I bought the my Ultra Classic a few weeks ago - I have only put 1,500 miles on it this winter but ride it some almost every day around town & have been on a few 100 mile rides - My problem is my lower back - it's killing me - I never had this problem before - it started about the same time I got the Ultra - I'm wondering if the setting position is the problem? On the Ultra all my weight is on the small of my back, with my legs going forward - With my BMW my legs are under me handling some of the weight? anyone else had this issue? I know if i hit a pot hole I really feel a sharp pain in my lower back - problem is now the pain just won't go away - What you think?- tom

 

The different riding position will mean your body will need to adjust but that does not sound right to me, how tall are you and what do you weigh?

 

This is all the more reason a person switching brands should rent and ride before buying. Hope you get it worked out!

 

You may have a point, but try a backrest kit first.

I never use my backrest on my daily 80 mile commute, but I always carry it on all day rides. It does significantly change the load on different parts of my lower back and legs when I do use it. And relief of lower back strain is why and when I throw it on during those longer rides.

Good Luck!

 

Try it for a while and maybe consider a riders backrest.

I'm 36 and I install mine for longer trips. (+500 miles.)

Shocks may need a preload adjustment too. Or a swap. But give it some time.

Best of luck.

H

 

Before throwing in the towel buy a good quality seat and, make sure your air shocks are inflated properly. IMHO, a good seat is everything on these touring bikes.

 

I have back problems but recently installed 12" PYO Monkey bars. Road 700 miles over the weekend on my Street Glide and back did not hurt at all.

 

One thing I do is put my feet on the back pegs. It takes the pressure off my back and is the closes thing to the BMW riding position.

 

I've owned 5 BMWs, 3 Boxers and 2 flying bricks. The Euro riding position is definetly different than a cruiser position as you know. I also would suggest trying different bar and seat combos to get in the position closer to what you are accustomed too. I really liked my 2007 K12GT but I prefer Harleys.

 

I've had back surgery, and the back rest was the answer for me. But I also had to go back to Corbin for a good firm seat. Definitely try the back rest solution before you do anything radical. You should be able to find a dealer in that area where you can try different seats on your bike to see what might help too, that's always an option. I also had to change handlebars, so there's a myriad of issues that relate to that lower back problem. Hope you get it worked out.