Back ache on long trips

[knocker]

Does anyone have any practical tips for easing or stopping back ache when out for long rides. I'd only ever been out on fairly long rides with my other half as pillion until today and had horrendous back ache, I'd always presumed I was getting it as I was unable to shuffle around on the seat like I can when i'm pootling around my local roads.

Currently in the process of signing up for reserve RAF and i've been up to Leeming today which is about 60 miles away and by the time i'd got there my back was really sore.

I'm on a naked 600 divvy which I suppose is quite short and the lack of any fairing means I have to hold on a bit harder on the motorway but any tips on things I could do to improve comfort would be great. Would a taller seat help or maybe raising the handlebars?

[Clanger]

I have just added bar risers to my sv to help alleviate back pain, but I also use a Tens machine and Sainsbury own brand Ibruprofen gel.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[Finglonga]

Adjust bars as said should help and also don't tense up when riding. Relax and you shouldn't get back ache.
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Andy Sez....
F.Y.Y.F.F.

[Rhys]

I wear a Knox contour full back protector and it gives me some good support where I'm not supporting myself 100% that helps a little, plus its extra protection. I also just keep changing position a little, I sometimes sit abit further forward and keep it straighter rather than being further back and have to lean further forward all the time. Gripping the tank with knees a little takes the need to 'hold on' and arch with arms if you're on a motorway and not needing constant inputs. I've got a motrax cruise control thing which I used going to Spain/France, I found on the autoroutes I could sit right upright and just hold onto that with the tip of my fingers or the palm of my hand for some periods and that stopped it aching as I didn't have to be constantly bent over.
I broke mine up the top in 2007, so its been something I've had a few niggles with, but doing that I felt fine with 8 and 10hrs riding days last week in Spain and France. I say this and just as I'm typing it starts to hurt thinking about it!

When I have pillions on I do notice problems alot sooner, more straight away. I guess if they can take weight off your back by bracing themselves with their hands on the tank a little when braking, thats when I notice it when their weights on me.
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[G]

I find leant-over bikes give me less lower-back issues (have a dodgy lower back anyway) as the impact isn't travelling up my spine from bumps etc.

However, I also found that my fairly heavy Caberg helmet gave me upper back pain when riding a leant-over bike for my twenty minute commute each way daily. Swapped to a lighter Shoei and was fine.
I was ok doing the same journey on a KTM LC4 with the heavier helmet.

[Kickstart]

Hi

Another vote for finding bikes with upright riding positions giving me backache.

All the best

Keith
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[Kwaks]

A cheap potential solution would be a kidney belt, Lidl sell them for about £7 I think when doing bike stuff, bike shops obviously charge more
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