Pain Between the Shoulders

[Tango]

Need some input peeps. Have a new LAAM seat that is awesome. Fixed the butt burn. Now I'm getting pain between my shoulder blades. What to do next for corrective action? Order a backrest? Or is it a bar issue? Lamonts handlebar riser? Both? If I do one, which one first? Thanks, Tom

[KX5062]

I have that trouble too when the bars aren't positioned correctly for proper reach. The 2020 bars had me reach too far forward for comfort. I tried several options, but have settled on the Lamonster Garage riser block. It seems to have done the trick.

[Grandpot]

Either change the handlebar or foot peg position. If you are reaching or leaning forward, try to get more upright.

[wyliec]

From a physical therapist point of view, if the reaching forward is causing you to lean forward, that creates poor posture which creates the pain.

As I was working it thru, I see Grandpot answered it. Whatever you do, I don't recommend back braces like I've seen mentioned before.

[cptjam]

We like the F3T stock handlebar swap. No more pain! Lamonsters risers look great, I just have not installed them yet. Play around with different combinations until it fits you!

[pegasus1300]

"Whatever you do, I don't recommend back braces like I've seen mentioned before." Please explain. Do you mean an actual brace or are you talking about a back rest such as an Utopia?

[wyliec]

"Whatever you do, I don't recommend back braces like I've seen mentioned before." Please explain. Do you mean an actual brace or are you talking about a back rest such as an Utopia?

I wasn't talking about a back rest. But, since you mentioned it; if the back rest is used to slouch, (like my gf does on the couch), that will create problems. I'm just giving you my viewpoint. Whether you ride with an upright posture or slouch because you feel comfortable, or you wear a back brace, doesn't matter to me. JMO.

I get the feeling you are going to ask me why no back brace. This is Tango's thread, so I'll stop.

[Copperman]

On my 2020 RTL, I first changed my handlebars to the F3 short reach bars. Too close for me! Then, I installed the stock F3 bars. That was OK but still a little too close. Lastly, I installed the F3 long reach bars. So far, that's the best. I also have the BRP backrest.

[BajaRon]

I had the same problem. Got risers and setback handlebars which put me in a more upright position. Not a 100% cure for really long rides. But a huge help.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

But, since you mentioned it; if the back rest is used to slouch, (like my gf does on the couch), that will create problems. I'm just giving you my viewpoint.

When I bought a replacement foam cushion for my Goldwing seat over ten years ago the guy said that if the seat is the right shape you don't need a backrest. In fact, if you need a backrest that indicates the seat is not properly designed for you. I can't remember who the maker was but I think he was in Seattle area.

I can attest to incorrect handlebar position causing pain. I currently am having to deal with a pain in my left forearm because when the dealer replaced the steering column last fall they didn't get the handlebar square with the bike travel. The left grip is about 1 1/2" closer to the mirror than is the right one.

[ThreeWheels]

I highly recommend getting a set of HeliBars.
They're not cheap, but infinitely adjustable and should correct the cause of your shoulder pain.
A drivers' back rest would also be helpful.
Do both if you can.
If you have to pick only one, go for the HeliBars.

[Tango]

It figures. I went to order Lamont's riser, set back. Out of stock! Hopefully it won't be long to get one. Tom

[cptjam]

Tom, get a set of F3T bars, and I’ll put them on in Deland! Joe

[Doug44]

My F3 Short reach bar came in today at my dealership. About an hour of labor and after skinned the back of my hand they were installed. Oh I forgot to mention a 12 oz Miller Light also . The hardest part of the job was getting enough cable pulled out to accommodate the longer bars this is when the skinned hand took place !! I just finished taking a short ride and I think this will be the trick for me. I have a backrest ordered and it will ship today from Can Am and with that I think I might be in Heaven. I took del of this 2020 rtl about 800 miles ago and I have been in pain every darn mile on it. Really I think Can Am missed the mark with these stock bars. I am sure they fit someone no doubt but even tall riders I have talked to don't care for them. I have an very short arm reach and try as hard as I did I couldn't get comfy. Oh I also want to give thanks to many owners here and on Youtube who I followed that came before me doing this. They made it so easy thanks to all.short bars 2020 rt spyder.jpgorignal & short reach F3 bar.jpg

[canamjhb]

The very first thing I would do is get the bike laser aligned if it has not been done. This will benefit your riding more than you can imagine. Joe (cptjam) did mine a few years ago and it eliminated stress I was having in my neck and upper back. It was explained that when the bike is misaligned, even a little, that I was always correcting my line of travel. I didn't even know it was happening. You should be able to ride down a reasonable road using just two fingers. If you can't because the bike wants to wander, chances are you need an alignment correction..... Jim

[Doug44]

The very first thing I would do is get the bike laser aligned if it has not been done. This will benefit your riding more than you can imagine. Joe (cptjam) did mine a few years ago and it eliminated stress I was having in my neck and upper back. It was explained that when the bike is misaligned, even a little, that I was always correcting my line of travel. I didn't even know it was happening. You should be able to ride down a reasonable road using just two fingers. If you can't because the bike wants to wander, chances are you need an alignment correction..... Jim

No Doubt what you are saying and mine was done (laser aligned) at 500 mi. I watched our mechanic do it and the left wheel was perfect and the right was within spec. He did change the right one but this is a completely different topic than fitting handlebars. Again I am completely on board with what you are saying but this is not the fix for a man like me with extremely short reach.

[ulflyer]

Tango: If you have to reach forward to grip the bars, perhaps you need a closer bar that will let you sit straight. This is what I did, and the used F3T that I bought recently already had a Lamonster back rest on it. It is smaller than the Utopia, but very soft and easy on the back. In the past I had used Utopia on a couple of RT's and they were fine, but I have never had the comfort the Lamonster back rest provides. Being able to lean back without having to stretch my arms has made a world of difference for my comfort.

[Tango]

Tom, get a set of F3T bars, and I’ll put them on in Deland! Joe

Is that the F3 short reach bar? I had a F3L with short reach bar and it was great. Will I also need a new F3 clamp as well? Should I also order Lamont's riser? Tom

[KX5062]

I believe the Lamonster riser with the original 2020 RT bars is about the same riding position as the stock F3 bars, not the short reach version. I tried the short reach bars and didn't like it. It put the bars too close and at a weird angle because of the locating pin.

[Copperman]

Remember, there's no comparison when the F3 bars are on the 2020 RT. If you look, the distance from the front tip of the seat to the yoke is 14" on the RT and 20" on the F3.