Riding with a bad back.

[Irontusk]

Ok, first thing, I didn't know where this should go, so 'general' sounded good, and I couldnt find anything more than a vague reference using the search.. so here goes.

I have scoliosis, which is fairly common but mine was bad enough to need part of my spine fused + titanium rods and bolts fitted to it. I'm not interested in this stopping me from riding, simple as that.
Problem is, my back gave me some issues when I did my basic handling test (by the end turning right was difficult). There was a fair bit of waiting around during the test so I ended up being on the bike for just under 3 hours, it was a Keeway Sport 150 (what a horrible bike). I'm getting a Suzuki VL250 so I'm really hoping it's more comfortable for me, it feels like it will be but I don't really have anyway of knowing..

I don't want my post to be too long, so I was just wondering if anyone else has any similar problems that they deal with, or just anything that people do to get around getting a sore back.

[James Deuce]

Don't go for a cruiser mate, it puts all your weight on the base of your spine.

I'd go for a Yamaha Scorpio, something with a relatively upright position but enough of a forward cant that you don't ride around with your weight compressing your spine. A Ninja 250 is good too in that it looks like a sportsbike but its riding position is spacious and doesn't fold you into a crouch.

[boomer]

yeah good luck.. back pains a bitch huh!!! nothing worse i dont reckon; constant all consuming.....

good luck and happy shopping finding the answer...!


PM dmntd.. he moans a lot (about his back) :msn-wink:

[Irontusk]

Don't go for a cruiser mate, it puts all your weight on the base of your spine.

I'd go for a Yamaha Scorpio, something with a relatively upright position but enough of a forward cant that you don't ride around with your weight compressing your spine. A Ninja 250 is good too in that it looks like a sportsbike but its riding position is spacious and doesn't fold you into a crouch.

Leaning forward is the worst thing for it, I stand all day at work (and lift things that are supposed to be a 2 person lift) without any real noticable pain, but if I have to lean over to work on something when I stand back up straight it hits me.
Oh I'm also a little over 6' and all the sports sort of 250s I sat on were too cramped up in the legs.

Do any of the back armours also give a bit of back support?

[HenryDorsetCase]

you might try a back protector. Mine has a big wide elastic belt round the middle which is good cos it holds my sagging guts in meaning I can still wear my leathers. ;)


A back protector is a GOOD THING anyway, and if it helps with your back pain, bonus.

[James Deuce]

Leaning forward is the worst thing for it, I stand all day at work (and lift things that are supposed to be a 2 person lift) without any real noticable pain, but if I have to lean over to work on something when I stand back up straight it hits me.
Oh I'm also a little over 6' and all the sports sort of 250s I sat on were too cramped up in the legs.

Do any of the back armours also give a bit of back support?

You're not leaning your back, you're leaning from your hips. Correct posture shouldn't have you curling your spine at all.

I've broken my back and my neck so I know what works for me and cruisers are tolerable for an hour or so. After that it's ambulance material. You need to ride it before you buy. I know what you are saying about sports 250s but the new Ninja 250 isn't anything like the early 90s 250s or the Hyosung GT250R. I've a large 6ft Samoan mate who doesn't look stupid or cramped on one.

The other bikes to consider are a Hyosung Comet 250, and Balius, Zeal, and Hornet 250s. Naked 4 cylinder 250s with a lot more room between pegs, seat, and bars than their sporting counterparts.

There have been a couple of people on KB who have bought cruisers due to having a back injury and have sold them in short order. Short travel suspension and sitting on your coccyx don't make for a healthy back at the best of times. Anything that has you vertical or leaning slightly back is torture at highway speeds, for me and the people I've sort of mentioned but not named.

I wear a back protector to prevent further damage but it doesn't provide support as such. Have a look at the Motocross pressure suits if you want additional support.

[Irontusk]

Mine has a big wide elastic belt round the middle which is good cos it holds my sagging guts in meaning I can still wear my leathers. ;)


Heh I won't have that problem, not for a few years anyway :P I'm pretty featherweight for my height. And Yeah I was thinking of getting a back protector, cause if I fall off I think it'll need all the protection it can get.. My jacket only has CE approved armour in the elbows/shoulders, just weak stuff in the back of it.

