my backs killing me
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 59
From: Chicagoland
You got a couple different things to address. But first thing's first... what kind of bike do you have, and what year is it?
If it's a touring bike up to '08, then you can ride with somewhere around 13-15psi in the rear shocks. If it's '09 or newer touring bike, then you can run somewhere around 20-30 psi in the rear shocks. But I will caution you: do NOT just throw on the airchuck from a compressor, to adjust this. Get a suspension pump and do it the right way to eliminate the guess work and the chance of blowing out an air line. And yes, it happens easier and more frequently than you'd think.
- As for the seat. You're a tall guy (like myself). You can greatly benefit from a different seat. I'd recommend the HD Tallboy. It will move you back two inches, and down about a 1/2", and at a minimal investment.
Someone earlier mentioned floorboard extensions. They'll move your floorboards, out and away from the frame a little less than an inch. Not really sure how much this is going to help your sore back, but it may feel a little more comfortable. Ironically, I just put mine on from Harley Goodies this evening, so I've not rode with them yet. Been riding my current bike for about 20k miles without them, I got them specifically to keep my boots away from the pipes.
The only other thing I strongly recommend, is a service manual. You'll learn a lot from it.
Hope this helps!
If it's a touring bike up to '08, then you can ride with somewhere around 13-15psi in the rear shocks. If it's '09 or newer touring bike, then you can run somewhere around 20-30 psi in the rear shocks. But I will caution you: do NOT just throw on the airchuck from a compressor, to adjust this. Get a suspension pump and do it the right way to eliminate the guess work and the chance of blowing out an air line. And yes, it happens easier and more frequently than you'd think.
- As for the seat. You're a tall guy (like myself). You can greatly benefit from a different seat. I'd recommend the HD Tallboy. It will move you back two inches, and down about a 1/2", and at a minimal investment.
Someone earlier mentioned floorboard extensions. They'll move your floorboards, out and away from the frame a little less than an inch. Not really sure how much this is going to help your sore back, but it may feel a little more comfortable. Ironically, I just put mine on from Harley Goodies this evening, so I've not rode with them yet. Been riding my current bike for about 20k miles without them, I got them specifically to keep my boots away from the pipes.
The only other thing I strongly recommend, is a service manual. You'll learn a lot from it.
Hope this helps!
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
welcome.
I myself have back and neck issues.
1- get a seat that puts you where you need to be, and get a back rest
2- get your bars in order so you don't hunch over , a taller bar fixes this for me, 16-18'' apes on all my scoots
3- floor board ext. may not be what you are looking for, I find putting pegs on gives me way more comfort.
4- Ibuprofin
I myself have back and neck issues.
1- get a seat that puts you where you need to be, and get a back rest
2- get your bars in order so you don't hunch over , a taller bar fixes this for me, 16-18'' apes on all my scoots
3- floor board ext. may not be what you are looking for, I find putting pegs on gives me way more comfort.
4- Ibuprofin
Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 774
Likes: 2
From: S.E. Montana
Sort of surprised nobody mentioned this, and it's not a wise crack....dude, trim down. Feb. I started the Akin's Diet, and have lost 38 lbs since then. Bet a months pension check....that losin' 50 pounds would do wonder's for your back pain.
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Prospect Park, Pa
thanks all. here is what ive come up with as a plan. percocet 
and 12.5 mini apes floor board extensions a mustang seat and a sweet young thing to rub my back as we head on down the road. all kidding aside the cost of the bike broke me so i have to do a lil at a time do these things sound as if im on right track? also someone mentioned lindybar. i just dont know if they will work with how long my legs are. any ideas
and 12.5 mini apes floor board extensions a mustang seat and a sweet young thing to rub my back as we head on down the road. all kidding aside the cost of the bike broke me so i have to do a lil at a time do these things sound as if im on right track? also someone mentioned lindybar. i just dont know if they will work with how long my legs are. any ideas
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
From: Boynton Beach, FL
Big fan of Goodies extensions and this back support was mentioned in another post ($25); haven't tried yet, but probably makes good sense:
http://www.cabelas.com/wader-accesso...ing-belt.shtml
Cheers, Kevin.
http://www.cabelas.com/wader-accesso...ing-belt.shtml
Cheers, Kevin.
