Sold my Road King a couple years ago. I found it to me too much weight for my back to want to deal with. Now I decided I would like to ride agin but I don’t want to go with a touring model. I’m looking at a 2011 Wide Glide. Would a Wide Glide be recommend for a bad back or if not what other model?

 

A seat with backrest really helps with my back issues. There are many to go with. I went with
Mustang Wide Vintage Solo Seat with Driver Backrest.

 

The new Softails are much lighter off the stand and from what I've read have better ride than the tourers. Try a Heritage out. And definitely a backrest!!!!!!

 

Oh and my 2011 FXDC with Saddleman seat and backrest was all day comfort and I verified that many times. 25 year bad back sufferer here. Issue for you with the WG is forward controls. Super Glides with mids and highway pegs give you the ability to change positions many ways and lift up off the seat for jarring bumps. Forwards on WG not so much. Lowrider would be another good option.

 

I’ve never owned a dyna WG, but I ride a Softail Custom FXSTC with a king/Queen seat and a backrest. I also added a shotgun shock air ride, 14” apes, and a windshield.

I wish I could ride cross country, but I just don’t see that happening. I try to ride a couple days a week for a hour or two just to get some fresh air and therapy.

Good luck, and I hope you find something that works for you.

 

what are the causes for you bad back? Is it a muscle issue or did you dislocate a disc? Fused Vertebrae? Could your back problems be limited by strengthening your core? Motorcycle riding takes a lot more toll on your body compared to riding in a car or truck. Obviously the bike with the softest suspension will be best for jarring but they are the heaviest bikes. Good points given with a change of seat and adding a back rest.

 

Hard to say without knowing the specific back issue. When you say too much weight do you mean dealing with when stopped? If so, how is the seat height compared to your leg length? If the seat height is even slightly too high for the type of shoes or boots you wear, it's possibly going to be more uncomfortable moving or balancing the bike when stationary for some people compared to one with a lower seat height.

 

From someone with a bad back... Not all softails are the same.. My FB114 is a rolling brick but the Deluxe maybe the best 'light big bike' made.. I owned a WG, the forwards put a lot of weight on your lumbar region... The easiest bike I rode when my back was a mess was a T100.

 

Difficult question for the internet to answer.
It is a comfort/ pain negation decision for you.
My thoughts:
a) softer/ thicker seat - maybe custom made
b) back rest - perhaps
c) handle bar bend - your preference noting the "rider triangle"
d) foot peg position - forwards may not be best for your back.
e) longer suspension travel - with progressive rate springs.
f) wear a back support brace
g) Can OP desire a Sportster or must you have a "big twin"?
h) OP mentions weight of the motorcycle is why they "gave up" biking some years ago.
Dare I write, any Harley may not be a good choice if weight is the issue.

Good luck in your decision and with comfort.

 

As mentioned already- whatever you end up with get a drivers back rest. It will make all the difference in the world. I have had back issues for years and the back rest turns a 1 hour bike ride into an all day bike ride.