[Irontusk]

You're not leaning your back, you're leaning from your hips. Correct posture shouldn't have you curling your spine at all.

You need to ride it before you buy.

Have a look at the Motocross pressure suits if you want additional support.

My hips were the first thing to hurt during my first ride/basic riding test :P But that went away long before I finished, must've been sitting funny. The horrible Keeway was a pretty upright/slightly forward seating position, but with the rear brake/gear shifter in horrible positions

Unfortunately I barely know how to ride and don't have my licence yet, I wouldn't be allowed to test ride and I wouldn't feel right asking.. a bit of a risk.

And I might have to look for one of them, are they something that fits under your normal riding gear?

[oldrider]

My back has been shagged for years and I find my current Triumph Tiger the most comfortable bike I have ridden. (so does the Mrs)

Looks like you are still going to be restricted for a while but I would try upright seated bikes too but hey you should try them all and get one that suits "you".

Just like buying shoes really.

If you are new to KB, welcome and good luck with biking. Cheers John.

[Irontusk]

Looks like you are still going to be restricted for a while but I would try upright seated bikes too but hey you should try them all and get one that suits "you".


If you are new to KB, welcome and good luck with biking. Cheers John.

Yeah it looks like I'll just have to make do and get as much use as is comfortable out of it for a while, already committed to it.. then when I can I could think about looking around at different styles.

And thanks for the welcome :)

http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/content/catalogueViewEntry.aspx?profilePK=all&entryPK=1247 What do you guys think of this?? Heaps of protection that my jacket doesn't have, and I think it's the kidney belt that will help my back more than anything. The black/red looks good I reckon. Be a hell of a lot of gear to put on every morning!

Thanks for all the opinions so far, it's good to know other people ride with bad backs too, puts me at ease (nearly, ha).

[TimeOut]

My back has been shagged for years and I find my current Triumph Tiger the most comfortable bike I have ridden. (so does the Mrs)

Looks like you are still going to be restricted for a while but I would try upright seated bikes too but hey you should try them all and get one that suits "you".

Just like buying shoes really.

If you are new to KB, welcome and good luck with biking. Cheers John.

Same here John that's why I went for the V-Strom. I rode my sons sports bike for 30min it took me just about as long to get off and straighten out lol.

Now when we (son and younger brother) go riding they have to stop for a stretch before me.

You may be able to get dispensation for a bigger bike because of your back.

[FROSTY]

I'd suggest a scorpio too--or possibly the CBF250 9F not r)
Id also suggest wearing a Kidney belt whilst riding

[rainman]

I had a disc snipped a year or two ago and find that if I drive for a long time (in a cage, like) or if I ride a sporty, then I have major back pain. My cruiser is just right for me - I've done some 450+km days on it with no major pain (other than my arse).

I'm sure there are some sportsbikes that might be fine for me but I haven't ridden them, and besides, I like cruisers :)

Don't be embarrassed about the test ride issue - you have your BH done, so go sit the scratchy and get your L, and you can go ask at your local bike shops for as many test rides as you need. It's part of the sale process...

And on the VL, I rode one while my bike was in the shop, not the loveliest piece of machinery I've ever been on. My GN had more guts. But YMMV.

[sels1]

My back has been shagged for years and I find my current Triumph Tiger the most comfortable bike I have ridden. (so does the Mrs)

I'll second that. (of course:))
You can stant up and have a stretch while you are riding along!

The other option is to look at a 250 street legal trail bike - Suzuki DR250, Kawa KR 250 etc.

[Stromble]

Id say with your condition and height, youd probably be able to get an exemption from the LTSA (Form DL-4 from AA shop)

They may then let you take out some bigger bkes for a weekend and you can choose one to be named on a letter to accompany your licence while you learn.

Im 6'5 and learnt on a Suzuki DL650 V-strom. This is a very comfortable bike, the seat is awesome and the ride position is great. Have a sit on one at the suzuki shop.

I too suffer from back pain now and again, and the upright dual sport type bikes definately seemed to be the best bet.

Search on "exemption" and youll see plentyof folk have been down this route and how they went about it.


Ok, first thing, I didn't know where this should go, so 'general' sounded good, and I couldnt find anything more than a vague reference using the search.. so here goes.

