Pain in the neck-and back

[2manycars]

Since I switched from two wheels to three this past April, I am getting a pain in both my back and neck after about 30 minutes of riding. I am going for physical therapy, since I know riding is not the only reason for the discomfort. My wife has noted that I tend to look down at the gauges as I ride-esp. the GPS and I was told my riding posture was not terrific

Is it possible that the "twisting motion while steering," could be causing any issues? Also , has anyone else had this problem when going from 2 wheels where you lean, to three where you twist (and lean sometimes)?

I am 57 and no doubt my young age is a contributing factor.

 

[NancysToy]

Lots of possibilities here. The Spyder has a wider grip and different posture than what you are used to. Gauges and GPS can be in different places than you used to have them, too. It is also more active than a bike, requiring you to steer it (with a lot of arm and shoulder movement) rather than merely initiating the turn with a short counter-steer. Any of these could adversely affect a person. None will adversely affect everyone.

Other than the PT (and the exercises are very helpful to me), handlebar risers, a different seat, or an adjustment of your riding technique could help. Relocation of the GPS higher is a possibility, too. Also, frequent breaks while riding, and even stretching while going down the road. I hope you find a solution.

 

[sealfloorboards]

Pain it the ride!

Since I switched from two wheels to three this past April, I am getting a pain in both my back and neck after about 30 minutes of riding. I am going for physical therapy, since I know riding is not the only reason for the discomfort. My wife has noted that I tend to look down at the gauges as I ride-esp. the GPS and I was told my riding posture was not terrific

Is it possible that the "twisting motion while steering," could be causing any issues? Also , has anyone else had this problem when going from 2 wheels where you lean, to three where you twist (and lean sometimes)?

I am 57 and no doubt my young age is a contributing factor.

Hey 2many,

I'm 68 and went from two wheels to my RS SE5 a year ago. I quiickly found out the Sport position was not for me. My back and shoulders got very stiff and sore after a short time. The solution for me was to install HeliBar Raisers, a much taller windshield, a Thottlemeister so I could relax my grip. Finally, I designed a set of very large floorboards so I could move my feet around and change my seating position. Now I can ride comfortably for two or more hrs (depending on how much coffee I've had). Hope this helps.

Good luck,

John
Seal FloorBoards.com

 

[VaughnCat]

Hey 2many,

I'm 68 and went from two wheels to my RS SE5 a year ago. I quiickly found out the Sport position was not for me. My back and shoulders got very stiff and sore after a short time. The solution for me was to install HeliBar Raisers, a much taller windshield, a Thottlemeister so I could relax my grip. Finally, I designed a set of very large floorboards so I could move my feet around and change my seating position. Now I can ride comfortably for two or more hrs (depending on how much coffee I've had). Hope this helps.
Good luck,
John Seal FloorBoards.com

:agree:
I'm the same age as you 2manycars, and I agree with John. The first thing we did on the RS was install the fully adjustable KewlMetal risers/handlebars, switch to gel grips and add a VistaCruise. We recently installed the SFBracing floorboards on the RS and are really interested in looking at John's floorboards for the RT. :2thumbs:

I actually prefer the riding position of RS over the RT because the fitted-for-me position of the KewlMetal handlebar risers together with the Corbin seat & backrest.

I did PT for about a year (unrelated to the Spyders) and am currently seeing a good chiropractor. I still have some issues in my left hand/fingers/nuckles. But these mods have made it much more comfortable for me. . . . . and now, with the new DPS, it's even better!
:yes::yes:

Modifying the handlebars and to a position where ryding position/posture allows me to protect my back/neck and use the stronger muscles (shoulders/back/arms) for driving has really made the difference for me.

I really hope you can find something that brings relief.

Cat :doorag:

 

[ARtraveler]

Same problem for me with the non-RT versions of the :spyder2:. We ended up with new seats and 3 inch handlbar risers and that solved our problems. There are lots of opinions on seats--a thread search will be to your benefit.

 

[2manycars]

I spent $3500 on RS and traded

I tried everything imaginable to get comfortable on the RS including the ISCI floorboards, and hand brake. I tried three different yes of risers but when all was said and done I decided to trade the RS for my current RT. I love the RT and it felt comfortable, until the neck and back pain started.

The PT says it is almost all years of poor postureeck and back pain are e related. I forced myself not to ride the Spyder for three weeks and felt better. Now after two very short rides the neck and back pain has returned.

I just added a Utopia backrest and hope if i can get the right position it might force me to sit more upright and perhaps eliminate the riding pain

If it doesn't, the thought of either giving up riding or going back to two wheels( I traded my Honda silvering scooter towards the RS). I never had the pain with any of my two wheel machines and that may be my only solution.

