Choosing first bike - Bad back

[svp]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post: I am new to the motorbike seen after gaining my learners license last week.

I am really keen to get stuck in and am currently looking at bikes.

However, I have a bad lower back which will be a big determining factor on which style of bike I go for.

Any light on which style of bike would be best for my back would be most grateful.

Thanks guys


svp

[MSTRS:Me]

Sport-Touring style.
Cruisers (upright) put a lot of strain on lower back, and a full Sports style possibly will be tiring with the gretaer lean to reach the bars.
You need to ride a few to really know, remembering that 10 minutes won't be enough to really tell.
Also remember that as a learner you will be tense and tire easily, so long-term it's a lottery as to which bike will be right.
Rest assured there will be one.

[GaZBur]

Road/trail type.
If you are a learner what about a 250 trail bike. Not a hard out dirt bike but a road oriented trailbike. Good suspension and a reasonably upright position with bars that support your arms without weighting your sholders and back. Not the best position for 100km plus speeds but good for control and nippy once you get the hang of them.

Ask the bike shop to let you try a couple of styles before you buy, if you explain to them why I am sure they would be reasonable about it.

[GaZBur]

I used to get a real sore lower back when touring. In the end I discovered that if you stuff all the soft stuff in one end of your bag and strap it on the passenger seat it acts as a lumber roll, takes the pressure off the lower back and also your arms as you dont need to hang on to counter wind on your chest if you like a reasonablly upright position.

[gijoe1313]

Well, a naked bike like a little ol'hornet will be quite ideal, the riding position is very comfortable and will help. You can easily adjust your posture and it is a more relaxed style, in between the sportsbikes and cruisers.

Have a sit on many bikes and your body will tell you which one it prefers pretty quickly!

Oh yes, the little ol'hornet's seat is very comfortable!

[captain_andrey]

Hmm weird, I would have thought a sportier position would put less pressure on the back and more on upper body

[Nagash]

For your learner's an upright tourer-sports bike should do the job..

Take a spin on something like a Honda Hornet 250, Bandit 250 or if you can find one a Jade 250. They may do the trick.

I've got a bad lower back due to a fractured spine a few years ago, and I ride a cruiser which I have no issues. But different places of injury would have different effects, cruisers definately put all your weight on your back rather than the sports bikes supporting yourself on your arms.

[EDIT] As GI Joe so whimsically mentioned, Hornet 250 may be the way to go.

[MSTRS:Me]

Hmm weird, I would have thought a sportier position would put less pressure on the back and more on upper body

True. The thing with a spine problem is to relieve the strain that an upright position causes without introducing another strain elsewhere.
Lower spine is best relieved by some forward lean. Gets the pressure off the tailbone, and stops the jarring that transfers up a straight spine.

[TOTO]

I agree that Hornet 250 is a Good choice (thats why I got one), for your situation tho I would also recommend looking at Suzuki VL250 Intruder. Comfy seat, relaxed position and I know for sure they have plenty of balls to keep you entertained during your learners and restricter period. Look good too

[Headbanger]

Gees, If I followed the advice in this thread I'd be in a world of pain.

Everyone is different, Your just going to have to try a few bikes, seating positions.Moving your arse backwards of forwards a few inches may make all the difference in the world.

For me, I find I have to be in a position where I can transfer some of my weight to the pegs, and I like (have to be) to be sitting upright in the "cruiser" position otherwise the pain sets in within a few minutes.

[MSTRS:Me]

HB, how would you get on with forward controls?

[Katman]

You might gain some relief by using a kidney belt as well.

[Hitcher]

Bad back? Don't buy a cruiser.

[Headbanger]

HB, how would you get on with forward controls?

Very poorly.

[MSTRS:Me]

Very poorly.

Exactly. You need to have your feet under you to allow them to take some of the weight that would otherwise be on you lower back/tailbone. So, perhaps the 'right' sort of cruiser might be an option for the OP.