I have scoliosis, which is fairly common but mine was bad enough to need part of my spine fused + titanium rods and bolts fitted to it. I'm not interested in this stopping me from riding, simple as that.
Problem is, my back gave me some issues when I did my basic handling test (by the end turning right was difficult). There was a fair bit of waiting around during the test so I ended up being on the bike for just under 3 hours, it was a Keeway Sport 150 (what a horrible bike). I'm getting a Suzuki VL250 so I'm really hoping it's more comfortable for me, it feels like it will be but I don't really have anyway of knowing..

I don't want my post to be too long, so I was just wondering if anyone else has any similar problems that they deal with, or just anything that people do to get around getting a sore back.

[Griffin]

Hi Irontusk and welcome to KB. You will get a lot of suggestions from folk on here and most will be well meaning and maybe even based on experience... which is all good. But at the end of the day like oldrider says - you have to find a bike that suits 'you'. Just cos a certain bike has been right for someone else doesnt mean its going to be right for your condition.

Get your learners - go and test ride as many 250's as you can - for a decent ride to see how they affect your back (the salesman should understand if you make him aware of your condition).

If none of the 250's help with your back problem then by all means apply for an exemption based on your medical problem and that should allow you to try a few different styles/sizes.

The VL250 is a good learner cruiser - but with any 250 cruiser, they are no where near as comfy as the larger cruisers and you will probably find yourself getting quite uncomfortable after a short period of riding.

All the best :)

[Nasty]

Heya

Be prepared to change bikes regularly until you have the right one.

I have a back injury have had since I was 16 .... I started on a

FXR150 - Sports bike style - had no issues when riding - but did not ride for extended times on this bike

Virago 500 - Cruiser - could ride for an hour then into cronic pain for the next period ...

CBR600 - Sports - fine for an hour then shoulders and back in chronic pain

GPZ500 - Sports Tourer - lovely - could ride for a couple of hours before any discomfort ... problem was it was a 500 (not enough grunt in the end)

Now

GSX750F - Sports Tourer - I can ride for hours without pain or discomfort ...


This is in the past three years - everyones back pain affects them differently as you can see from the thread. So really until you are able to ride - (when you get your L) be prepared either to not buy a bike - or to buy one and put up with it until you are through the initial license period then try out a range to find the right one.

[sinfull]

Welcome dude, Good luck with finding the right riding position !
See heaps saying here about belts etc and why ? You have a perfectly good one that goes from one side of yr spine round ya gut to the other side of ya spine ! Ya cant tell me ya aint done the rehab after the op ya had ! Back to basics bro, get ya core in shape and ya won't need a belt !
As for riding position, I have no idea if your pain is anything like mine ! But I have trouble with flexing mainly, so standing for more than 5 min has me crumble ! Which had me look at sports bike positioning rather than cruisers, but still need the core muscles to hold the back or i'm screwed after an hours ride !
Two min core work before i even get out of bed a day and she's all good, other than sciatica, but hey shit happens !

[Skyryder]

I'll take my hat off to all that ride with bad backs. At over 60 mine still in good shape so I don't know the problems. But this came up on another biker forum I use to frequent and one of the guys used one of those things that weightlifters use. Some kind of belt brace for the lumbar region. This guy rode a Harley so I don't think it's a cruiser problem. The spine is meant to be relitvely upright.

But on the down side if your back is causing too much agro when rideing it's trying to tell you something.


Skyyrder

[Pwalo]

Unfortunately you may not be able to find the perfect bike. Due to their nature bikes aren't a logical choice if you're after comfort.

As has already been suggested you really need to try out a few different bikes with different riding positions. It's surprising how the most obvious choice isn't always the best.

After injuring my hands, wrists, and bashing my back and neck up I assumed that a more upright stance would be best, but after getting a bit of time on the SV, I find the more forward leaning position is fine. Just need to work on the stomach muscles a bit.

We can all give you our best advice, but that's all it is. A lot of people on here (myself included) have been riding for a long time, and we do forget how intimidating, and uncomfortable learning can be. Good luck with the VL.

[Irontusk]

Ok this is alot to reply to.. so I'll try to remember everything I thought as I read through.

I'm not sure if an exemption would be good for me, I'm only 65kg so a heavy bike would be hard for learning.

