Another back pain help question
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: FUAC
Another back pain help question
OK.. I must say, getting older SUCKS, but it beat the alternative of NOT getting older however, with that being said... what the heck can I do to ease back pain while riding my Road King? I have pain in my very low back while riding... my King is stock as far as handlebars, seat, and floor boards are concerned, but I do have highway pegs too. My question is, will a certain height ape give me some relief and how do I determine ape height and seat position? I am getting the HD Brawler solo seat, but my two up is the OEM still. I plan to have the solo seat on the majority of the time and hope to make a comfort change with the addition of some low to moderate apes... was thinking 13-14" area....
Can anyone offer me any help as to how they determine what relieves their low back pain?
Thanks all....
Can anyone offer me any help as to how they determine what relieves their low back pain?
Thanks all....
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I had surgery, L3/L4 discectomy.
I have to do ab exercises- like pilates type stuff
I like an upright position, so i can get upper body weight on my abs, and transfer weight through my thighs ( keep at tension like riding a horse) to the floorboards.
Having this weight on the boards greatly improves handing too.
for me, a back rest only irritated my back- had one and sold it- as my body moved up and down with the bumps, the backrest would rub or push on me.
I will use a sleeping bag or tbag on the pass seat on interstate runs.
the brawler is not a comfy seat- it is hard and provides little support against sliding around on turns.
I use mine in town only
( and before getting a solo, pull your seat and make sure the fender isn;t scuffed up badly).
I like the 09/10 FLHX seat for day rides- good for 4 hours, painful at 6- the bumper holds the rear in place really well for aggressive riding
and the Ultra seat goes on when touring
lifting the arms and feet up ( apes and hiway pegs), put all the weight on the curved spine and on the butt.
mike
mike
I have to do ab exercises- like pilates type stuff
I like an upright position, so i can get upper body weight on my abs, and transfer weight through my thighs ( keep at tension like riding a horse) to the floorboards.
Having this weight on the boards greatly improves handing too.
for me, a back rest only irritated my back- had one and sold it- as my body moved up and down with the bumps, the backrest would rub or push on me.
I will use a sleeping bag or tbag on the pass seat on interstate runs.
the brawler is not a comfy seat- it is hard and provides little support against sliding around on turns.
I use mine in town only
( and before getting a solo, pull your seat and make sure the fender isn;t scuffed up badly).
I like the 09/10 FLHX seat for day rides- good for 4 hours, painful at 6- the bumper holds the rear in place really well for aggressive riding
and the Ultra seat goes on when touring
lifting the arms and feet up ( apes and hiway pegs), put all the weight on the curved spine and on the butt.
mike
mike
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Take a careful look at how you are sitting. If your bars are making you sit very upright that is likely to be putting a strain on your lower back. Leaning forward just a little should rotate your hips under you so you are transferring a little weight onto your thighs, rather than sitting on the base of your spine.
Good quality shocks will significantly reduce the transfer of bumps and thumps and are well worth considering.
Good quality shocks will significantly reduce the transfer of bumps and thumps and are well worth considering.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 3
From: Behind you
Two things for sure. Replace the stock seat to something like a Hammock and get a back rest. I've had back surgery and can ride all day with above combination. Reduce reach bars will also help you to sit more at a 90 degree.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
Get a back rest dude! I traded my 2011 limited for a 2014 limited 3 days ago, I CANT wait till next Tuesday when they switch over all of the stuff from my old bike to the new one. I will NOT own another bike without one. It makes a HUGE difference while riding. Support on your lower back the entire time you are on the bike.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 626
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From: FUAC
Thanks guys.... I'm gonna have to try a few different combinations I think. I hate the look of a backrest, but its better than not riding. I feel like my stock bars may be too low.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 15
Try that kidney belt or back belt with air bags in it 1st. Butt buddy ,gel seat or replace seat ,back rest , bars . My back is very bad ,I take a lot of breaks .When it starts I stop and walk it off,if it gets to bad I park it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,065
Likes: 1,945
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
A comfy seat with backrest does the trick for me with the lower back. I changed the stock bars to a Heritage-Style and it relieved the upper back and shoulder discomfort. The seat I normally use is a C&C solo with backrest.
I did a recent Charlotte to Orlando trip with stops for gas and had no discomfort at all. Gonna do a NC to CA and back the end of the month with a couple buds on the same setup.
I did a recent Charlotte to Orlando trip with stops for gas and had no discomfort at all. Gonna do a NC to CA and back the end of the month with a couple buds on the same setup.