Bad Backs and Riders Backrest
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 2,423
From: USA
I've used backrests before, but could never find that sweet spot that was wonderful. And, they could indeed kick me in the back darn hard over rough terrain.
Riding posture is a lot of it for me. And basically, cop bike riding posture is about the most comfortable and longest lasting position I've found.
Riding posture is a lot of it for me. And basically, cop bike riding posture is about the most comfortable and longest lasting position I've found.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,160
Likes: 2,568
From: CT/FL
Yes! And the cop seat absorbs those sudden jars that get past the shocks.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 86
From: Centeral Coast, California
No hurt feelings here. You just made an assumption about weight....even at 5 lbs. The OP may have 5 to lose, and he may not. In any case, weight loss, if that's an issue with him, is a long term solution. He wasn't asking for advise, he was asking about immediate help for his back problems while riding, specifically where back rests were concerned. Your shock input was by far the most useful in your response, though it wasn't his question.
I recently injured a muscle (mid to lower) on the right side of my back. I went into a dip and it jarred my back so bad it hasn't been right since. I have a riders backrest that I seldom use because if I remember correctly, I stopped using it because it was irritating and uncomfortable on bumpy roads.
I'm wondering if I kept my back pressed tight against the pad if that would help support the muscles in my back. I'm sure there are many forum members who ride with back issues and I'm wondering what they have done to cope with the issue in order to keep riding. I have also considered buying a Kidney belt from a local moto-cross store.
Thoughts and advice please.........
I'm wondering if I kept my back pressed tight against the pad if that would help support the muscles in my back. I'm sure there are many forum members who ride with back issues and I'm wondering what they have done to cope with the issue in order to keep riding. I have also considered buying a Kidney belt from a local moto-cross store.
Thoughts and advice please.........
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,747
Likes: 419
From: Vermont
No hurt feelings here. You just made an assumption about weight....even at 5 lbs. The OP may have 5 to lose, and he may not. In any case, weight loss, if that's an issue with him, is a long term solution. He wasn't asking for advise, he was asking about immediate help for his back problems while riding, specifically where back rests were concerned. Your shock input was by far the most useful in your response, though it wasn't his question.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 519
Likes: 83
From: NC
I've had back surgery, a hip replacement, I need the other hip replaced. I have a Mustang Super Tour seat with the adjustable backrest. I couldn't ride any distance without the backrest.
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Joe Kucinski
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
Well I try to. I have a wonky work schedule, so I don't get to do it every day. I also do 20-30 minutes on either an elliptical or a stairclimber. My tendons suck, so I can't do a whole lot of free weight work, so I concentrate on whole-body toning.
After the wreck and being thrown around like a rag doll, I find that if I go more than a couple of days without exercising I hurt like an SOB.
After the wreck and being thrown around like a rag doll, I find that if I go more than a couple of days without exercising I hurt like an SOB.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,015
Likes: 6,909
From: NC
I never liked the back rest. Having several back injuries of my own doing. The best medicine for your back? Loose weight and excercise back muscles. I think riding is some of the best medicine their is. But that back rest just made things worse for me...I regularly ride 300-400 a day. Weekdays 75-150. I sure as heck would not want a backrest on a bike in a wreck...
I had a back rest on my other ElectraGlide. While I liked the back rest, I found that my muscles were no longer being used and I got weaker. I removed it, exercised, and will not use another back rest.
Last edited by Goose_NC; Jul 9, 2016 at 07:32 AM.