Neck Hurts..Ugh
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
You've had neck problems in the past and have a problem today? Forget looks old chap, think of your comfort, well-being and the future! You can always remove your helmet before admiring yourself in a mirror.....
I have never had serious neck problems and don't today, but when I bought my 1990 Glide new I certainly got uncomfortable for a while. On short rides all was well, but on longer ones I really suffered at the base of my neck and shoulders. I also rode demo Harleys a lot during the following years and eventually realised that Harley obviously employs gorillas to install the handlebars on their bikes! In other words the bars are routinely installed rotated in the bar clamps so they are higher and further away from me than I found comfortable. It actually took me several attempts to get mine 'just so', but eventually I was successful. My grips are now lower, closer to me and I don't have to lift my shoulders and stretch, to reach them.
In your case while riding around just listen to your muscles. It is just possible you are suffering in a similar way and that simply experimenting with the positioning of your bars will give you some relief.
There is another thing to consider - noise. I've been riding with ear plugs since the 1970s, when there was an extensive article published in one of the bike mags on protecting our hearing. Riding a bike is a noisy business, regardless of what some will claim and as motorcyclists we risk long-term loss of hearing. The faster we ride, the greater the noise and the more likely we are to tense up, especially in our arms, shoulders and neck. So as an extra experiment to investigate, try ear plugs - you'll be OK, nobody can see that you're wearing them!
I have never had serious neck problems and don't today, but when I bought my 1990 Glide new I certainly got uncomfortable for a while. On short rides all was well, but on longer ones I really suffered at the base of my neck and shoulders. I also rode demo Harleys a lot during the following years and eventually realised that Harley obviously employs gorillas to install the handlebars on their bikes! In other words the bars are routinely installed rotated in the bar clamps so they are higher and further away from me than I found comfortable. It actually took me several attempts to get mine 'just so', but eventually I was successful. My grips are now lower, closer to me and I don't have to lift my shoulders and stretch, to reach them.
In your case while riding around just listen to your muscles. It is just possible you are suffering in a similar way and that simply experimenting with the positioning of your bars will give you some relief.
There is another thing to consider - noise. I've been riding with ear plugs since the 1970s, when there was an extensive article published in one of the bike mags on protecting our hearing. Riding a bike is a noisy business, regardless of what some will claim and as motorcyclists we risk long-term loss of hearing. The faster we ride, the greater the noise and the more likely we are to tense up, especially in our arms, shoulders and neck. So as an extra experiment to investigate, try ear plugs - you'll be OK, nobody can see that you're wearing them!
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,601
Likes: 4,038
From: San Diego, CA
There is another thing to consider - noise. I've been riding with ear plugs since the 1970s, when there was an extensive article published in one of the bike mags on protecting our hearing. Riding a bike is a noisy business, regardless of what some will claim and as motorcyclists we risk long-term loss of hearing. The faster we ride, the greater the noise and the more likely we are to tense up, especially in our arms, shoulders and neck. So as an extra experiment to investigate, try ear plugs - you'll be OK, nobody can see that you're wearing them!
After my buddy lost some skin and teeth wearing an open face helmet, I decided the FF wasn't so bad a choice after all. I rode with a half helmet almost a quarter century, plenty of time. On to something different.
John
Last edited by John Harper; Oct 28, 2018 at 10:02 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
John, we should ALL be ear-plug guys! Unfortunately the article I recall from the '70s predates the internet, so it isn't easy to share the knowledge, but any of you who work in industry or where ear protection is provided should appreciate the need for us to do so as well.....
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 121
Likes: 34
From: Syracuse, NY
Ive got the same neck issue. I installed these on my forty eight and it solved the problem. Wearing a full face helmet made my neck hurt worse just from the extra weight
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/...SABEgIumvD_BwE
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/...SABEgIumvD_BwE
Last edited by LithiumZero; Oct 30, 2018 at 07:05 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 63
Likes: 7
From: Nevada
I have tried every remedy possible for neck and shoulder pain when riding my Sportster.
Finally gave up riding the damn thing until my neck healed on its own accord. Took some time but I'm back on the road again pain-free.
Finally gave up riding the damn thing until my neck healed on its own accord. Took some time but I'm back on the road again pain-free.
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Joe Kucinski
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 8,218
Likes: 827
From: Reston, Va
I know it's not the coolest thing in the world, but what about the clip on fairing? I know it's not the coolest looking thing in the world but I would rather use that than not ride when I really want to ride.
I use mine when it gets cold outside precisely because it keeps the wind off of me. At 5' 9", the wind barely catches the top of my helmet at highway speeds although it does nothing for a crosswind.
I use mine when it gets cold outside precisely because it keeps the wind off of me. At 5' 9", the wind barely catches the top of my helmet at highway speeds although it does nothing for a crosswind.
I was experiencing neck and shoulder pain during long highway runs when running my stock bars and my old modular helmet. I dealt with it for years before eventually replacing my modular with a much lighter & more aerodynamic full face and it helped more then I thought it would. I also switched out my stock bars. I didn't want apes I just wanted some more height. After much time debating wether to get new bars or just run taller risers I decided to try a set of TC Bros Speedline bars. They're much like the Biltwell Friscos but 1/2" higher and more pullback. It took a little getting use to but I don't think I've ever been more comfortable on my bike than I am now. Then again I've never had a neck injury so take my advice with a grain of salt.