Adjustable Backrest - Upper Back/Neck/Shoulder Pain
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3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 7
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From: Illinois
Adjustable Backrest - Upper Back/Neck/Shoulder Pain
Hello. I know there have been many discussions on the adjustable vs. standard backrest (less adjustable) and how they help lower back pain on long rides. But on my new (2009) Electra Glide I feel like I'm reaching for the controls as I 'slouch' into my normal riding position. I find myself tensing up my arms and shoulders, and switching from slouching/sitting back into the seat and sitting upright to take some of the stress off of everything. My shoulders and neck feel tense and I can feel my upper back tightening. I try to just relax but seconds later find myself tensed up again. I'm looking at the backrests and actually wouldn't mind if they moved me up a bit, and made me sit more upright. As long as I can sit back into it and 'slouch'. I'm also looking at the handlebars that move the controls about 2" closer to the rider. It says they're for shorter riders, and I'm 5'10" but it feels like 2" could make the difference (as it could at other times in my life). I know this is a long first post, but I was really hoping to get as much input as I could before I shell out $$. Not much riding season left here in Northern Illinois so I will probably have it done over the winter. Thanks in advance for any help.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Midlothian
Handle bars helped me with the neck and shoulders. Then I got the adjustable back rest for my back. Also a different style seat can help all three problems. No one said owning a Harley was cheap. LOL.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 532
Likes: 64
From: Manitoba, Canada
Sounds like you're on the right track with the handlebars. Overall height is one thing, but proportion is important too (is your height mostly in your torso, legs, etc.) I have 14" ape hangers, can be adjusted closer to rider but bring your hands up almost to shoulder height. I thought it would be uncomfortable (they came on the bike when I bought it) but it is the most comfortable position I've found over owning 4 bikes. Again, such a personalized thing.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
Neck and shoulder pain is usually caused by reaching for the bars. Some people like apes but I prefer as low as possible. Check the orientation of your current bars. You may be able to rotate them down which will bring them closer to you and lower your hands. I like mine as low as they can go and still clear the tank. This also allows me to settled down into the seat and backrest on the long hauls.
I had a salesman joke but still meant it when he said that he thinks they purposefully design them to be uncomfortable so we buy more accessories like bars, seats, backrests, highway pegs, etc.
Once you find what you want in a riding position, there are many ways to get there. Adjust the bars up or down. Different bars. Seats that will move you forward/back/up/down/. Backrests. etc... It's a lot of experimentation and trial and error. Once you get one thing the way you want it and change the next, now the first thing isn't quite right again
Good luck!!
I had a salesman joke but still meant it when he said that he thinks they purposefully design them to be uncomfortable so we buy more accessories like bars, seats, backrests, highway pegs, etc.
Once you find what you want in a riding position, there are many ways to get there. Adjust the bars up or down. Different bars. Seats that will move you forward/back/up/down/. Backrests. etc... It's a lot of experimentation and trial and error. Once you get one thing the way you want it and change the next, now the first thing isn't quite right again
Good luck!!
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 7
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From: Illinois
Making Progress/Trial & Error & $$$
Thanks for all the ideas. I already upgraded to a Hammock, mostly for my wife. I was ok with the stock seat but I know they wear over time. I don't know about mini apes on an EG. I will probably go with the 2" improvement first, if the backrest (adjustable or not?) doesn't work. I see the costs adding up but it will be worth it when I get it right. Gonna try to post pics when I figure out how. And change my username.
heyjohn
heyjohn
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
for best results - Seat and Bars Must work together for YOU and that will take some work. I live in Central Calif and lucky enough to be able to ride to Corbin in Hollister, CA and have a seat with backrest built to fit ME -
Before I did that, I used this and it really did help my back
http://www.backaline.com/
If you have to Reach or lean forward to hold bars - pain WILL follow
Before I did that, I used this and it really did help my back
http://www.backaline.com/
If you have to Reach or lean forward to hold bars - pain WILL follow
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