Nasty, what did your injury involve??

And no.. my recovery didn't involve any rehab other than drugging up, layin' around and waiting :confused: no back braces or anything. Yeah I was thinking maybe there's some exercises I could do to strengthen it up, wouldn't have a clue what they are though :D

The pressure suit that I'm looking at has a good back protector and kidney belt aswell as everything else for my top half, so that is looking good, and my parents will get it for me as a present for something :)

I've driven for about 8 hours (in a car, only stopped for petrol) and my back felt pretty normal by the end of it, I don't really lean back too much, I slump back but learn forward so I'm pretty much vertical and off the back rest.

Some of the bigger cruisers have a small backrest kind of bit before it goes up to the pillion seat don't they? That really would be all the seat I could need :)

[HenryDorsetCase]

And no.. my recovery didn't involve any rehab other than drugging up, layin' around and waiting :confused: no back braces or anything. Yeah I was thinking maybe there's some exercises I could do to strengthen it up, wouldn't have a clue what they are though :D



Just be a bit careful about jumping into exercise. Get advice (Doctor and physio) and follow their regimen. I live with someone who has a back pain issue, and thats what she does. Its a mitigation/management measure, not a magic bullet.

Good luck with it (the riding I mean) Hopefully the fun you're having will mitigate some of the pain you feel

[Irontusk]

Just be a bit careful about jumping into exercise. Get advice (Doctor and physio) and follow their regimen. I live with someone who has a back pain issue, and thats what she does. Its a mitigation/management measure, not a magic bullet.

Good luck with it (the riding I mean) Hopefully the fun you're having will mitigate some of the pain you feel

Yup, I want to ride, simple as that!

My specialist/surgeon said I can do whatever I want pretty much, said full contact sports like rugby would be fine in a month or two after the surgery.. I don't think I'd stand up too well against getting tackled from any direction other than the front, and that's now, not then!

The Thor impact rig (http://www.ridershq.co.nz/product/94/ThorImpactRigSEProtector.boss for the biggest pics I could find) looks like it's more solid all over and has more of a kidney belt than the 661, but there's a bit of a drive to the nearest shop that I know has them.. so more difficult to try on. I work in the same building block as a bike accessory shop so I can go look at the 661 there. I know they're another 'personal fit' sort of item, but does anyone have preference between the brands?

[sels1]

One of the things that got me back into biking after many years away was the back pain I used to suffer from doing a lot of driving in cramped company vehicles. Once the initai damage was done, every time I drove l aggravated it. So I bought a street legal trailbike to commute to work (and a bit of fun on the weekends) Every bike I have owned since has been of that style, with an upright (or slightly forward leaning) riding position with wide bars. It means not only my riding position is comfortable, I have the option of sliding back to the pillion seat or standing up on the pegs for a stretch while riding along.

[alanzs]

I've had back issues for many years, due to some serious crashes, accidents, gravity and age. Had a discectomy to relieve severe sciatica pain on my S4/5 disc a couple years ago and an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (with plate) at my C5/6 vertebrae as well. Back pain and I go way back. My daughter had scoliosis and was in a back brace for many years. Thankfully, she never required surgery.

The number one thing that I have found over the years which has dramatically improved my life are exercises that increase your core strength and your back. I have some outstanding ones, all written out that I have used for years, and they have made a HUGE difference in the quality of my life. If you want them, pm me and I can email them to you. They are in a word document. If you don't have word, I can post them here.

Another thing I do on a regular basis (5-6 times a week) and have for years, which I highly recommend, is attend Bikram Yoga classes (www.bikramyoga.net.nz as well as www.bikramyoga.com). Seeing you are from Auckland, there are classes in Ponsonby and Newmarket. I attend the Newmarket location. I'm the guy in the back or middle with the full back tattoo. It is a beginning yoga class, done in a heated room (38 degrees). There are 26 postures and it takes 90 minutes to do. You will sweat like you have probably never sweat before. It is the most incredible, life changing series of excersises that I have ever done. Some of the warriors rugby players attend there as well, and they all are amazed at how intense, and excellent it is. Your strength, flexibility and concentration will improve dramatically. You'll probably lose some weight, which is extremely important when you have back issues. Lightening the load on your back makes it work more efficiently. I am obviously very passionate about Bikram yoga classes because they have given me sustained, long term relief like nothing else ever has. I am in the best shape of my life due to it as well. My doctor attends the classes and has said that he wishes more of his patients with back problems would go there. The classes have people in their teens to probably 70's. You do the best you can do, that day. Its not competitive in any way. I can't say enough about how wonderful it is. :2thumbsup

