Sore back
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,201
Likes: 6,062
From: Black Hills
RE: Sore back
I also suffer from back and hip pain and agreewith the other helpful posts.I found that with my seating position and bars moved back and being able to stretch my legs made a tremendous difference for me. It's really a personal thing - my brother in law is similar in size with back trouble and he can't stand to ride my bike.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 5
RE: Sore back
HDbiker....yes the backrest will make riding 2-up kind of tight. I have sent my backrest out to a friend who does appolstry, he is going to cut it down so it isn't so thick. I believe there is a thinner backrest available from Mustang and maybe even Crobin that doesn't take as much room between rider and passenger, but don't know what that does for overall room between rider and passenger. I might still end up having to get the relocation kit to allow me to move my tourpak back a little. I've tried riding without the backrest when the wife is with me, and while it makes the overall seating positions more comfortable I can tell my lower back isn't going to like it on longer trips. I haven't gotten the modified backrest back yet, so I don't know if cutting 3-4 inches of padding off will solve the problem.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,553
Likes: 0
From: Lebanon, Missouri
RE: Sore back
ORIGINAL: Windup08
HDbiker....yes the backrest will make riding 2-up kind of tight. I have sent my backrest out to a friend who does appolstry, he is going to cut it down so it isn't so thick. I believe there is a thinner backrest available from Mustang and maybe even Crobin that doesn't take as much room between rider and passenger, but don't know what that does for overall room between rider and passenger. I might still end up having to get the relocation kit to allow me to move my tourpak back a little. I've tried riding without the backrest when the wife is with me, and while it makes the overall seating positions more comfortable I can tell my lower back isn't going to like it on longer trips. I haven't gotten the modified backrest back yet, so I don't know if cutting 3-4 inches of padding off will solve the problem.
HDbiker....yes the backrest will make riding 2-up kind of tight. I have sent my backrest out to a friend who does appolstry, he is going to cut it down so it isn't so thick. I believe there is a thinner backrest available from Mustang and maybe even Crobin that doesn't take as much room between rider and passenger, but don't know what that does for overall room between rider and passenger. I might still end up having to get the relocation kit to allow me to move my tourpak back a little. I've tried riding without the backrest when the wife is with me, and while it makes the overall seating positions more comfortable I can tell my lower back isn't going to like it on longer trips. I haven't gotten the modified backrest back yet, so I don't know if cutting 3-4 inches of padding off will solve the problem.
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: Sore back
Just got a bagger to deal with the back pain....What most have said is true. I'm not fully setup on the new bike but I can tell you what I did on the Deluxe.
Seating position - My back doc says you want sit up andkeep your knees bent. This is not to say that you should not strech out..just be concious that your sitting up and your legs are bent. Be sure if you put on Highway pegs that you have several positions the most used setup should have your knees bent.
Reach - If you are fighting a herniated disk leaning slightly forward may help. Personally, I want some bars that come back a bit so I can better utilize the backrest.
Backrest? -- Absolutely! You can ride even without a windshield and have a lot less back strain. (Hubby rides like this) Also the best thing you can do to get the proper riding position.
Windshield? - I could not ride without one if I didn't have a backrest. It really helps with fatigue too. If your not sure your goign to like it get a quick detach setup and only use it for long distance.
Back Support? - A good idea on long rides if you do the above and still need some support. Jus becareful not to rely on them as they can actaully allow the muscles to weaken.
I spent a long time off the bike last summer due to back pain.
Seating position - My back doc says you want sit up andkeep your knees bent. This is not to say that you should not strech out..just be concious that your sitting up and your legs are bent. Be sure if you put on Highway pegs that you have several positions the most used setup should have your knees bent.
Reach - If you are fighting a herniated disk leaning slightly forward may help. Personally, I want some bars that come back a bit so I can better utilize the backrest.
Backrest? -- Absolutely! You can ride even without a windshield and have a lot less back strain. (Hubby rides like this) Also the best thing you can do to get the proper riding position.
Windshield? - I could not ride without one if I didn't have a backrest. It really helps with fatigue too. If your not sure your goign to like it get a quick detach setup and only use it for long distance.
Back Support? - A good idea on long rides if you do the above and still need some support. Jus becareful not to rely on them as they can actaully allow the muscles to weaken.
I spent a long time off the bike last summer due to back pain.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,109
Likes: 37
From: Boise Idaho
RE: Sore back
Harley seats arepretty pitiful, I would recommend a Mustang seat with the backrest. I have a broken vertabra in my back and the Mustang seat made itpossible for me to ride my bike long distances agian.
BURN THE OLD ONE.
BURN THE OLD ONE.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
RE: Sore back
I agree that it's any or a combination of the seat and bars. A back rest will help. I also use my weight lifting belt. It measures 4in up front andabout 8 inches wide in the back. It gives great back support on long rides.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Sore back
Wow! Thanks for all the great ideas guys...and gals! I knew this would be the place to get the right answers! Looks like the backrest is a good place to start . Guess I'll make a trip to the dealer...maybe tomorrow! Supposed to be in the 70's in Virginia tomorrow!
If the backrest doesn't help, I'll look at some better/different bars.
Thanks again for all your help, you guys are awesome!
Bobby G
If the backrest doesn't help, I'll look at some better/different bars.
Thanks again for all your help, you guys are awesome!
Bobby G
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
From: MD
RE: Sore back
Get a seat with a better seating position than the RK seat and or also the backrest, I had the lowprofile on my RK and had to use a backrest and it was great. I had to take it off 2 up with the wife because she is short and it made her uncomfortable. Plus side I used her as my backrest. Before I bought my EGC I rented a streetglide and noticed I had backpain after 30 min with the stock seat not enough support. I have been out for several hours at a time on the EGC with no backrest and am fine. It has a deeper scoop and gives better lowback support so I have not put a backrest on it yet. But the seat and Bar combo will help. I also met a guy who put baby apes on his RK and he said it helped with his back pain. Looked pretty good also.
Scott
2007EGC
IDS
Scott
2007EGC
IDS
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Sore back
Yes, a backrest will help. But you will likely be helped with a firmer seat as well. I recently purchased a C&C seat with the backrest. Not only is the backrest a big help, but my butt is way more comfortable on the firmer saddle as well. And I believe this butt support has a positive impact on my herniated L4/L5 too.
You may have to experiment on what works for you, but as we get olderyou must definitely put comfort ahead of looks. [:@]
There are few joys in life greater than the absense of pain.
You may have to experiment on what works for you, but as we get olderyou must definitely put comfort ahead of looks. [:@]
There are few joys in life greater than the absense of pain.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 716
Likes: 0
From: West Plam Beach FL
RE: Sore back
I second the backrest but the thing that helped me the most on my RoadKing was to adjust the bars - I have had 7 spinal surgeries and position is very important if I am going to ride any length of time. I had an adjustable backrest installed on my Ultra when I picked it up - the bars seem to be in the right position and I just got the seat back from C&C - they installed the gel in the seat.........I love my ride!