Thinking about Downsizing.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 4,607
Likes: 3,312
From: Virginia
maybe you could do a test run?
if you have the means, could you rent a smaller bike for a couple of weeks or so and see if that makes a difference
i'm doubting and calling into question whether a lighter bike will help your situation....once you're up and rolling on two wheels, other than the the difference in suspension, how is a lighter bike easier on your back? ....we aren't muscling the bikes to keep them upright and balanced, and very little effort goes into turning and cornering
hoping you get this figured out, when I first got my bike, I had terrible upper back pain....im no fitness guru, but I lost a little more weight, started some walking to strengthen my core and eventually my back pain subsided
if you have the means, could you rent a smaller bike for a couple of weeks or so and see if that makes a difference
i'm doubting and calling into question whether a lighter bike will help your situation....once you're up and rolling on two wheels, other than the the difference in suspension, how is a lighter bike easier on your back? ....we aren't muscling the bikes to keep them upright and balanced, and very little effort goes into turning and cornering
hoping you get this figured out, when I first got my bike, I had terrible upper back pain....im no fitness guru, but I lost a little more weight, started some walking to strengthen my core and eventually my back pain subsided
2. He should try to get his back sorted out first (and sounds like he is going to the Dr. soon)
3. I agree bikes are much lighter when they are rolling and once on a ride we aren't muscling them around. But every ride has a start and a stop. Sometimes multiple ones. It's the getting the bike in and out of the garage or parking spaces with uneven ground, loose gravel, ect..... that the weight is the problem. When that big bike starts to go over and you try to stop it is when you can really mess your back up.
4. The OP isn't doing any riding that really requires or justifies a big touring bike. If he feels like he is having problems handling the big touring bike, then down sizing (or as someone else called it "Right Sizing") makes a lot of sense. I'd much rather see the OP riding a smaller bike that works for him, then struggling to keep riding the bigger bike and injuring himself in the process.
I have some Legion Rider buddies in their 70's. Once the bikes are rolling they are great riders. But I cringe every time I see them trying to move their bikes in the parking lot. I really fear the day I am going to have to help pick up a 900 lb bike off a 75 year old man and help load him into an ambulance and he will never be able to ride again. Or worse find out the reason they didn't show up for a ride was because they were trapped under their 900 lb touring bike in the garage. I would much rather they get a 250cc bike they can still handle and keep riding with us.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 161
Likes: 116
From: Rothschild, WI
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