Sitting or laying around is the worse thing you can do. I understand if you are in pain its hard to do anything, but if you can move, then do something, even just walking. I used to only be able to take a few steps at times without almost bursting into tears, the pain was so intense. Again, building that core strength is the key, once you are able to be mobile.

As to bikes, I have been riding a long time, so I currently ride a Bandit 1200. It is a "standard" bike, not sport riding position or cruiser. I have raised the bars even more, so I am sitting up very straight. I can ride as long as I want without any problem. On especially long rides (5-6+ hours) I may wear a motocross style kidney belt, but I don't that a lot. Again, its that core strength I need to keep me upright. It does help though. I have found that stretching every hour or so is also a good thing. That or every gas stop, get off, do a few yoga stretches and I am ready to rip away.

Take control of your health by action. Learn about pain control (prevent it from getting worse) so that you will be more comfortable and able to function more fully. This doesn't have to be something that keeps you from leading a great life or riding motorcycles!
Good luck to you and if you need anything, let me know.

[Irontusk]

I found myself sliding back and standing up a bit on the keeway I did my test on, had never ridden before so that felt pretty dodgy :bleh:

I think my fusion is from T11 to L4, I could be pulling that out of nowhere though.. but it sounds familiar enough, it's in my lower back. I never noticed how way off centre my body was until I was 17, so it was too late for a brace unfortunately.

I'm not in good shape (at all?) but I don't really have any weight to lose.. I lost weight from sitting around doing nothing while recovering, I've managed to work it back up a little since. Will send a PM about the exercises another time, I'm in a rush.

Yoga probably isn't for me, I don't have so many spare hours each week either, 90 min + travel would be heaps.

Like always I feel like I've left something out, but I really have to get going. Thanks again for all the advice everyone has given :)

[sels1]

Another thing I do on a regular basis (5-6 times a week) and have for years, which I highly recommend, is attend Bikram Yoga classes .
If Bikram Yoga is not available in your town then try other yoga classes. I have done a bit of Hatha yoga off and on over the years and it has certainly improved my back and helped with flexibility.

[alanzs]

If Bikram Yoga is not available in your town then try other yoga classes. I have done a bit of Hatha yoga off and on over the years and it has certainly improved my back and helped with flexibility.

I agree. What I have liked about Bikram, and I have done Hatha yoga for many years , is that the heated room really intensifies the experience, on many levels. :laugh:

Any yoga is better than none, IMHO.

[Irontusk]

Just thought I'd update the situation.
After a week of commuting + riding around after work for extra riding, my back has been fine, I'm really comfortable :) I have had a bit of pain (only a couple of times) but I don't think it's much to do with the bike, just happens sometimes! I think the longest I've gone in one sitting is 50kms.
What a relief!

I've done a few exercises but not alot (I'd rather be out riding :clap:)

[slimjim]

dude , i have my lumbar fused via a three ter fusion operation, wheel chair was what i got told, fuck them what'do they know.... well like the mass belived i would ride better with a crusier... longer...comfort... bullshit each their own, had plenty of different cruiser's til i rode my mates honda ..yup.. sports bike ..for myself i won't look at another crusier

[Irontusk]

dude , i have my lumbar fused via a three ter fusion operation, wheel chair was what i got told, fuck them what'do they know.... well like the mass belived i would ride better with a crusier... longer...comfort... bullshit each their own, had plenty of different cruiser's til i rode my mates honda ..yup.. sports bike ..for myself i won't look at another crusier

Yeah once I've been riding for a while I want to test ride a sports bike to compare :) But for now my bike isn't giving me any trouble. I often get a much sorer back just sitting on a couch.

Fused spines suck though huh, does yours give you any trouble at all? Sounds like it was the result of an accident! Mine was just a progessive thing that needed fixing before it got even worse.