OL has bad back - which shocks?
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,542
Likes: 2
From: Cocoa Beach, Florida
OL has bad back - which shocks?
I need some personal help for my wife. I've been riding solo for a couple of years now since her back is in pretty bad shape but her doc says she can try to ride now (nothing to loose I guess). We'll be going on only SHORT rides (an hour or so) for a while at least and the scoot is an '07 Road King (Std). I'm 6'2", 210 lbs. She's 5'3", weight classified (around 125).
Local pavement conditions are generally great but, like everywhere else, there are some occasional sharp jolts (manhole covers, speed-bumps, etc.). Yep, I can usually dodge them or slow way down but sometimes...
.
Any suggestions on aftermarket shocks that might help? I already got her a "tall" H-D backrest w/wide pad.
Local pavement conditions are generally great but, like everywhere else, there are some occasional sharp jolts (manhole covers, speed-bumps, etc.). Yep, I can usually dodge them or slow way down but sometimes...
. Any suggestions on aftermarket shocks that might help? I already got her a "tall" H-D backrest w/wide pad.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,440
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From: Columbus,Indiana/ Arecibo,Puerto Rico
I don't have any experience with this, but what about a highly padded seat or one that has an air cushon? Another one is to ride another bike, like an 09 Ultra. I think if you went into your local dealer and explained your problem, they would loan you one for a test ride. They may have one with an air seat on it. Never know.... Just different ideas!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
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From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
You might have her go to visit a sports medecine physical therapist. I had terrible back problems for 35 years that no doc could help. Grinding, intense pain 24/7/365. I stumbled across a world-class sports medecine doc (Dr. Roter, Boulder Colorado) that refered me to a therapist that specializes in sports injuries, even though my problem was genetic and had nothing to do with a sports injury, and now I've been totally pain-free for over 6 years! No drugs at all, just very specific exercises that I have to do every day for the rest of my life. I had gotten to the point that I could barely walk, let alone ride, so it's a tiny price to pay for me. Believe me, in many cases these guys can work mirracles if you're willing to do what they say and stay with the program! The whole thing cost me $500 all up! Absolutely the BEST money I ever spent!! If she can get her back problem solved, shocks won't be an issue.
Wishing your wife the best, I know what she's going through only too well.
John
Wishing your wife the best, I know what she's going through only too well.
John
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,542
Likes: 2
From: Cocoa Beach, Florida
I sure do appreciate the alternative suggestions while I'm on this quest. That pad idea is worth a try (low cost with good potential for improvement). She has typical lower-back disk injuries and is receiving help from a "pain management" guy but that truly is more of an exercise course than a true sports medicine regimen. Good thoughts - thanks y'all.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
Progressive 440's are good shocks. You might want to think about sending your seat to Mean City cycles. Explain to them what you are attempting to do and they can help. My wife also has a bad back and their seat made a world of difference, oh and don't forget to have them do your end too! Hope this helps.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
You might have her go to visit a sports medecine physical therapist. I had terrible back problems for 35 years that no doc could help. Grinding, intense pain 24/7/365. I stumbled across a world-class sports medecine doc (Dr. Roter, Boulder Colorado) that refered me to a therapist that specializes in sports injuries, even though my problem was genetic and had nothing to do with a sports injury, and now I've been totally pain-free for over 6 years! No drugs at all, just very specific exercises that I have to do every day for the rest of my life. I had gotten to the point that I could barely walk, let alone ride, so it's a tiny price to pay for me. Believe me, in many cases these guys can work mirracles if you're willing to do what they say and stay with the program! The whole thing cost me $500 all up! Absolutely the BEST money I ever spent!! If she can get her back problem solved, shocks won't be an issue.
Wishing your wife the best, I know what she's going through only too well.
John
Wishing your wife the best, I know what she's going through only too well.
John
I had my L4/L5 disc removed in 86. Took pain medicine for many years. Finally the V.A. sent me to a physical therapist. I had 2 visits for 2 months. I continue my exercises and am able to ride as long and as far as I want now. I did have www.meancitycycles.com to redo my seat.
I am a firm believer in a physical therapist now.
Jim
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 6
From: SC
http://www.motorcyclemetal.com/index.html
Contact Howard and he can get you setup with some custom Penske shocks tailored to your needs. Hes a good guy to work with and is also in Florida
Contact Howard and he can get you setup with some custom Penske shocks tailored to your needs. Hes a good guy to work with and is also in Florida
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 765
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
2 shots of Jaegermeister before leaving- and only partially kidding.
Also consider the "whole package" - her foot rest locations -I assume they are adj. maybe lower for leverage to take weight of back by 'Standing" on foot boards, maybe higher if more comfortable.
A heat pad or lifting brace like the warehouse people use.
Also consider the "whole package" - her foot rest locations -I assume they are adj. maybe lower for leverage to take weight of back by 'Standing" on foot boards, maybe higher if more comfortable.
A heat pad or lifting brace like the warehouse people use.
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Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,542
Likes: 2
From: Cocoa Beach, Florida
There was no doubt in my feeble mind that better shocks would probably help but WOW - Howard.... duh! I'm getting old and forgot about consulting with him. I bet you guys are right about the Mean City folks and getting her pillion seat done up better too.
A shot or 2, LoL (not kidding at all - right on on fact. She gets to anyway) and yep, adjustable boards. Haven't got a clue on those yet either but just you asking got me to think about Harley Goodies. I seem to remember he posted something a couple of weeks ago about tooling up for passenger extensions. Thanks for the prompt.
This place is great. Thanks y'all,
Steve
A shot or 2, LoL (not kidding at all - right on on fact. She gets to anyway) and yep, adjustable boards. Haven't got a clue on those yet either but just you asking got me to think about Harley Goodies. I seem to remember he posted something a couple of weeks ago about tooling up for passenger extensions. Thanks for the prompt.
This place is great. Thanks y'all,
Steve
Last edited by RangeRat; Jan 31, 2009 at 04:32 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
+100
I had my L4/L5 disc removed in 86. Took pain medicine for many years. Finally the V.A. sent me to a physical therapist. I had 2 visits for 2 months. I continue my exercises and am able to ride as long and as far as I want now. I did have www.meancitycycles.com to redo my seat.
I am a firm believer in a physical therapist now.
Jim
I had my L4/L5 disc removed in 86. Took pain medicine for many years. Finally the V.A. sent me to a physical therapist. I had 2 visits for 2 months. I continue my exercises and am able to ride as long and as far as I want now. I did have www.meancitycycles.com to redo my seat.
I am a firm believer in a physical therapist now.
Jim
I had a couple of docs suggest back surgery when all I really needed to do was to strengthen a few key muscles. I'm still amazed at how easy it was.
Y'all ride safe,
John