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Active Member
Too tall for RT???
OK, here's the issue. I'm 6' 3" , 59 years old , and recently purchased a new RTS. I now have about 2k miles on it. I am new to Spyders and also have never ridden two wheelers. I have added the Ultimate tall boy seat to slide me back a few inches and also the Lamonster FBB highway brackets. The problem is , when ever I ride , I get a burning sensation in my neck and shoulders. I did used to squeeze the grips tightly (rookie mistake) but now I feel I have broken myself of that habit. The more I read the posts in Spyderlovers , I see references to RT's not being for tall riders. I'm not sure if the burning is related to now wearing a helmet (Shoei Neotec) for the first time or just the riding position of the RT. The highway brackets are pretty much useless. I find they need to be longer and angled in toward the body of the RT. I've thought about adding the tri axis handlebars but the cost is pretty substantial. Anyone had a similar experience? What can I do?
Last edited by Chrisluckey; 08-26-2016 at 09:48 PM.
Baja Ron sway bar w/ billet aluminum Heim links
Spyderpops bump skid plate
Providence USB charger
Ram mount with X grip
Rear trunk interior LED light and organizer
Lamonster highway pegs
Lamonster cat elimination pipe
Akrapovic exhaust
Elka stage 2 shocks front/rear
Ultimate tall boy seat
F4 tinted windshield w/vent
Tricled LED trunk 3rd break light w/modulator, headlights, fog lights
Tricled LED safety package and Tricled air horn
Tricled laser alignment
BRP side adjustable air deflectors
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Active Member
I had same problem until I installed the tri Axis handlebars. Now it is all good.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
2014 Spyder RTS
Tri Axis Handlebars
Big Bike Trailer Harness
Rivco Front Bumper (Black)
Rivco Highway Pegs
Ultimate Seat
Garmin GPS
Trailer Hitch
Aluma XL Trailer
Stainless Grill Covers
Cupholder
Spring Stiffeners
Rivco Floorboards
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I am 6'5" and 63 years old. I rented the RT several times and found I could not find a comfortable position for a ride of any longer than running around town. I bought a 2016 F3T and set the pegs at position 5 and long reach handle bars. That solved all the "position" issues. I too had neck problems and could not figure it out since I had ridden GWs for over two decades. I figured out that I was now wearing a heavy Shoei Neotec helmet vs. my old HJC and the F3T had a short windscreen leaving my head in the breeze. I bought the F4 25" windscreen which allows me to still see over the top of the of it but pushes the wind over my helmet. Have done three rides of over 300+ miles and no neck or shoulder pain.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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I think you would definitely benefit from the Tri Axis bars. I'm tall (at least for a woman) and used to get shoulder and neck pain but not any more with the Tri Axis bars and my BRP Comfort Seat.
2017 F3T-SM6 Squared Away Mirror Wedgies & Alignment
2014 RTS-SM6 123,600 miles Sold 11/2017
2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
2011 RTS-SM5 5,000 miles
2013 RTS-SM5 burned up with 13,200 miles in 13 weeks
2010 RTS-SM5 59,148 miles
2010 RT- 622
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Very Active Member
The references to RTs not being for tall people are more in relation to getting at the brake with long legs, rather than neck burning Chris. I'm 6'7" and could not get my feet onto the brake easily......but.....there is a 6'9" RT rider out there, who is quite happy on his RT. I bought an F3 which suited me better.
I think Jay has hit it on the head. If you have a look at comments from those who have installed the Tri Axis, most of them say it has cleared up neck/shoulder problems. Sure they are a lot of money, but adjustable handlebars coupled with a backrest seems to clear up most posture related problems.
......and on the RT you can also get Seal floorboards, which have a shape that allows you to have your feet a bit further forward and lets you brake with your heel for more leg comfort.
Pete
Harrington, Australia
2021 RT Limited
Setup for Tall & Big.... 200cm/6'7", 140kg/300lbs, 37"inleg.
HeliBars Handlebars
Brake rubber removed to lower pedal for easier long leg/Size 15 EEEEW boot access.
Ikon (Aussie) shocks all round.
Russell Daylong seat 2” taller than stock (in Sunbrella for Aussie heat & water resistance)
Goodyear Duragrip 165/60 fronts (18psi) - provides extra 1/2” ground clearance.
Kenda Kanine rear.
2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red
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Very Active Member
NECK PROBLEMS
My .02 is .....since you aren't used to wearing a HELMET ..... a FULL helmet is the heaviest type, you might want to try a 1/2 helmet, get an in-expensive one or borrow one and try it....see if this fixes your problem before dropping $700.00 .....jmho.....Mike
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Active Member
Originally Posted by PMK
You are local to us and others. We ride with another team close to you and Steve is taller. Maybe you two could trade stories at a ride or in one persons driveway. Message me here or post on The Unknowns group on Facebook. So mant tricked out machines nearby, on of the giants must have a setup you could sit on to see what you like...
Yes, I do have the Special Series with the shorter windshield. I have been thinking about getting a taller one. Leaving for vacation this morning. When I get back I will message you about getting together for one of your rides. I need to see what others have done to see what helps. Will also take your advice on the stretching. Thanks for the suggestions.
