Thinking about Downsizing.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 467
From: anywhere
trike it
I'm 65 and been riding since I was 19, current bike is a 2010 Ultra. I'm not a big person 5'7 at a 165lbs. I ride solo 100 percent of the time and my rides mainly consist of going out in the country. Last road trip was spring of 2014, not anticipating doing anymore at this time. My main issue is pain in my lower back that just won't go away, I use Bio-freeze roll on throughout the day. Because of this I no longer feel comfortable with the weight of the Ultra. I have taken as much off of it as possible, it's set up like a Street-glide. I have decided against a trike mainly because of price. I'm wondering if any of you have been in this situation and what direction you went ? I'm thinking about trying to sell my bike and then buy something used from a private individual like a Heritage Classic. I'm looking to not be out of pocket, just thinking a smaller bike might be better for my needs. I have test ridden the Heritage at demo days. I would appreciate your thoughts and comments, trying to not make a mistake. Thanks !
senior experienced all-knowing leader of the unwise
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,957
Likes: 351
From: USA
Well i'm 67 6' 1", 215 lb and in better physical shape probably than 99% of men my age so i'm a 1%er for sure. I have no problem with my Road Glide but also have a Dyna with detachable saddlebags and fairing. It's very easy to handle and ride. Nobody says you have to ride a big touring bike to be comfortable. Dyna or newer style softail is always an option.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
I'm 65 and been riding since I was 19, current bike is a 2010 Ultra. I'm not a big person 5'7 at a 165lbs. I ride solo 100 percent of the time and my rides mainly consist of going out in the country. Last road trip was spring of 2014, not anticipating doing anymore at this time. My main issue is pain in my lower back that just won't go away, I use Bio-freeze roll on throughout the day. Because of this I no longer feel comfortable with the weight of the Ultra. I have taken as much off of it as possible, it's set up like a Street-glide. I have decided against a trike mainly because of price. I'm wondering if any of you have been in this situation and what direction you went ? I'm thinking about trying to sell my bike and then buy something used from a private individual like a Heritage Classic. I'm looking to not be out of pocket, just thinking a smaller bike might be better for my needs. I have test ridden the Heritage at demo days. I would appreciate your thoughts and comments, trying to not make a mistake. Thanks !
Since you want lighter, look at the adventure/Dual Sport bikes from Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, even Yamaha. These companies also offer Standard and Cafe models too like the W800 Kawasaki and the Honda CB 500X, NC750X. The Versys line is also popular. Honda has a standard, the CB1100, if you can find one.
There are a lot of very good bikes out there now. Have fun with your search. There are a lot of us that are looking at doing what you are doing. Many have found something they like and it's given them the ole Excitement back in riding again. There ARE enjoyable motorcycles out there that don't weigh 950 lbs.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,062
Likes: 5,317
I'm riding my '14 Limited less and less because my '20 Heritage is so much easier to handle. I have some lower back issues, but having a backrest on both bikes helps a lot. Good luck with your decision.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
I'm 65 and been riding since I was 19, current bike is a 2010 Ultra. I'm not a big person 5'7 at a 165lbs. I ride solo 100 percent of the time and my rides mainly consist of going out in the country. Last road trip was spring of 2014, not anticipating doing anymore at this time. My main issue is pain in my lower back that just won't go away, I use Bio-freeze roll on throughout the day. Because of this I no longer feel comfortable with the weight of the Ultra. I have taken as much off of it as possible, it's set up like a Street-glide. I have decided against a trike mainly because of price. I'm wondering if any of you have been in this situation and what direction you went ? I'm thinking about trying to sell my bike and then buy something used from a private individual like a Heritage Classic. I'm looking to not be out of pocket, just thinking a smaller bike might be better for my needs. I have test ridden the Heritage at demo days. I would appreciate your thoughts and comments, trying to not make a mistake. Thanks !
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 667
From: Texas
First and at the top of the list, take care of that pinched nerve in your lower back. See a neurosurgeon if you haven't. See what a MRI says. Many will want to throw you on the table. Don't rush it. You may just need some PT. Inside the spinal disc is like sandy seaweed. I had lower back issues for years, the disc ruptured and took out most of my left leg sciatic nerve and movement ability. Dr wanted to put me on the table the next week. I took some some to heal with some PT. Being pissed off and with much effort I worked up to about a year before I could ride again. No surgery. Just watch myself.
The freeze and that procedure to burn the nerve to stop the pain does not fix the problem. It just mask the pain just like turning up the radio so you can't hear the engine knock. A friend... against my advise, had RadioFrequency / Rhizotomy to kill the nerve pain. He thought he was healed... until he over did it one day and ended up worst and just barely able to walk. It will take him a long road to recover.
Your body is sounding it's alarm by that pain. Managing a heavy bike just adds to the problem.
Sorry to ramble and sorry if you already know that... Just wanted to share, so to show that pushing yourself on the bike and other heavy things you may do could lead to future problems.
I downsized on a Dyna. Every once and a while I feel like getting another Road King, but a short ride reminds me not to.
I think you'll be much happier on a bike around 650#. Dyna or new Low Rider type with a backrest. I have a convertible I'll migrate to when I can no longer ride the Dyna. If you haven't owned a convertible, give that some thought. Lots of fun.
hth
The freeze and that procedure to burn the nerve to stop the pain does not fix the problem. It just mask the pain just like turning up the radio so you can't hear the engine knock. A friend... against my advise, had RadioFrequency / Rhizotomy to kill the nerve pain. He thought he was healed... until he over did it one day and ended up worst and just barely able to walk. It will take him a long road to recover.
Your body is sounding it's alarm by that pain. Managing a heavy bike just adds to the problem.
Sorry to ramble and sorry if you already know that... Just wanted to share, so to show that pushing yourself on the bike and other heavy things you may do could lead to future problems.
I downsized on a Dyna. Every once and a while I feel like getting another Road King, but a short ride reminds me not to.
I think you'll be much happier on a bike around 650#. Dyna or new Low Rider type with a backrest. I have a convertible I'll migrate to when I can no longer ride the Dyna. If you haven't owned a convertible, give that some thought. Lots of fun.
hth
