Hip Joint Cramps
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
So two suggestions: look into relocating your footboards, if that is possible - on my 1990 Glide they can be adjusted to three different positions; have your seat rebuilt to raise your backside and improve the angle of your hips. I don't believe that moving you back will help much, if at all.
An unfortunate feature of many Harleys is that with the modern emphasis on low seat heights there are several aspects of our riding position that are not good. Take a look at the buddy seat on a late '60s early '70s Glide to see where you should be sitting! Here ya go:
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 10,022
Likes: 14,686
From: From the Burgh to the turd of N.E. OH
I get the same cramps, what helps me the most is stretching out my legs fully.
That's why I mounted the highway pegs very low on the engine guard.
I'm able to fully stretch with these mounts.
I could never get how some folks have the pegs so high, their legs are up in the air like a gynecologist table!
Doesn't seem comfortable to me. High pegs made my hip cramps much worse.
Here's how they are mounted
That's why I mounted the highway pegs very low on the engine guard.
I'm able to fully stretch with these mounts.
I could never get how some folks have the pegs so high, their legs are up in the air like a gynecologist table!
Doesn't seem comfortable to me. High pegs made my hip cramps much worse.
Here's how they are mounted
My short legs would never reach those pegs! Mine are near the upper bent in the guard! I get the hip cramps when I'm at a stop for a period of time, weather I have one foot down or both. So I'm thinking my seat may be a little wide!
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 2
From: Mass
On long rides, I often change my seating and leg postions to prevent hip and muscle pains. Stretching at stops is also a must. If I don't, I move like a zombie when I get off the bike and little kids run away.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,074
Likes: 12
From:
Im 6'2 and riding a stock seat on my 2013 FLHTC. There are times when I get cramps at my hip when using the foot controls. Granted at 52 im not as flexible as I was but I think it has to do with seating location. I feel very comfortable with my riding position other than this. Do I need a seat that sets me back farther or just get more exercise? 
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
You can consider getting your current seat modified rather than buy a new one. Mean City Cycles get plenty of mentions for their handiwork.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 722
From: Ontario, Canada
Agree on the seat mod. Mine is at MCC right now for the transformation.
In addition, I have Tall Boys Footboard Lowering/Relocation kits on the way. I really believe these will make the biggest difference for me...from their website: "The kit moves the foot boards forward 2 inches, lowering the boards and moving the boards downward in the heal 2 ˝ inches" These should get my knees more level with my hips.
Check them out at: http://www.tallboyscycles.com
In addition, I have Tall Boys Footboard Lowering/Relocation kits on the way. I really believe these will make the biggest difference for me...from their website: "The kit moves the foot boards forward 2 inches, lowering the boards and moving the boards downward in the heal 2 ˝ inches" These should get my knees more level with my hips.
Check them out at: http://www.tallboyscycles.com
Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Central Virginia
I get those cramps when I put my legs down at a stop sometimes. They can hurt enough for me to almost want to drop the bike to make it stop. I have noticed that it usually happens after I haven't ridden in some time (beginning of the season). Once I start riding more often, they go away completely. I'm sure with me it's a stretching thing and if I'd exercise properly during the "off season" I wouldn't have the issue.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
I try to keep myself limber but I usually get a hip cramp within a few seconds of sitting down on the bike. When I do, I've learned to stand up with both feet planted on the ground (bike in neutral)...pull all slack out of my pants (downwards) and start rotating my hips just as if you were playing with a hula-hoop. I know, it sounds crazy but I've been doing this for some time and the pain/cramping always goes away. Sometimes I'll get completely off the bike to do this but it always works. Go ahead and give this a try before you start spending money on seats.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 161
Likes: 3
From: Lemon Grove
Basic cramp resolution
My son used to wrestle in High school and do jui jitsu in his 30's. Also worked in Vegas and was told to keep hydrated. His main cure for cramps was vinegar. He had to go to the hospital a few times, almost all muscles cramped him up, after large loss of body fluid. I tried a few times and works in less then 10 minutes. raw vinegar is best. Shooters are a little hard to do but works fast. If you cant handle shooters then try mixing with water.