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Drakesha |
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 Drakesha L Plate Warrior
Joined: 02 Feb 2025 Karma : 
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 Posted: 13:55 - 02 Feb 2025 Post subject: Back pain options |
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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. ____________________ T-55, T-62, Bandit, VFR750, Vfr800, Vfr800vtec, R1200GS |
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doggone |
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 doggone World Chat Champion

Joined: 20 May 2004 Karma :    
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Drakesha |
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 Drakesha L Plate Warrior
Joined: 02 Feb 2025 Karma : 
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 Posted: 14:19 - 02 Feb 2025 Post subject: |
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to v or not to v |
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 to v or not to v World Chat Champion

Joined: 24 Nov 2020 Karma :   
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stinkwheel |
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 stinkwheel Bovine Proctologist

Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :    
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 Posted: 14:27 - 02 Feb 2025 Post subject: |
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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. ____________________ “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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 Drakesha L Plate Warrior
Joined: 02 Feb 2025 Karma : 
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 Posted: 15:59 - 02 Feb 2025 Post subject: |
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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. ____________________ T-55, T-62, Bandit, VFR750, Vfr800, Vfr800vtec, R1200GS |
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stinkwheel |
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 stinkwheel Bovine Proctologist

Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :    
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 Posted: 16:18 - 02 Feb 2025 Post subject: |
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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. ____________________ “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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 RhynoCZ Super Spammer

Joined: 09 Mar 2012 Karma :     
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 Posted: 16:22 - 02 Feb 2025 Post subject: Re: Back pain options |
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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.
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. ____________________ '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 |
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 Drakesha L Plate Warrior
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stinkwheel |
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 stinkwheel Bovine Proctologist

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slowasyoulike |
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 slowasyoulike Scooby Slapper
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 MarJay But it's British!

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 Drakesha L Plate Warrior
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 MarJay But it's British!

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 Kentol750 World Chat Champion
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 Freddyfruitba... World Chat Champion

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Drakesha |
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 Drakesha L Plate Warrior
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to v or not to v |
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 to v or not to v World Chat Champion

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