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Drakesha
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 02 Feb 2025
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PostPosted: 13:55 - 02 Feb 2025    Post subject: Back pain options Reply with quote

Hi everyone, a new member here. 60 years old, riding for 35 years, most miles on BMW R1200GS. Had a few bad crashes, squashed two discs in the lower back, had to stop riding for a while. Need to get back on the bike but don't feel very safe, to be honest. 1200GS is out of the question, very painful after 30-40 min. Can anyone recommend the best bike/seat/accessories for the old fart with the lower back problem? I am a musician, used to clip my violin onto the side rack and go touring, so mostly motorway miles with a bit of city line-dodging and off-roading where possible.
Sorry if this topic is already covered and would be grateful for any info/advice.
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doggone
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PostPosted: 14:06 - 02 Feb 2025    Post subject: Reply with quote

Something smaller is going to be easier, there are various seating positions but a more cruisers style might not help at all as you can't take some of the weight on the pegs.
When I've had periods with back problems the worst part was getting a leg over the seat.
I hesitate to suggest a scooter but you can get larger capacity ones are very capable and have a huge space to stow items under the seat so worth considering.
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Drakesha
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 02 Feb 2025
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PostPosted: 14:19 - 02 Feb 2025    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks Doggone
doggone wrote:

I hesitate to suggest a scooter.
Neutral Neutral Neutral
My average trip would be something like Dublin-Frankfurt-Paris-Zurich-Belfast-Dublin Very Happy
A scooter wouldn't cut it. Also need a side-rack to clip my fiddle on.

There are no options in Dublin to rent 15 different bikes to see which one would suit best for the long distance trips. I was hoping someone with the same experience might chip in..

Thanks for the reply though
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to v or not to v
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PostPosted: 14:26 - 02 Feb 2025    Post subject: Reply with quote

can you not take a few different styles of bike for a test ride?
probably the best way to know if they will work with your back.
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its old and fat, but its a damned good ride. the bikes not bad either.
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stinkwheel
Bovine Proctologist



Joined: 12 Jul 2004
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PostPosted: 14:27 - 02 Feb 2025    Post subject: Reply with quote

Narrower bikes are better if you're feeling unstable. Particularly saddle width. Then when you put a foot down, it's more upright and weight bearing. So V and paralell twins and singles.

Also something with a more traditional seating position so with your feet pretty much directly under your hips and thighs close to square. This allows you to "post" more as you go over bumps, taking up the shock through your legs rather than your backside. Bars so you are comfotably putting your hands on them with your forearms paralell to the ground.

As Doggone says, there are some pretty capable step-throughs on the market these days. Otherwise, one of the retro paralell twins is worth having a sit on. Triumph have a few (street twin has pretty relaxed geometry and superb mass centralisation), then there's the BSA and the Enfields. Or a smaller BMW. The non sporty Ducatis can be surprisingly relaxed.

Have a look at cycle-ergo.com to see how someone your size would land up on different bikes.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.
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Drakesha
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Joined: 02 Feb 2025
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PostPosted: 15:59 - 02 Feb 2025    Post subject: Reply with quote

cycle-ergo.com - great site, very entertaining.

I guess I am looking for someone to say, 'Had the same problem', tried this, didn't work, tried that, did work etc.

'can you not take a few different styles of bike for a test ride?'
The choice is very limited here, mostly 1200's.

I have no problem with stability, it's pain after 100-200 miles I am concerned about, so....sitting position, geometry, I guess.
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stinkwheel
Bovine Proctologist



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PostPosted: 16:18 - 02 Feb 2025    Post subject: Reply with quote

It's weird what will and wont work. A friend of mine has chronic lower back pain after having a fractured coxxyx.

She's had a Honda X-ADV and an F800GS, also oddly, a Harley Street Bob.

The X-ADV was best. Also way more fun to ride than you'd think.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.
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RhynoCZ
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PostPosted: 16:22 - 02 Feb 2025    Post subject: Re: Back pain options Reply with quote

Drakesha wrote:
Hi everyone, ...

