Bad Backs and Riders Backrest

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Jul 9, 2016 | 07:34 AM

#31

Noble Jim

Road Master

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 907

Likes: 8

From: Greeneville, TN

I have bone spurs that have 3 vertebra grown together.....and arthritis. I use a backrest but it doesn't help much if I don't see a bump in the road. If I see it in time, I sit as straight as I can and my back normally survives the bump. If I don't see it. . . . . OUCH!

Jul 9, 2016 | 08:38 AM

#32

Cpl Ed

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2015

Posts: 288

Likes: 25

From: Tumwater, Wa

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streetrunner

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 don't know what a kidney belt sells for, but here is one on my local C.L. Just for your FYI.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/mpo/5652406521.html

Jul 9, 2016 | 09:05 AM

#33

Estil

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 773

Likes: 24

From: Findlay, ohio

I've had a de-generative disk problem since my mid 30's (I'm 65 now) and riding was virtually impossible for extended periods of time. I starting using the rider's backrest about 8 years ago and it is the best for me. My butt gets sore riding, but now my back no longer suffers when riding long distance. I even did an iron-butt ride at age 60 and could not have done it with the backrest. I've tried riding with it off, but quickly put it back on. It may not help everyone, but it sure made a difference for me. Best money I've ever spent on an upgrade.

Jul 9, 2016 | 09:20 AM

#34

Hate Work

Road Warrior

Joined: May 2015

Posts: 1,718

Likes: 159

From: Maryland

Quote:

Originally Posted by GooseGRMC

I have to do exercise to keep my back working well. Getting old sucks when you had an 'exuberant youth'.

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.

I have had my surgery longer than not. Doctors then told me to get a desk job, get rid of the motorcycle and buy a luxury car. Pfffft. To this day, when I task my back (exertion while using back proberly), my back feels better in the long run. It doesn't mean I don't hurt or can't tell you when it is going to rain; it just means excercise can be a good thing. Plank exercises, walking, using the stairs (up) and good posture go a long way to ensuring you are getting the most out of your body. Bought a back rest last year and now ask myself, "why did I wait so long?"

Jul 9, 2016 | 11:43 AM

#35

Streetrunner

Thread Starter

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 2,598

Likes: 52

From: South Jersey

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cpl Ed

I don't know what a kidney belt sells for, but here is one on my local C.L. Just for your FYI.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/mpo/5652406521.html

Thanks for the link but I bought a kidney belt yesterday at a local Moto-cross store for $30. Is is a Fox brand, turbo model. I don't know much about them but it was the only one they carried so I thought I'd give it a try.

Jul 9, 2016 | 04:54 PM

#36

ontwowheels77

Intermediate

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 25

Likes: 1

From: Newport News, VA

Mustang to the rescue

Go with a Mustang backrest. Completely adjustable as you ride. You will find that sweet spot....

Jul 9, 2016 | 07:57 PM

#37

Streetrunner

Thread Starter

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 2,598

Likes: 52

From: South Jersey

Quote:

Originally Posted by ontwowheels77

Go with a Mustang backrest. Completely adjustable as you ride. You will find that sweet spot....

I have a mustang seat and backrest. Also have a LePera seat and backrest which is actually a mustang backrest.

I'm wondering what exercises, that those who exercise the back, perform?

Jul 9, 2016 | 10:21 PM

#38

mike5511

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 3,873

Likes: 13

From: NW Arkansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Estil

I concur with your last three sentences exactly!

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Jul 10, 2016 | 12:46 PM

#39

Cozz

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2015

Posts: 4,805

Likes: 6,932

From: Cincinnati OH.

First ride with a backrest- today

Just got back from a first ride with a backrest. I gotta say, I like it. Less fatigue afterwards than usual. Pretty comfortable overall. Kind of a weird feeling at first, but in a good way.
I think it keeps me from slouching.

Last edited by Cozz; Jul 10, 2016 at 12:49 PM.