 

[DynamoBT]

Going out on a limb to say that a lot of neck and upper back pain is tension. The body also holds muscle memory. So you may assume a certain position on the Spyder that is tense/rigid without even realizing it.

Are you unconsciously "tense" on the Spyder? Do you trust it? Are you worried about the handling?

I'm only suggesting this because I have a type of tension that only appears in my neck and back when I read. I can be on the computer with no problem. But let me pick up a book or IPad and I have issues. I think my pain is more about muscle memory and tension than actual strain from my reading posture.

Anyway, just throwing this out as a possibility because your actual seated position on two wheel shouldn't be all that much different than the position you are in on the Spyder.

There is all the twisting to be done to handle the Spyder too to be taken into consideration. The Spyder is a physical ride. No doubt about it. I am more tired and can go fewer miles in a day on the Spyder than I could on two wheels. My body gets a workout leaning this way and that to counterbalance the Spyder in turns. This could be at the root of your problems too.

Just trying to help. If I'm out in left field, just ignore me.

 

[LDFIREWORKS]

NO MAGIC

RISERS WORKS WONDERS:2thumbs:

 

[sinkhole]

neck and back...

I installed a Corbin seat, which seems to move me back just a little more than the stock seat. This, and the addition of the backrest has made quite a bit of difference with my neck and back problems. Now all I have to worry about is dozing off. :yikes:

 

[boborgera]

RISERS WORKS WONDERS:2thumbs:

:agree:The higher the better.:thumbup:

 

[DynamoBT]

Are there risers available for the RT??

 

[MarkLawson]

On my wife's GS, we found that the "Crotch Rocket" position required to lean forward to the handlebars did two things:

1. Made our arms and back tired/sore.
2. Made our neck sore because the angle at which we had to hold our head while leaned forward so far to grab the handlebars.

Our solution was the 4" handlebar risers (ESI), a tall windshield (CHAD) & a driver's backrest (Utopia). These really helped. They all combined to allow a more upright and relaxed riding position. My wife can now ride the whole day. (I ride the RT)

Give it some thought.

Good luck & God bless,

 

[spyder77]

I found that a loose grip relieves the tension throughout in the whole body. Worked for me and I'm 78!:doorag:

 

[irish2themax]

I would look at getting Kewlmetal pull-back bars ($70) that will sit you more upright. I have 5" but Kewlmetal makes up to 9". Sit in the seat the way you want to ride and extend your arms. Have your wife measure the distance from your knuckles to the grips. That will tell you what size you need.

 

[pierrelogic]

RISERS WORKS WONDERS:2thumbs:

:agree:The higher the better.:thumbup:

Why not just put some ape hangers on? :roflblack:

 

[2manycars]

I appreciate the suggestions

I still do not have an answer. The physical therapy does not seem to help much at this point. My wife has suggested I take the turns easier and forget about leaning when I do so. It does add to the discomfort when I add leaning to the twisting motion.

I am not sure how long to simply "deal with the pain" before I get rid of the spyder all together. I hate to give it up, and of course I might find going back to two wheels does not alleviate the problem.

For now I am going to try and relax, not lean-much, and take frequent breaks. If that does not work I guess I will have to sell the RT.

I was sure when I traded my RS for the RT that I would be fine but that has not been the case.

Is there any way to modify the handlebar position on the RT?

 

[C3517C]

Same for me. Anything more than an hour and I've got serious pain in the back of my neck. I've got an RS with handle bar extensions. I thought it was the weight of the helmet, but I tried going without this weekend and had the same results. I was thinking that an RT with backrest and foot pegs might be the answer. I've sat in one and it was very comfortable, but I'l have to try some miles to find out. If that doesn't work I'm not sure what I'll do. :gaah:

 

[gonker]

Since I switched from two wheels to three this past April, I am getting a pain in both my back and neck after about 30 minutes of riding. I am going for physical therapy, since I know riding is not the only reason for the discomfort. My wife has noted that I tend to look down at the gauges as I ride-esp. the GPS and I was told my riding posture was not terrific

Is it possible that the "twisting motion while steering," could be causing any issues? Also , has anyone else had this problem when going from 2 wheels where you lean, to three where you twist (and lean sometimes)?

I am 57 ar nd no doubt my young age is a contributing factor.

For what its worth, my friend suffers from the same thing on his VTX1300 and its because he is trying to look over his windshield., that is a bit too tall. I would rather look over mine but the stock windshield is huge. Are you maybe trying to do this?