The first thing to do is to rebuild the suspension system of your motorcycle. You'd be surprised how nice freshly built suspension feels. Also make sure it's adjusted properly (check the service manual for the factory values, those are close to ''the average rider'' weight). Years ago I bought a used ZX7R P1 that was awful to ride when I got it. Every bump on the road would go straight into my bones and especially my back. Back then I didn't know it was due to poorly adjusted suspension by the previous owner. I just thought sports bikes were supposed to be like that. Long story short, after some time I read the service manual and found there the factory suspension settings. A few minutes with a C-spaner and screwdriver in my garage and the ZX7R P1 was not only very comfortable, but it also filtered the road bumps nicely and the bike was nimble and fun to ride.

EDIT: The biggest difference in ride quality I've ever experienced was after I rebuilt the front and rear suspension on an MZ 150 ETZ. But who knows how long the fork/shocks oil was there before I got to do it. Awful smell and colour suggest it was the original oil from the 80's. Laughing

If that doesn't do it, then there's always the unpopular suggestion and that is regular exercise to strengthen your core muscles. Given your age and prior medical history, I'd consult your GP first though. You don't want to make things worse.
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor
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Drakesha
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 02 Feb 2025
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PostPosted: 12:32 - 03 Feb 2025    Post subject: Re: Back pain options Reply with quote

RhynoCZ wrote:
[quote="I'd consult your GP first though. You don't want to make things worse.
My GP thinks I should get a car and start behaving accordingly. As to the exercise ... off roading is the best exercise there is. Good advice re suspension though.
Your friend, how did she do on F800GS? It looks lower and lighter than R1200..
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stinkwheel
Bovine Proctologist



Joined: 12 Jul 2004
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PostPosted: 13:09 - 03 Feb 2025    Post subject: Re: Back pain options Reply with quote

Drakesha wrote:

Your friend, how did she do on F800GS? It looks lower and lighter than R1200..


Better than the Harley, not as good as the Honda. The riding position is a lot more upright than the bigger ones.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.
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slowasyoulike
Scooby Slapper



Joined: 17 May 2021
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PostPosted: 09:55 - 04 Feb 2025    Post subject: Reply with quote

I suffer from back pain when riding, albeit only anything that involves any sort of sporting arse-in-the-air seating position. I ride a DN-01 these days, which is much more upright and has big footboards that allow me to move my feet around/stretch my legs on long rides.

Naturally I'd hesitate to recommend you a 15 year old Honda that was only imported for two years and sold in comically small numbers, but I have had similar experiences on larger scooters; various makes and models, but for the sake of ease I would suggest a Suzuki Burgman 400.

You could also try the 650 - I have ridden a couple of those and they provide a similar experience, if a bit lardy, but the transmissions on those aren't just a simple CVT and can fail expensively. With any of these you'd benefit from good weather protection, plus there's also a pretty good chance you'd be able to stash your violin in the luggage locker under the seat.
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Polarbear
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PostPosted: 10:15 - 04 Feb 2025    Post subject: Reply with quote

Not going to be much help here as by far the two most comfortable bikes I have owned have been a Triumph 955i Tiger and a Honda Goldwing 1800. Obviously if you are struggling with weight a Goldwing is a non starter.

The Tiger was wonderfully comfortable for long distances but whether that would still be the case if you have back problems I can't say, but if the GS causes you back pain I expect most adventure type bikes are going to as well.

One thing I can agree with slowasyoulike is footboards allow you to move around and change your sitting position. I had them on a couple of Wings and loved them although you have to get used to heel/toe gear changes.
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sickpup
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PostPosted: 12:01 - 04 Feb 2025    Post subject: Reply with quote

A 6' friend of mine had back problems, riding an NT700 Deauville was crippling him.
We discovered that his seat had been lowered so he had a 2" higher and 2" longer than standard seat built by Top Sellerie in France which cost him close on £700. Along with moving the handlebars forward it cured the problem. It meant he could move around and the higher seat meant he could put weight on the footrests and the handlebars.

I know this doesn't help much, I can't really tell you what will work for you as no one knows but sometimes all it takes is to have a custom seat made up so you're not scrunched up.
There is a huge amount of handlebar risers, footrest droppers and custom seats available out there, you're just going to have to look about and see what works for you but there really is no need to limit yourself to one type of bike.

