Venting - New Bike/Bad Back

[BigRed1]

I got bit bad with the riding fever, spent that last couple of years preparing, ie., reading, researching, taking the MSF, getting my license and then bought a M50. I used to ride in my 20's, 30's and 40's, now I'm 58. My wife endorsed this new found passion and off I went. I LOVE this bike! It's the most stable bike I ever owned and just riding again is a huge thrill. I have all sorts of plans for add on's to the bike and then a trip next summer of about 1000 miles. Now I get hit with this back thing. I have always had trouble with my back, but with care I could manage it ok. Clearly riding has exacerbated the pain and after each ride I suffer for days, take loads of motrin and wait for it to subside. I may have to stuff my pride and consider selling it and give up riding, something I really don't want to do. I may see a chriopracter first and then reevaluate. For the really the first time in my life I find age and physical conditioning has become an issue. It's ironic since I have been riding a bycycle for the past couple years and can do 20 miles 3x a week with no issue. It must be the vibration on the back and the tension I apply to control it. To all my younger cycle brethern, enjoy your youth, getting old is a %%%%%! Just wanted to vent, thanks for the listen. Now I'm going take 800 mg's of motrin and go for a ride. I'm not licked yet.

[rappidrabbit]

completely in agreement with you... have to be careful of my back also....am 64 this year....kinda over the hill.....back pain is a Bitc%^.....lays me out for a week or longer...

[Scourge]

Might want to see a neurosurgeon or an orthopod instead, if you have not already. Chiropracters can make things feel OK for a short time, but they do not fix any problems. It may or may not be something that's easily relieved, but hopefully then you would know for sure if you need to hang up your helmet or make plans for the long ride next year.

[BudTheGrey]

You might also look at changing the bike a bit -- a new seat with lumbar support, or handlebar risers that change your position while mounted on the bike might be the solution.

[BigD]

I am a 52 year old kid and you guys are beginning to scare me.
Good luck with the back and I hope you can find a successful solution to ease the pain. There is nothing like riding and it would be a shame to be forced into hanging up the ole spurs.

[mr_resistible]

I'm just a youngster (31) but I know what your going through. I have scoliosis and my back and neck hurt so bad the first time I went on a trip of about 40 miles I thought. What have I done, this $ucks. I have had to start working out and getting in shape just so I can even ride.

[Clint]

It's not the vibration or the strain. It's the riding position. Don't forget that there are a wide array of motorcycles out there. You may need to consider the standards, which have ergonomics more similar to your bicycle.

[mr_resistible]

That is very true. Sometimes when I change my riding postion it really helps. I will hang my toes on the backs of my floor boards and ride it like a standard and it feels much better. I dont know ecaxtly how safe that is but it gives me a good strech on longer rides. It also has me wanting to try out a SV650. Or moving the floorboards back about 3 or 4 inches.

[blackie1491]

I can relate to that age thing as I am 64. As suggested you can change things in relationship to your riding position. The M50 seat is a problem for some. One change is to have a custom seat made for your comfort.
Check M50 forum, Zuki Dude has a custom seat and good advise, but also spreads ZukiDudeitist, which is Bling to the ninth degree.
I hope you find a comfortable change rather than have to bale.
Good luck.

[Gixxerdale]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

It's not the vibration or the strain. It's the riding position. Don't forget that there are a wide array of motorcycles out there. You may need to consider the standards, which have ergonomics more similar to your bicycle.

Bicycle=Gixxer
Does wonders with my bum back! I'd be hurtin bad on a cruiser these days.

[simplegame]

I think these guys are pointing you in the right direction as far as riding position goes. I had a big duffel bag on the back seat and leaned against it and that was the most comfortable ride I have had in weeks. I am thinking about buying a Kuryakyn Tombstone Bags . That is just the solution I have come up with. There maybe better seat and backrest combinations that would work better for you. My pain is minor compared to what you are telling us. I am 55 and I can ride 50 miles without too much trouble, then I have to take Tylenol because my stomach can't handle anything else and my doctor just says I have to "live with the pain". It may catch up to me sooner or later, but for now it is tolerable.
I hope you can find a solution that will prevent the pain. I really believe some kind of back support on the seat could help.

