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 !

 

FWIW - I'll turn 64 this year. I think I'll be good for more years on my '16 FLHTK dreadnought. My back up plan is either going back on my metric cruiser, or if funds permit, a Heritage Classic.
If it gets to the point I'm struggling with a Heritage Classic, I will retire from riding.

As for your lower back pain, try a motorcycle back rest. And maybe a visit to a doctor. May be disc related. I had a partial discectomy many years ago. Before that, it was occasionally very painful. I've been good to go since then.

 

Doesn't sound like you're making a mistake. You'll miss some aspects of your current bike and like some of the differences the replacement has to offer. When I hop on my FXR after riding the road king I can't get over the difference in weight and handling. I love them both but neither checks off all the boxes.

 

The Heritage is a much lighter feeling bike than your Ultra. I loved my '05 Heritage for long distance touring, it was very comfortable.

Weight of the bike is one reason why I traded my '16 RGU in for my current '18 Goldwing Tour. The Wing is 90 lbs lighter but it feels like it's 300 lbs lighter due to the weight all being very low due to the flat six engine and low gas tank. It's far easier to sling around and handle than my RGU was.

 

Try a Lowrider also, they’re very light and nimble.

 

Love the Heritage , best of both worlds . You'll still have the luggage space if you do decide to take a trip or do some small sight seeing tours , or you can strip it down and ride solo . Right now I have no plans of ever getting rid of my King , but if I ever do , the Heritage will be one of the top 3 on my list .

 

I traded my 15 RGS for a 20 Heritage and every time I ride it I am more convinced I made the right decision.
So much easier to handle and with the new suspension I don’t think I gave anything on the ride. Just the peace of mind means a lot to me, no uneasy feelings to maneuver in those tight spots we all get into.

 

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

 

I’m 70, 5’ 8” and 210 lbs. Bought a 2019 EG Standard in March, 2019. I loved the “ride,” the faring, the bags...great bike. But it was very, very heavy and honestly I was not comfortable on it. In August I traded it for a 2020 Heritage (took a heavy financial beating) and haven’t been sorry. Should’ve kept the 2013 Heritage I traded for the EGS...live and learn...

 

Have you tried a back brace? I've worn one for over 30 years if I'm doing over 200 miles.

I'm pushing 70 and rode my Limited 20,000 miles again last year. I'm not a great picture of health either!