First Long Trip on RT....Back Hurts !!

[star57]

Just returned from a 400 mile trip (two up)on the RT, this is our first trip over 50 miles, my back is killing me, I felt a bit cramped no being able to move my feet.

I love this nike but it seems that my back does not, I'm 5.8 and my inseam is 31", ridding 2 up I can reach the ground Ok, however I feel that the RT is very top heavy and there is too much stress on my back.

Has anyone used the backrest from CB, can these bikes be easly lowered without afecting the dynamics of the bike?

 

All input is highlly apreciated.

Which Sport Touring bikes are lower??

 

TIA

[ednap]

What model RT do you have?

 

I have the 2001 R1150RT (or 2002 USA version) and my wife and I ride two up heaps without issue. I'm 5'5" so not that much shorter than you but then every body is slightly different in other areas too.

 

Things you can consider to alter your riding position on your bike are bar risers and peg lowering kits. I have bar risers fitted to mine not so much to add height to the bars for comfort sake but to help remove the bars from the mirror line of sight. I have the standard footpegs.

 

It may also be how you are sitting on the bike. By that I mean the position and shape you place your spine in?

 

Have not found my RT to be top heavy but then perhaps that is because I rode a K11 before this one and that REALLY was top heavy. What did you ride before the RT?

[Haynes]

I'm about your size and I'll agree with Ed when he suggests that you make a thorough diagnosis of your seating position.

Finding the right posture along with relaxing and using the right muscles is not just a small part of riding but a significant element in control and long distance comfort.

Do a search on "Riding Position" and you'll find heaps of discussion.

[Boffin]

Just returned from a 400 mile trip (two up)on the RT, this is our first trip over 50 miles, my back is killing me, I felt a bit cramped no being able to move my feet.

I love this nike but it seems that my back does not, I'm 5.8 and my inseam is 31", ridding 2 up I can reach the ground Ok, however I feel that the RT is very top heavy and there is too much stress on my back.

Has anyone used the backrest from CB, can these bikes be easly lowered without afecting the dynamics of the bike?

 

All input is highlly apreciated.

Which Sport Touring bikes are lower??

 

TIA

 

Posture makes a huge difference to riding comfort and long-term back health. I would suggest you read this thread which gives a detailed description of the Master Yoda riding position, which has helped dozens of us rid ourselves of such aches and pains. I have just completed a 2300 mile tour and am as happy as larry to jump on the bike and ride to work - or do the tour again

 

Andy

[ShovelStrokeEd]

You are, no doubt, slouching and thus putting a large strain on your lower back and spine. Work to keep your upper body erect and leaning slightly forward. In particular, concentrate on getting your weight off your tail bone and onto the backs of your thighs.

 

With a 31" inseam you should have no trouble controlling the bike at stops. The RT is not what I would call top heavy, it is a little tippy but some practice in getting stopped with the bike straight up and down will help a great deal with that. Try keeping your eyes up and use the horizon to judge level rather than looking at the ground just in front of the bike. Helps a whole bunch.

 

I don't recommend a back rest as that is just going to encourge you to lean back more. Follow the advise given in re the Master Yoda riding position. Your back will thank you.

[John Dickens]

I found that barbacks cured the problem for me. I was sitting sort of round shouldered and hunched over at first.

[Ghostdad]

Take a little time and go to an open parking lot and practice basic low speed manuevering. I just went from a K75 to my 1100RT late last fall, and I felt the Rt was top heavy also, until I spent an hour in a parking lot. Now after that, I'm more comfortable on the bike and it doesn't seem top heavy at all. Once you learn how to handle the bike your rides will more comfortable becuase you won't be fighting the bike as much.

I admit I haven't had a chance to take a 400mile trip on it yet, but I have done some 200 mile rides and am still ready to keep going. ( what a nice change from the K75 )

Put some cones in a parking lot and practice cone weaves and u-turns, and while your at it practice emergency stops to get a good feel of how the bike handles under hard braking. It's better to know ahead of time than when an emergency stop is required on the road..

 

Dave

[star57]

Thanks a lot for all input, I would like to add that it was very windy as well and I was ridding with my wife in the back.

My previous bike(still in the garage) was a 2000FXDL very low, very easy to maneuver.

Any sites than can ilustrate on best sitting position, should I get Risers I'm 5'8" , I hope I can overcome this problem

If any one has a low seat for sale please let me know

 

Cheers

[ShovelStrokeEd]

You mentioned a 31" inseam. At 5'8" with that inseam I would suggest that your bars are too high rather than too low. Although you might wish to help with the reach thing with some bar backs rather than risers.

 

As to the low seat, you shoudln't need it with that inseam unless your hips are really narrow you should, with the seat adjusted to the lowest position be able to flat foot the bike.

 

You mentioned the top heavy feel of the bike but I don't find that so at all. Under what circumstance do you feel that the bike is trying to fall over on you. If I know more, I can help as can many others here.

 

As others have said, I really feel you need some parking lot practice to get more of a feel for the bike and its capabilities. It is most assuradly NOT your old HD. I will say that the key to all this is balance. My old GS Adventure had a 34" seat height and an 8 gallon fuel tank on it and wasn't the least top heavy. I could balance it at a light with just one toe on the ground and quite often would forget to put my feet down at all. It's all about technique.

[Rags]

Keep your spine arched like you have a lumbar support at the lower back.

 

You could get lower bars to lean you forward (then you will get more weight on your hands)

 

The S and the RS models are closer to sports bikes. With the smaller fairings you get more wind (noisier helmet) and that holds you up somewhat (but not much if you only doing 75)

 

My advice is to get some butt callous before doing mods. LD riding is an acquired taste and you need miles to get conditioned.

 

my .02

[Stubeedobee]

I can relate; my back is weak and hurts after just about any stressful act.

Not to make a pich, but I'm selling a set of floorboards made for the R11XXRT which allow you to move foot position several inches while underway. Check out the review (with pics) mentioned in my ad. These may be one answer....Stu (stubeedobee is my handle in the ad)

[TracerBullet]

I think you over did it without warming up to the length. 50 miles is one thing but jumping from 50 to 400 miles per day is going to hurt anyones back, Yoda position or not. This is like any other activity, you would not run a mile a day and then go out and run a full marathon. You need to build up to it.

Yes Master Yoda will undoubtably help but you still need to ease into the length of time in the saddle JMHO

[GordonB]

My first 300+ miles on the RT taught me that the 'comfort' seat put my back in a psition to cause lower back pain after only 100 miles or so,

I switched to a standard or 'low' seat and the pain went away. I quess the std seat got me to lean more forward, the comfort wanted me to "sit back". I also found putting the balls of my feet on the pegs helped a great deal. Again more lean forward; and with my balls (of my feet) on the pegs you tend to support with the thighs and lean forward. Hope this helps.