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The upright Harley riding position puts all of the up and down movement straight into your spine. Have you looked at adjusting your bars to lean you forward more. Extra angle not only reduces the compression force but also brings a hinge effect through your hips a d arms to dampen the shocks.
I went from an RGU to a Heritage 114. BEST decision I made. Once I left Texas and moved back East, I just wasnt doing those 1000 mile rides and with my back injury, the bike was cumbersome..
I don't know, I'll be 69 years old next month, and I just don't think I would like anything besides my Street Glide. I've downsized three times in the past 10 years thinking the same as you that I needed a lighter bike. Each time I've gone back to a bagger because I'm just not comfortable on the other ones and they're just not as handy without bags. That's just my opinion, and like I said I'm 69 years old next month, and I have terrible arthritis in both my shoulders that makes it difficult for me to even sleep at night, but I'm hanging onto my Street Glide. The only time the weight really bothers me is maneuvering it around the garage, once I'm rolling down the road the weight disappears. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Last edited by hd4evr2008; May 19, 2020 at 12:10 PM.
I found that I naturally tend to slump when riding in the feet forward position, causing neck and lower back pain. I tried changing the seat, adding a backrest and changing handlebar position. None of those helped. I found that a bike with mid controls that put my feet directly beneath me causes me to sit more upright. That has mostly eliminated the back pain.
[QUOTE=C908;19127883]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 
