Going Numb
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,650
Likes: 9,112
From: Snow Hill, NC
Apart from spending as much time as possible on my HD, my other big passion is cycling. I am always amused by the completely opposite approach these 2 "industries" take to what is a similar problem.
I am not saying that the cycling solution will solve your problem, but it may help you understand the mechanics of what is going on as I think they experience these issues in a far more accute way.
It is generally accepted in the cycling fraternity that a "bigger, gel filled comfy" seat actually ends up aggrevating the problem - which is somewhat contrary to what you would expect. If you go in to most decent cycling specialist stores that have a special gel pad measurement tool which you sit on and it shows up 2 indentations where you "sit bones" are. You use this measurement to then size your saddle such that your sit bones are right in the middle of the seat.
If you took that measurement and looked at where your sit bones are located on your HD seat and then whether the seat is sloping up or down from that point it will help you formulate a way forward.
For the record, I suffered with this pain whilst cycling and had a fit shop measure me up and help select a saddle. The saddle they recommended was nothing like what I would have chosen had I not had their guidance. The end result - totally sorted and I can now ride am 8 hour day in the saddle without any pain.
As mentioned above as well, it is worth getting it sorted and checked out, long term damage can be nasty.
Some articles that may be of interest
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/04/he...on/04bike.html
http://www.bicyclinglife.com/practicalcycling/sore.htm
http://www.specialized.com/specs/spe...eometrysaddles
As stated earlier, not proposing that this is the answer, but may throw some insight in to the problem. For a start, it is a good possibility that your seat is not firm enough, which is somewhat counter intuitive
I am not saying that the cycling solution will solve your problem, but it may help you understand the mechanics of what is going on as I think they experience these issues in a far more accute way.
It is generally accepted in the cycling fraternity that a "bigger, gel filled comfy" seat actually ends up aggrevating the problem - which is somewhat contrary to what you would expect. If you go in to most decent cycling specialist stores that have a special gel pad measurement tool which you sit on and it shows up 2 indentations where you "sit bones" are. You use this measurement to then size your saddle such that your sit bones are right in the middle of the seat.
If you took that measurement and looked at where your sit bones are located on your HD seat and then whether the seat is sloping up or down from that point it will help you formulate a way forward.
For the record, I suffered with this pain whilst cycling and had a fit shop measure me up and help select a saddle. The saddle they recommended was nothing like what I would have chosen had I not had their guidance. The end result - totally sorted and I can now ride am 8 hour day in the saddle without any pain.
As mentioned above as well, it is worth getting it sorted and checked out, long term damage can be nasty.
Some articles that may be of interest
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/04/he...on/04bike.html
http://www.bicyclinglife.com/practicalcycling/sore.htm
http://www.specialized.com/specs/spe...eometrysaddles
As stated earlier, not proposing that this is the answer, but may throw some insight in to the problem. For a start, it is a good possibility that your seat is not firm enough, which is somewhat counter intuitive
When i ride with my wife on the back i get numb down ther because i can't lean back properly as she is a "Big Girl" so i have to compensate by putting my legs up on the highway pegs to relieve the pressure...
Physical fitness and keeping low body fat would reduce this issue...and also if you are able to lean back a bit in a relaxed position this should help compared to being bound forward...
All good food for thought...
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 659
Likes: 2
From: Central Ohio
Well dont know how to put this but was wondering if anyone is having the same problem.I ride a 2004 EG . When i ride for about 1 hour i am having a problem with the area by my prostate going numb( this is the area just behind my ba**s). Got my seat re worked by MCC and still having this problem.It seems the long part of the seat at the gas tank is pushing on my prostate and making it go numb,dont know what to do .I adjust sitting pattern while im riding and still no relief.Im 6'2 240lbs . Courious if anyone else has had this problem. Maybe need more cushion up on the front of the seat just dont know.....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
I was surprised with my C&C fastback. I bought it for a combination of looks and comfort. I was a little worried when I saw it. I didn't seem to have much padding. The shape of the seat is perfect for me. I can ride all day for multiple days comfortably with no soreness or numbness. Its not all about padding. Corbin is a very firm seat but they fit some guys well and those guys can ride all day comfortably. Fit is very important.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
But the seat on a Bicycle is to accomodate moving legs also... Sitting on a Motorcycle seat idle you have to have pleanty of cushion to keep the blood flow in the veins and capillaries flowing... Isn't it safe to say that the proper pressure point relief is paramount to blood flow and shear reduction which in turn leads to comfort...
When i ride with my wife on the back i get numb down ther
because i can't lean back properly as she is a "Big Girl" so i have to compensate by putting
my legs up on the highway pegs to relieve the pressure...
Physical fitness and keeping low
body fat would reduce this issue...and also if you are able to lean back a bit in a relaxed position this should help compared to being bound forward...
All good food for thought...
When i ride with my wife on the back i get numb down ther
because i can't lean back properly as she is a "Big Girl" so i have to compensate by putting
my legs up on the highway pegs to relieve the pressure...
Physical fitness and keeping low
body fat would reduce this issue...and also if you are able to lean back a bit in a relaxed position this should help compared to being bound forward...
All good food for thought...
It seems to me that when you are riding with your missus you are rotating yours hips slightly forward which applies pressure on the perineum and hence leads to numbness.
I think a firmer seat is a very feasible option. As an experiment, why not mark up where your sit bones are and place 2 fairly firm gel pads (say 2" diam) on these points. Try it and see if it relieves the pressure. It is not going to cost you anything and it will give you a clue as to whether you are going in the right direction
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,650
Likes: 9,112
From: Snow Hill, NC
Gel pads
Agree with the differences you highlight, but the anatomical issues remain the same.
It seems to me that when you are riding with your missus you are rotating yours hips slightly forward which applies pressure on the perineum and hence leads to numbness.
I think a firmer seat is a very feasible option. As an experiment, why not mark up where your sit bones are and place 2 fairly firm gel pads (say 2" diam) on these points. Try it and see if it relieves the pressure. It is not going to cost you anything and it will give you a clue as to whether you are going in the right direction
It seems to me that when you are riding with your missus you are rotating yours hips slightly forward which applies pressure on the perineum and hence leads to numbness.
I think a firmer seat is a very feasible option. As an experiment, why not mark up where your sit bones are and place 2 fairly firm gel pads (say 2" diam) on these points. Try it and see if it relieves the pressure. It is not going to cost you anything and it will give you a clue as to whether you are going in the right direction
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Maple Valley, WA.
At 6'2" (as I am) you are sitting to close to the tank if your seat is made like the stock seat. I had a similar problem, bought the tall boy seat and now I can do 700 mile days no problem. Also, try raising your highway pegs. Lots of people ride with them to low and they can make your A$$ hurt as well.
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Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
it seems like im sitting to close to the tank and the saddle is pushing on that area.had a Mustang seat and sold it ,just trying to figure it out all this info is appreacatied.Notgrownup it is in the area under the b*ll sack it just goes numb from pressure.Thanks for the help
I had the same problem...Well sort of...After about an hour my a$$ would be numb and my tail bone hurt like crazy. I also did the MCC seat mod and it didn't help...I know you can send it back and have it adjusted but with the cost of shipping I could buy a new seat. Anyway, I did some more research and one of the forum members recommended Russell Cycle Products. I filled out their order form and took the pictures they way they wanted and sent my seat in. A couple weeks later I had a brand new customized seat that fit both my wife and I. They are very pricey, mine was about $950 but well worth it, I can now ride in comfort all day long with no pain in the rear end.
i had tail bone pain bought a sundowner seat promblem solved
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