[farmbone]

May I suggest back exercises for those of us in our 40's and up. I really think yoga and pilates might be the ticket if we want to keep riding in our 80's. I am heavy but yet I stretch and try to exercise four days a week.

[BigRed1]

Thanks for all your kind replies. To respond to a few of the suggestions I write. I have been to back doc's/othro specialists for the last 30 years, they all say the samething, can't operate, get in shape, do back exercises, go to physical therapy. The suggestion of back exercises is a good one and I need to go back to that, it did help. Also the idea of the type of bike vice my issues is likely a good one. I have explored through through many threads on this site (yes, with ZudeDude) many ideas of replacing the seat. Of course we all know neither Corbin or Mustang is making seats for the M50. The custom thing is still being considered. The one ZukeDude had made looks nice, but I wonder about the ergonomics. I agree that a back/lumbar support is going to help, but I can't find any type of configuration on this since the seat is not replaceable. Even if I went with the Suzuki Gel I don't see how to add on a back rest. If I'm wrong correct me on this. Also not sure what the post from Gixxerdale is referring to. "Bycycle=Gixxer" - huh? Anyway thanks all for the input. This site is a great place and I have learned alot about the M50 and do love the bike. Now if I can just get an aftermarket company to make a Vicodin Drip as I ride, I'd be set.

[stock28]

Allong with the back exercises, don't neglect the stomach muscles. People don't realize how important they are to stabalizing your back. DON'T do situps! Crunches are the way to go. If you are not sure what they are, Google it and do them two to three times a week. You may be surprised how much better your back will feel.

[blackie1491]

Zuki Dude's seat is a base to start from. Use your stock seat pan to build a more comfortable seat with a backrest. Cushion the butt get relief for the back and still allow you the pleasure of the ride.

[Clint]

I think Dale meant that a race-replica bike has low bars like a bicycle. Personally, I'd go for something less extreme. Right now, you're just shy of 'apehanger' on the ergos scale. Find something between there and 'butt in the air' and you'll likely be much less sore.

[Gixxerdale]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

I think Dale meant that a race-replica bike has low bars like a bicycle. Personally, I'd go for something less extreme. Right now, you're just shy of 'apehanger' on the ergos scale. Find something between there and 'butt in the air' and you'll likely be much less sore.

Yep, a road bike is a very similiar position as a sportbike.My bad back prefers the bent and outstretched riding position of the Gixxer. I can complete iron butt rides on it or 700 miles of twisties in a day. Put me on a cruiser for 50 miles and I'll be in bed for the next week! Just depends on the type of back problem as to what works best.

Clint is right about researching some different ergos. It make make a huge difference in how you enjoy a day of riding.

Oh and Clint that butt in the air isn't mine, it's my wifes!

[Mr.Miyagi]

Bigred1

You may find a windshield helps too, and rotate the bars back a tad (watch you don't do it so much the controls hit the tank at full lock though)...hope some of these suggestions work. Hago

[BigRed1]

Thanks. I am looking at a Memphis Shade and will likely order one this week. As far a rotating the bars back I'm not quite sure how to do this. Anyone have any info on this? Thanks.

Originally Posted by Mr.Miyagi

Bigred1

You may find a windshield helps too, and rotate the bars back a tad (watch you don't do it so much the controls hit the tank at full lock though)...hope some of these suggestions work. Hago

[Miloh]

I sold my bike due to neck problems, ended up having the operation. Could not walk, work or anything else. Two years I waited to get another bike. I thought I was ready but alas I can't hold a helmet up more than a couple hours and this is all but unbearable. I don't know what I'll do yet but I fear a seat change will not help. Exsorcise does help a little. Maybe a lighter helmet. I'm using a half helmet now and it feels like a 20 pound bowling ball when I put it on.
What exactly is your back problem? Busted disk? bone spur? fracture? I do also have degenerative disk in my lower back but I can change my seating position and get by with that pain. Motrin does absolutly nothing for me, you might check into "Ultracet" this is what I take and it is much better than anything I have tried. perscription required BTW.

Miloh.