I`ve had back problems for many yrs and several neck and back surgeries. I`ve been riding for 41 yrs and don`t want to give it. I`ve bought a Air Hawk air seat and it seems to help. Does anyone have these issues and what have you done to make the ride more comforable and stay in the saddle a little longer.
Thanks

 

Hi Doc,

I answered a similar question to yours a few days ago for a member whose wife has MS and needs some help to carry on riding pillion.

Starting at ground level and working up, the things that will improve comfort are tyres, shocks, seat and backrest. Each can add a little bit, or may add a lot of improvement. For the seat there are several custom seat makers who get good reviews here, so if you are close enough to visit one of them, try that.

Stock Harley tyres are supplied with high mileage in mind. Here in the UK we have a different requirement, including comfort, which Avon tyres do supremely well. They may not last as long as your stock tyres, but you should find they give a more comfortable ride.

I left shocks until last, although I suggest they should be high on your priority list. I spent months researching better shocks for my wife and I. I couldn't find my way through them until I realised there are a few HDF members who have tried a lot of shocks, spent a lot of money and time, and only been happy when they bought custom Ohlins from Howard at HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal. I went straight to Howard and these things are remarkable!

So in summary, new Avon tyres (and don't bother to wait for your current ones to wear out if they are not Avons), new shocks from Howard, a backrest and a remodelled seat.

 

I agree with graham but would add handlebars, i have lower back issues and get shots in my back to help deal with the pain, i changed handlebars as well and found i sat in the saddle different and my back no longer bothers me on long rides

 

Quite right, I forgot them! What I found with my own bike is that I made minor adjustments to their position, at the clamps, over a period of several weeks, until suddenly we clicked! So it may not be necessary to change bars, simply to try slightly different positions for a while.

 

I see an acupuncturist and ride with a wide leather kidney belt..

 

I have a bad back and wife has rheumatoid arthritis. I changed bars, I run a Sundowner seat, Ricor Intiminators in the forks and changed out my rear shock oil for different oil. Oh, and I'm often seen with an Empi epix vt TENS device hooked up to my back when I get really bad off!

 

A Riders Backrest does wonders too.

 

I picked up a police seat off of e-bay, and am looking forward to trying this out. I've gotta a couple of bad discs, and when I hit a frost heave here in Michigan, it just sends shock waves up my spine. I'm hoping that the air bladder will aborb some of that recoil. I've heard several guys swear by them, and figure they're made for cops who sit in 'em day in and day out. I've been riding for a long time too, and it's a big part of my life. I'd surely be miserable if I've gotta give it up. Good luck, my friend.

 

Broken Back in 95, two surgeries, a sundowner seat for long rides plus changed position
of the handlebars.

 

Broke my back in 08. Had fusions with hardware L1-L2 and L5-S1. Just now starting to ride again. I put on new bars WO575, sundowner deep bucket seat and adjustable backrest. I can ride the bike longer than I can ride in a car.