Baja Ron sway bar w/ billet aluminum Heim links
Spyderpops bump skid plate
Providence USB charger
Ram mount with X grip
Rear trunk interior LED light and organizer
Lamonster highway pegs
Lamonster cat elimination pipe
Akrapovic exhaust
Elka stage 2 shocks front/rear
Ultimate tall boy seat
F4 tinted windshield w/vent
Tricled LED trunk 3rd break light w/modulator, headlights, fog lights
Tricled LED safety package and Tricled air horn
Tricled laser alignment
BRP side adjustable air deflectors
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Very Active Member
At 6'4" I agree with those who recommend the Tri-Axis bars; they work very well for me. I don't like highway pegs because they splay my legs out uncomfortably. My right foot has never had a problem finding the OEM brake pedal.
Here's a real cheap solution to pain between the shoulders - push ups. Neck exercises with your helmet on should help or add a bit of weight to a head/neck harness found in most gyms. Specific exercises for trapezius muscles will also help. YMMV.
Artillery lends dignity to what would
otherwise be a vulgar brawl.
******************************
Cognac 2014 RT-S
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Very Active Member
All above info sounds good. I had a little different problem. I would get a searing pain in my left shoulder blade area after 50 miles or so. If I stopped and walked a bit, it would go away. I went to my chiropractor and he happened to have had the same thing. Said that the different position used in riding was pinching a nerve in the vertebrae. Popped whatever back into place, problem solved. Took a year before I needed another "treatment". I'm a lot shorter than 6' not that it makes any difference.
One of the hardest decisions you'll ever face in life is choosing whether to walk away or try harder.
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Very Active Member
Backrest
Not sure if your seat has one, but adding a backrest helped me with that issue. I had tendency to hunch forward without hype backrest. Now I lean back into the backrest and it really helped with the neck pain.
2022 RT Limited Dark Hyper Silver
2014 RT-S Pearl White
2010 BRP 622 Trailer Pearl White
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Active Member
Pain
When I began riding my RTs I also experienced terrible back, neck and shoulder pain. I am 78 years old and 6' tall. I was 6'3" but due to age and herniated discs have shrunk. What has helped me is something I learned from a motorcycle cop, when I was in my teens. Relax! He rode all day, with his back having a slight roll or slouch. When I first began riding the Spyder. I hung on very tight and was tense. At first my thought was I am just too old for this. Now I try and ride VERY RELAXED. No changes to the Spyder, only to the way I ride. Yesterday I rode for roughly 3 hours with lots of sweeping curves, following 2 friends on Harley's. Zero pain. Occasionally I actually slouch enough that my back touches my wife, when she is behind me. Undoubtedly this is contrary to what others will say, but it works for me, as it did for my police officer friend. Hope this will help others.
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Very Active Member
Tall people on RT's should get the NBV highway pegs from lamont and get the extensions so that they will adjust to your desired fit. You got the wrong Highway pegs for a tall person.
Cruzr Joe
2018 F3 Limited, BRP Driver Backrest, Spyderpops Lighted Bump Skid, Dual Spyclops Light, Mirror Turn Signals, Laser Alignment, Engine LEDs, Fog Lights With Halo's, Cushion Handgrips, BRT LEDs, and Under Lighting, Lamonster IPS, (with Clock), F4 25" Vented Windshield with Wings, Airhawk "R" Cushions. Position 4 Brake setting, Short reach Handlebars, Dash Mounted Voltmeter and 12 Volt Plug. Set of 3rd pegs. Extended Passenger Seat. Exterior BRP Connect setup, Ultimate Trailer
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Originally Posted by JayBros
At 6'4" I agree with those who recommend the Tri-Axis bars; they work very well for me. I don't like highway pegs because they splay my legs out uncomfortably. My right foot has never had a problem finding the OEM brake pedal.
Here's a real cheap solution to pain between the shoulders - push ups. Neck exercises with your helmet on should help or add a bit of weight to a head/neck harness found in most gyms. Specific exercises for trapezius muscles will also help. YMMV.
Chris,
Agree with Jay,I am 6'4 and have the tall boy seat and use a drivers backrest when riding alone.I tried highway pegs and none work,legs too long to have any comfort.Tri=axis bars did the best job after finding the sweet spot to work for me.Keep at it you will find the right combo.
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Originally Posted by slick999
Chris,
Agree with Jay,I am 6'4 and have the tall boy seat and use a drivers backrest when riding alone.I tried highway pegs and none work,legs too long to have any comfort.Tri=axis bars did the best job after finding the sweet spot to work for me.Keep at it you will find the right combo.
I, like you am over 6'4" tall and ride a 2015 RT. I purchased and installed an Untimate seat with a backrest. I found a tri axis adjustable handlebar on EBay for about $500. Which was a steal. As of today there is one being offered on EBay for about the same price. The adjustable handlebars are worth every penny for us tall riders.
