Sore back
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 2
From: Northeast Wisconsin
RE: Sore back
I will add the adjustable backrest as soon as I take bike out in the spring. I had a rental bike with one and loved it. The rental had a fixed one, I'll spend the extra $$ for the adjustable and fine tune the seating position.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,773
Likes: 7
From: Central Oklahoma
RE: Sore back
ORIGINAL: Hdbiker1450
Hmmmm. I'm 6'2", and Michelle and I ride together most all of the time. I'm usually able to lean back into her. Also, would it cut down on her room?
Hmmmm. I'm 6'2", and Michelle and I ride together most all of the time. I'm usually able to lean back into her. Also, would it cut down on her room?
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
RE: Sore back
I WOULD SAY START AT THE CHEAPEST OPTION AND WORK YOUR WAY UP.
1. I FOUND THAT A SOFT, WIDE VELCRO KIDNEY BELT HELPED BOTH MY POSTURE AND SUPPORT OF THE LOWER BACK...IF YOU FIND THIS HELPS A BIT, IT MIGHT BE YOUR POSTURE THAT'S THE PROBLEM.
2. A SMALL RISER FOR YOUR BARS CAN BRING THEM BACK A BIT....AND THAT COULD BE ALL IT TAKES.
3. EVEN WITH A BACKREST ON MY MUSTANG SEAT I STILL GET SOME BACK PAIN.... DEPENDING ON YOUR HEIGHT, WEIGHT AND RIDING POSITION...THERE ARE A LOT OF SEATS THAT COULD HELP...BUT THE WIDTH OF THE SEAT IS IMPORTANT TOO. IF YOU SEE SOMEONE THAT IS AROUND THE SAME HEIGHT AND WEIGHT ASK IF THEIR AFTERMARKET SEAT MADE A DIFFERENCE.
EVEN WITH A SORE BACK REMEMBER....
RIDING AS IN LIFE...IT'S NOT THE DESTINATION......IT'S ALWAYS THE JOURNEY!!!!
1. I FOUND THAT A SOFT, WIDE VELCRO KIDNEY BELT HELPED BOTH MY POSTURE AND SUPPORT OF THE LOWER BACK...IF YOU FIND THIS HELPS A BIT, IT MIGHT BE YOUR POSTURE THAT'S THE PROBLEM.
2. A SMALL RISER FOR YOUR BARS CAN BRING THEM BACK A BIT....AND THAT COULD BE ALL IT TAKES.
3. EVEN WITH A BACKREST ON MY MUSTANG SEAT I STILL GET SOME BACK PAIN.... DEPENDING ON YOUR HEIGHT, WEIGHT AND RIDING POSITION...THERE ARE A LOT OF SEATS THAT COULD HELP...BUT THE WIDTH OF THE SEAT IS IMPORTANT TOO. IF YOU SEE SOMEONE THAT IS AROUND THE SAME HEIGHT AND WEIGHT ASK IF THEIR AFTERMARKET SEAT MADE A DIFFERENCE.
EVEN WITH A SORE BACK REMEMBER....
RIDING AS IN LIFE...IT'S NOT THE DESTINATION......IT'S ALWAYS THE JOURNEY!!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
RE: Sore back
Some people have mentionedbackbraces. I had a side impact car accident in '82, and finally had surgery in '94 (L5 on the lower back.)
In between, I went to a sports clinic which fitted me with what's called a "Warm Form" support. As you stand facing tightly to a wall, they warm up a half moon shape of plastic, and then slap it on your back, where it takes the exact shape of your lower back. After it cools, they slip it into a velcro girdle that you wear under your clothing. With the velco front, you can tighten or loosen as desired.
It really helped me. My medical insurance covered the cost. Just do a google search for "warm form back support" . Here's an example: It's the second from last one on the page .
http://www.tartanortho.com/thoraco_dorsal.html
In between, I went to a sports clinic which fitted me with what's called a "Warm Form" support. As you stand facing tightly to a wall, they warm up a half moon shape of plastic, and then slap it on your back, where it takes the exact shape of your lower back. After it cools, they slip it into a velcro girdle that you wear under your clothing. With the velco front, you can tighten or loosen as desired.
It really helped me. My medical insurance covered the cost. Just do a google search for "warm form back support" . Here's an example: It's the second from last one on the page .
http://www.tartanortho.com/thoraco_dorsal.html
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach,Wa.
RE: Sore back
70's LALLALLALLALALALALLALALA I don't want to hear it!!!!!!!!! Keep us informed on how the backrest does for you I too am thinking about getting one!! 
ORIGINAL: bobbyg
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
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
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,553
Likes: 0
From: Lebanon, Missouri
RE: Sore back
ORIGINAL: BadBobOk
Depends on the size of your OL. I don't think it would bother Michelle. Never head any complaints from my OL.
ORIGINAL: Hdbiker1450
Hmmmm. I'm 6'2", and Michelle and I ride together most all of the time. I'm usually able to lean back into her. Also, would it cut down on her room?
Hmmmm. I'm 6'2", and Michelle and I ride together most all of the time. I'm usually able to lean back into her. Also, would it cut down on her room?
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
RE: Sore back
My back sucks as well for long rides. The backrest has saved my back and my riding comfort. I like the look without as well so I leave it off on real short trips but for the long haul I wouldn't leave home with out it. I can ride for hours now very happily.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 578
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Sore back
Try the backrest first. It is ez to install and remove. IF that doesn't work, buy yourself a Sundowner seat. I used one on my Roadking Classic. It and the backrest worked great for many a mile.