Recommend a HD for someone with back problem
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 6
From: Port Charlotte, Florida
I think you got some good advice from others but i don't think its so much the bike like mentioned you can make any harley work for you its all in the seat and the support.
Guess i would ask what type of riding do you want to do. Just local here and there or you want to do alot of long long trips.
If i was just buying a HD to ride around locally with maybe only a big trip every cpl years then probably go with the dyna or softail with best seat i could find and a back rest.
If i were planning to ride till i cant walk and tour the country then id get the ultra and have it all
Guess i would ask what type of riding do you want to do. Just local here and there or you want to do alot of long long trips.
If i was just buying a HD to ride around locally with maybe only a big trip every cpl years then probably go with the dyna or softail with best seat i could find and a back rest.
If i were planning to ride till i cant walk and tour the country then id get the ultra and have it all
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 967
Likes: 3
From: Eastern Massachusetts
No such thing as an orthopedic motorcycle. If your back pain is from a medical condition the answer is going to be different than if it's just general office-worker pain.
Like a previous poster, I had an L4/L5 problem (the most common injury for computer programmers -- more common than carpal tunnel.) Mine was treated with a lumbar disc excision instead of fusion. For me, the problem is in myself and not my bike -- a backrest didn't help. It felt comfy, but it encouraged me to slouch and so road shocks (expansion joints, potholes, etc.) hurt. In the end I had to pay attention to my posture when riding and spend a lot of time at the gym strengthening my back and abs. Pro'y not the answer you want to hear, but I can ride 18 hours without pain, get up the next morning and do it again.
Like a previous poster, I had an L4/L5 problem (the most common injury for computer programmers -- more common than carpal tunnel.) Mine was treated with a lumbar disc excision instead of fusion. For me, the problem is in myself and not my bike -- a backrest didn't help. It felt comfy, but it encouraged me to slouch and so road shocks (expansion joints, potholes, etc.) hurt. In the end I had to pay attention to my posture when riding and spend a lot of time at the gym strengthening my back and abs. Pro'y not the answer you want to hear, but I can ride 18 hours without pain, get up the next morning and do it again.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 344
Likes: 36
From: Dayton Ohio
I too have lower back problems caused by a car accident 30 years ago and wish I would of bought a bike that had a seat with a backrest,I can only put on about 300 miles on my superglide and I am done for awhile. I am thinking on upgrading to a roadglide with a backrest but if i keep the superglide a seat upgrade will happen. Jeff
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Salem NH
I have a bad back (L4/L5 fusion) and have some recommendations for you. I'm sure you know what works for me may not work for you, but here you go:
1. Backrest. (I have a Mustang Solo seat w/ backrest and a Harley backrest for my Sundowner seat.) The backrest has done wonders & is easily the best "investment" to date as far as helping my back. I'm sure you realize that having no support to your lower back while holding your upper body up on a vibrating, moving machine is a recipe for fatigued, sore back muscles. The backrest gives the support I need, so I am pretty sure I'll never be w/o one, at least for rides over an hour. That means my Badlander seat, which I love the looks of, will be a dust collector.
2. Back-a-Line belt (google it...saw it on webBikeWorld review site). This did/does pretty good. Did a "patch run" one Saturday with this. No sore back while wearing it. Took it off the last 15 minutes and back started hurting. It's not "Harley chic", but hey...it may keep ya riding! I haven't used it since the backrest, but will take it on long trips just in case.
3. Advil, Tylenol, Advil, Tylenol. I say this as kind of a joke, but not really. My spine surgeon said alternating these OTC drugs works well for back pain. Something about them working together well.
4. Stretching, Core Strengthening exercises, keeping your weight down. Yeah, I know...know I'm starting to sound like your mother/wife/doctor/girl friend, etc. It sucks, but trust me, all that stuff really helps the old back. Betcha didn't think you'd hear those suggestions on the HDForums!
4. As far as bikes...like someone said...try them out. My bike vibrates like mad while idling, but smooths out once I get going, so don't let a Road King turn you off. I'd stay away from a pre-2000 year model bikes as they vibrate more. I also imagine any bike that's slammed will hurt you (think bumps). Consider the shocks, tires, suspension, etc (talk to the dealer). The stiffer bikes will transmit more energy into your body/back. The touring models may be the way to go with the air suspension. I know my RKC is a much comfier ride than my buddies '03 Fatboy. (to the previous poster w/ the '03 Fatboy...no bad things to say about the bike...love it, just my friends is lowered and after a 200 mile ride, she was pretty uncomfortable. Good to hear you are fine on yours!)
I know this is a long post...hopefully you'll find something helpful. These guys on this forum should provide you with a lot of great advice.
Good Luck!
1. Backrest. (I have a Mustang Solo seat w/ backrest and a Harley backrest for my Sundowner seat.) The backrest has done wonders & is easily the best "investment" to date as far as helping my back. I'm sure you realize that having no support to your lower back while holding your upper body up on a vibrating, moving machine is a recipe for fatigued, sore back muscles. The backrest gives the support I need, so I am pretty sure I'll never be w/o one, at least for rides over an hour. That means my Badlander seat, which I love the looks of, will be a dust collector.
2. Back-a-Line belt (google it...saw it on webBikeWorld review site). This did/does pretty good. Did a "patch run" one Saturday with this. No sore back while wearing it. Took it off the last 15 minutes and back started hurting. It's not "Harley chic", but hey...it may keep ya riding! I haven't used it since the backrest, but will take it on long trips just in case.
3. Advil, Tylenol, Advil, Tylenol. I say this as kind of a joke, but not really. My spine surgeon said alternating these OTC drugs works well for back pain. Something about them working together well.
4. Stretching, Core Strengthening exercises, keeping your weight down. Yeah, I know...know I'm starting to sound like your mother/wife/doctor/girl friend, etc. It sucks, but trust me, all that stuff really helps the old back. Betcha didn't think you'd hear those suggestions on the HDForums!
4. As far as bikes...like someone said...try them out. My bike vibrates like mad while idling, but smooths out once I get going, so don't let a Road King turn you off. I'd stay away from a pre-2000 year model bikes as they vibrate more. I also imagine any bike that's slammed will hurt you (think bumps). Consider the shocks, tires, suspension, etc (talk to the dealer). The stiffer bikes will transmit more energy into your body/back. The touring models may be the way to go with the air suspension. I know my RKC is a much comfier ride than my buddies '03 Fatboy. (to the previous poster w/ the '03 Fatboy...no bad things to say about the bike...love it, just my friends is lowered and after a 200 mile ride, she was pretty uncomfortable. Good to hear you are fine on yours!)
I know this is a long post...hopefully you'll find something helpful. These guys on this forum should provide you with a lot of great advice.
Good Luck!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 5,293
Likes: 1
From: West Jordan UT
Find one that you feel comfortable on. I had surgery on L4-5 in 2000. I ride a heritage classic and the stock seat in fine for me and I can ride all day. You can always change the seat out for one that fits you. Good luck and happy riding.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Stillwater, MN
+1 on the Back-A-Line and an analgesic like naproxen (Aleve) Aleve will relax your back muscles somewhat and reduce inflammation. The Back-A-Line will help you maintain a proper posture. Most of us tend to slouch when we ride and if you have a problematic back in the first place this causes stress on those parts of your back least able to sustain it. A back rest does help. So..bottom line, it's your posture on the bike not the bike itself that causes the problem.
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Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Salem NH
thanks
thanks to everyone who posted with their thoughts and ideas for me. i would agree that the best thing is to maintain a strong core and posture. i just purchased a 2000 fatboy yesterday and i am very excited! cant wait for the spring time baby!!!