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Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie
Originally Posted by wanderingman
When I began riding my RTs I also experienced terrible back, neck and shoulder pain. I am 78 years old and 6' tall. I was 6'3" but due to age and herniated discs have shrunk. What has helped me is something I learned from a motorcycle cop, when I was in my teens. Relax! He rode all day, with his back having a slight roll or slouch. When I first began riding the Spyder. I hung on very tight and was tense. At first my thought was I am just too old for this. Now I try and ride VERY RELAXED. No changes to the Spyder, only to the way I ride. Yesterday I rode for roughly 3 hours with lots of sweeping curves, following 2 friends on Harley's. Zero pain. Occasionally I actually slouch enough that my back touches my wife, when she is behind me. Undoubtedly this is contrary to what others will say, but it works for me, as it did for my police officer friend. Hope this will help others.
Spot On!! ^^
That's almost straight from the seating instructions in the manual! Paraphrasing further, you need to sit straight but nestle down INTO the seat rather than leaning or sagging forwards & perching 'on' the seat; slide back into the raised section of the front padding & roll the top of your hips back & down as you pull your belly in & open your chest so that your back doesn't arch too much either way nor your belly hang out like a verandah over the playground; square your shoulders; & then relax your shoulders & arms so that your wrists & elbows drop, rather than lifting or sticking out. Once you learn how to sit & settle into the seat as you do that, and consciously realise that it should all be a 'relax & settle back INTO' thing so your spine isn't tense or arched forwards at all, you will find you can sit all day in comfort & yet still be flexible & agile enough in the seat to respond appropriately to all your riding needs.
I could explain further but IIRC my instructor was pretty descriptive about how to roll your hips to keep your 'meat & two veg' clear of the seat at all times so I'm not at all sure that further description would be appropriate for polite mixed company!
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Very Active Member
I'm with the backrest crowd - On my Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager I couldn't keep my back from burning with two different seats. I got a backrest and all the pain disappeared immediately.
I'm shorter than you and didn't have as big an issue with the RT, but my back still burned after a long ryde until I got a backrest (I have the Ultimate tallboy seat with the backrest.) Ultimate will let you purchase one with two weeks to return if you don't like it.
2020- RT Limited
Chalk White, Can-Am rear passenger armrests, Comfort Seat, Grip puppies, RAM Cup Holders, Providence RAM Mount
FOBO2 TPMS
Aluma MCTXL trailer
BRP hitch
Big Bike Parts wiring harness
Permanent Smile!!!
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Very Active Member
Harrington, Australia
2021 RT Limited
Setup for Tall & Big.... 200cm/6'7", 140kg/300lbs, 37"inleg.
HeliBars Handlebars
Brake rubber removed to lower pedal for easier long leg/Size 15 EEEEW boot access.
Ikon (Aussie) shocks all round.
Russell Daylong seat 2” taller than stock (in Sunbrella for Aussie heat & water resistance)
Goodyear Duragrip 165/60 fronts (18psi) - provides extra 1/2” ground clearance.
Kenda Kanine rear.
2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red
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Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Peteoz
Hey Peter,
when you have a minute, would you be able to elaborate on the above. My meat and two veg are actually on the edge of the tank (not bragging, just due to a long "rise") , so maybe only a custom seat will fix it, but I would appreciate any "tips"...so to speak .......
Pete
Sounds like bragging to me! Should I be grateful that I can fearlessly slam my glovebox shut or should I feel inadequate? Ladies, I DO have the tallboy seat it that matters any.
I have a friend who complained how his meat and veggies baked from the glovebox heat. We realized that mine didn't because the extra 1.5" in the tallboy seat kept me back just a bit farther from the flames.
Hmmm .... after this I may have to change my online name to "SpyderShorty"!
2020- RT Limited
Chalk White, Can-Am rear passenger armrests, Comfort Seat, Grip puppies, RAM Cup Holders, Providence RAM Mount
FOBO2 TPMS
Aluma MCTXL trailer
BRP hitch
Big Bike Parts wiring harness
Permanent Smile!!!
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Very Active Member
Harrington, Australia
2021 RT Limited
Setup for Tall & Big.... 200cm/6'7", 140kg/300lbs, 37"inleg.
HeliBars Handlebars
Brake rubber removed to lower pedal for easier long leg/Size 15 EEEEW boot access.
Ikon (Aussie) shocks all round.
Russell Daylong seat 2” taller than stock (in Sunbrella for Aussie heat & water resistance)
Goodyear Duragrip 165/60 fronts (18psi) - provides extra 1/2” ground clearance.
Kenda Kanine rear.
2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red
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Originally Posted by OverHillAndDale
Sounds like bragging to me! Should I be grateful that I can fearlessly slam my glovebox shut or should I feel inadequate? Ladies, I DO have the tallboy seat it that matters any.
I have a friend who complained how his meat and veggies baked from the glovebox heat. We realized that mine didn't because the extra 1.5" in the tallboy seat kept me back just a bit farther from the flames.
Hmmm .... after this I may have to change my online name to "SpyderShorty"!
ROTFLMAO!!! You guys are too funny! Meat and two veggies! LOL!!!
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