Bad back need input on options
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 304
Likes: 1
From: Washington State
Bad back need input on options
I bought my first Harley over a year ago, it is an '09 FXDC (Super Glide Custom). I have been having a blast riding this bike and logged in almost 9K in just over 1 year. The issue I am having is lower lumbar pain. It is chronic and not just when I ride but it I have to deal with it 24/7. The dyna has the best seat I can buy on it and is relatively comfortable but still aggravates it on rides say over 2 hours without stopping. I'm almost 52 years old and now am thinking I bought the wrong bike and should of gone with a touring style bike.
I'm interested in any ones opinion that have had similar issues with aging backs that just love to ride Harleys and have had to move to a different bike just to keep enjoying riding. The mc I'm interested in if I make the move is a RK classic.
Thanks in advance Steve
I'm interested in any ones opinion that have had similar issues with aging backs that just love to ride Harleys and have had to move to a different bike just to keep enjoying riding. The mc I'm interested in if I make the move is a RK classic.
Thanks in advance Steve
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: DFW
Back rest with a Airhawk seat pad. I was broadsided by a pickup that ran a stop sign last year and replaced the bike with a RK. My back was messed up during the wreck and I bought the Airhawk and it is GREAT. Back rest and Airhawk is the way to go.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Stillwater, Minnesota
The seat, handlebars, and backrest all need to work togther to get you in the right posture. I went with 14" apes to keep me more upright, and the backrest is a must for those with back issues. You may want to try a backrest and then adjust your handlebars so that you get into that 'comfort posture'...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
Had my back operation in '94, at L5. I never ride without a windshield, and my last two bikes, a Venture and now the Ultra, have backrests. I also put on the Road Zeppelin air seat on the Ultra, which is 21 inches wide, spreading the weight of my body across my entire hip area. I also have a gel pad that I use occasionally on long trips.
When I ride my classic Triumphs, I put my feet on the rear passenger pegs, and lean forward on the handlebars, taking the stress off my back.
When I ride my classic Triumphs, I put my feet on the rear passenger pegs, and lean forward on the handlebars, taking the stress off my back.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 522
From: Dutchess County, NY
I have back problems too (degenerative disks). I had a 2005 FXDI. I put 45,000 miles on it in four years. I found it pretty comfortable with Corbin Dual Tour and a windshield. I now have an FLHX. It is a little more comfortable but I was ok on my FXDI. Usually if I am going to take a long trip I'll ake a few Advil before I leave.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
I'm 51 , have lower back issues,I have to get injections in my lower back just to live a normal life, going to a taller handle bars with more pull back has completely eliminated back pains for me on my bike, a good seat eliminated *** pains not back pains for me
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 735
Likes: 0
From: australia
Police bikes have a air seat for rider comfit and mustang make a matching pillion seat that can be fitted to any tourer. A good pair of long travel shocks is a must have because the air shocks on the touring bikes are junk.