylitis
"Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis in which there is a long-term inflammation of the joints of the spine. Typically the joints where the spine joins the pelvis are also affected." ... (Wikipedia)