As an aside, some people with back injuries suffer on Singles and V-Twins. The uneven power pulses play havoc with the pain.
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MarJay
But it's British!



Joined: 15 Sep 2003
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PostPosted: 12:05 - 04 Feb 2025    Post subject: Reply with quote

There was a guy who wrote in to Bike magazine a few years back and claimed that his 2001 VFR800FI actually cured his back problems, and the previous bikes he had ridden were all much more 'sit up and beg'. I think this tells us that it's horses for courses and you need to find the bike that suits you.

It's also worth considering that with the distance you need to do, maybe bikes and your bad back just aren't compatible?
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.
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Drakesha
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 02 Feb 2025
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PostPosted: 12:12 - 05 Feb 2025    Post subject: Reply with quote

MarJay, I'll try to find this article. You wouldn't remember any details, year, name?
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MarJay
But it's British!



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PostPosted: 13:07 - 05 Feb 2025    Post subject: Reply with quote

Drakesha wrote:
MarJay, I'll try to find this article. You wouldn't remember any details, year, name?


It was a LONG time ago, and it was a letter to the letters page. I doubt you'll find it now. It was a simple as him saying "I've had a bad back for years then I bought a VFR800. Now it's cured! I think they should prescribe them on the NHS!"
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.
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Kentol750
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PostPosted: 14:08 - 05 Feb 2025    Post subject: What bike? Reply with quote

My knee back issue reasonably for change a couple of years ago.
Cycle ergo great tool.
Gs850 with the low seat option is OK but still heavy. 2021 gs750 standard very comfortable for me at 5' 11" and a bit.

However, vstrom 650 would be my choice, huge range on post 2020 bike, reasonably priced and easy to find with lots of the extras.
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Kawasaki Jimbo
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PostPosted: 19:09 - 05 Feb 2025    Post subject: Reply with quote

MarJay wrote:
Drakesha wrote:
MarJay, I'll try to find this article. You wouldn't remember any details, year, name?


It was a LONG time ago, and it was a letter to the letters page. I doubt you'll find it now. It was a simple as him saying "I've had a bad back for years then I bought a VFR800. Now it's cured! I think they should prescribe them on the NHS!"

I remember that story or a similar one saying “sit up and beg” isn’t always the best.

Fireblade FTW.
Cool
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Freddyfruitba...
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PostPosted: 19:55 - 06 Feb 2025    Post subject: Reply with quote

MarJay wrote:
There was a guy who wrote in to Bike magazine a few years back and claimed that his 2001 VFR800FI actually cured his back problems

Ooh, I must get my 92-year-old mum to do her Direct Access...
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MarJay
But it's British!



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PostPosted: 20:18 - 06 Feb 2025    Post subject: Reply with quote

Freddyfruitbat wrote:
MarJay wrote:
There was a guy who wrote in to Bike magazine a few years back and claimed that his 2001 VFR800FI actually cured his back problems

Ooh, I must get my 92-year-old mum to do her Direct Access...


One assumes it could work for muscle weakness and spinal alignment, not osteoporosis! I'm not suggesting it's a cure-all, I'm saying different types of bike suit different types of people.

For example, people absolutely bitch about sportsbike riding positions, but I am OK with them even at 44 years old. I wouldn't want to do a european tour on a pure sportsbike, but I can certainly ride without pain for half a day or so.
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.
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Drakesha
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PostPosted: 13:04 - 09 Feb 2025    Post subject: Re: What bike? Reply with quote

Kentol750 wrote:
2021 gs750 standard very comfortable for me

Tried to look it up....did you mean gsxr750?
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to v or not to v
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PostPosted: 13:31 - 09 Feb 2025    Post subject: Re: What bike? Reply with quote

Drakesha wrote:
Kentol750 wrote:
2021 gs750 standard very comfortable for me

Tried to look it up....did you mean gsxr750?


BMW
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/bmw/f750gs/2018/
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current bike Yamaha Thunderace.
its old and fat, but its a damned good ride. the bikes not bad either.
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