[bulletbill]

Reading the "Rick Mayer seat thread" Someone mentioned no more sore back. Well I haven't had that problem till lately, but just returning from a 6 day short trip 'bout 1500 miles (didn't ride two of these days) I have returned with a sore back? Am I getting old or has the bike changed (most likely both?)? I know the seat is in process of giving up 86K. Said all that to ask is this a problem with others and if so what seem to be the solution.

 

[Holy Cow]

I'm new to the this group and new to BMW, in fact I don't get my '99 LT until tomorrow.

But, I also had lower back pain on extended rides on my '88 Yamaha Venture (which made it's final voyage to work today . I noticed that in the group I ride in, many of them wore those weightlifter back support belts. You know, like the ones the employees at the home centers wear (Lowes, HD, etc). I started wearing one of those, and haven't had a back issue since.

I think the problem isn't so much in the seat as the driver. As you ride for a while and start to get tired, you start to slouch and that puts strain on your back. With the back support, it keeps your back straight and that keeps it from getting sore. I find I wear mine a little higher than recommended, but that is where it does the most good for me, YMMV. I wrap the Velcro closure around so the top of the support is just touching my bottom rib.

It is probably the cheapest solution to a back pain problem. If it doesn't work for you, at least you will have the support for you next out-of-frame engine rebuild or training for the Mr. Universe competition.

 

[Triker]

Back pain

It took me about a week of riding (and getting a sore back) to order the BAK rest for the driver. That made all the difference for me. You try to sit up correctly, but as was mentioned, you get tired and you slouch. That's when it starts. The BAK rest keeps you upright all the time. My four day, 966 miles ride was completly free of back pain.

 

[RoyvL]

I have several problems with my back. I refuse to give up riding.
Kidney belts work very well - lot of dirt bike riders use them - very slim and velcro fastening - can't even be seen under a shirt.
If you have any back issues at all I would recomend trying one.

 

[nelson61]

Try having your passenger rub you the right way ...works for me for miles

 

[nplenzick]

I have a really bad lower back, its the reason I had to get rid of my 1200GS. I would highly recommend a product called Back-A-Line. It works much better then the kidney belts and the back supports that you might find at a home center. I 've found that these belts primarily squeeze your abdomen providing little real back support. The Back-A-Line puts pressure on the lower back. It kind of feels like you have a pillow in the small of your back. You will like it the instant you put it on. My chiropractor thinks its great. I don't ride without it. There are many places you can buy it on line just do a search.

 

[was]

Go here http://search.shopping.yahoo.com/se...3oDMTA4Mm84YjJyBHNlYwNzb3J0?p=back-a-line&X=2 to get a listing of internet suppliers and prices.

 

[docwagner]

Welcome to the back club. Another topic I know something about. There are multiple reasons you can get back pain. Most importantly is posture. This can be influenced by many things, fatigue, body weight, a worn seat, riding 2 up when you are used to solo, riding solo when you are used to 2 up, sitting on your wallet, changing your seat height, gripping the handlebars too tight and so on. Other things that can effect your back, chewing on one side, chewing gum, dental or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, sleeping on your stomach, standing on one foot, carrying a shoulder bag on one shoulder more than another.

Some solutions: a back rest has helped me greatly, I have the Bak Up unit. A "kidney belt" or some other lumbar support belt can help as this supports the abdominal muscles and forces a straighter posture. Weight loss, exercise and an important concept, stretching exercises. This is good for almost everyone.

If you use highway pegs do they allow for a truly comfortable posture? Does your helmet fit properly? Have you purchased new shoes lately, if so how is your posture when standing in them? Have you ever been checked for a leg length discrepancy (one leg longer than the other)?

Just a few thoughts off the top of my head. Hope it helps.

 

[Reid]

I had lower back problems since I was 16. At 43 I bought a Nordic Trak and after 30 days of regular exercise on it I only have to go the chiropractor about once every 4 months when I do something stupid. This is still true as I haven't used it in three years or so! :thumb: :beer: This is as opposed to going at least once a week. It's been absolutely miraculous.

 

[DarrellM5]

I also use the Back-A-Line and I don't go for a ride without it. I have 3 bulging disks and this helps a lot. I also use it a when I'm standing to give presentations or doing a lot of walking. I got mine from Cycle Gadgets. Here's the link:

http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=BACKALINE

 

[Bayliner2052]

As a safety professional I have to respond. These back support measures, waist bands and belts are only good for temporary relief, not for long term use. I was involved in a national study, a few years ago, that NIOSH ran. The conclusion was that constant use of waist support systems caused more risk of injury and back problems. This is because it weakens the stomach muscles, which are the major support for the back.

Lose weight, strenghten the stomach, always be aware of your posture, wear proper footwear, and don't keep your wallet in the back pocket. The current reccomended therapy for back problems is walking on unpaved uneven surfaces.

The backrest on the bike, agisted correctly, works to assist in you maintaining posture. Just don't use it as a leaning post to slouch against.

I have 3 ruptured disks in my lower back, and believe it or not, the best therapy I've found is downhill skiing.

 

[smithbs]

The Aerostich back pad, in the Darien jacket, works perfectly to help support.

I can not believe the difference of riding with the jacket/pad and without.

One more reason to consider a Darien as your riding jacket.

 

[kip]

back rest

just get the drivers back rest
thatll do the trick

altho i do like the one guy's idea of having someone rub on it a certain way...dependin on who it is of course

 

[SeaMarshal]

Back Support

I've had all 3 of my BMW seats rebuilt by Rich's, in Seattle. I think he advertises in the BMWON magazine. Two of the seats I had him build me a back support; it helps out a whole lot and even increases my confidence when going around curves.

BTW: on Ebay, someone has and LT seat up for bid; think about buying it and ship it to Rich.

 

[grifscoots]

These back support measures, waist bands and belts are only good for temporary relief, not for long term use. I was involved in a national study, a few years ago, that NIOSH ran. The conclusion was that constant use of waist support systems caused more risk of injury and back problems. This is because it weakens the stomach muscles, which are the major support for the back.

The key here is "constant use". Unless you ride the bike at least 8 hours a day, 5 days a week while wearing a back belt I wouldn't worry about it. I was involved in the same study and don't believe in back belts in the work place, either, but temporary use, hey, go for it if it helps.

The wallet is a killer, especially some I've seen pulled out of back pockets that have looked like bricks. Also, keeping your wallet in the front pocket not only aids the back, but is harder to steal.

I had lost almost 30 lbs. before my last major trip to CCR which was about 5g miles. I do exercise regularly with the routine ending in various crunches, but ended up with severe pain about mid back. Sucking in the stomache with mucho vigour I realized it was somethang happening with a disc. Well, I couldn't ride like that for long periods. I realized that I had prolly lost core support along with the weight. Bought a back belt and all was well.

My chiro agreed with me about the core thang and attributed the prob not to posture, but to holding the arms out in front of the bod to grasp the handle bars.

Exercise program adjusted and raring to strafe the country again.

 

[airborneod]

Best price for Bak A Line

http://cgi.ebay.com/Back-Support-Belt-Back-A-Line-Large-Extra-Large_W0QQitemZ5620875442QQcategoryZ67656QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem