Triumphrat

tyger · 09-19-2009, 11:40 PM

Hey all-
I've been riding my 05 Tiger since April and loving it. Getting ready for a long ride and I need to understand what I'm doing to hurt my lower back. So let me share what I've read and what I think I need to do and get experience Tiger trainer opinions.

I'm 5' 11" when my back is not all out of whack.

I think it is mostly my posture-- I found the Master Yoda's Riding Position on a BMW thread elsewhere. So I think I need to lean forward at the hip more instead of straight up and slouchy. My arms have bend in the elbow but I sit straight-ish and slouchy, and grip too hard on the handlebars.

To make these changes I think need to rotate the handlebars forward and up a little more. As it is the starter button control box can dink the tank when fully cocked to the right (backing up) which I think just confirms the bars are too far back. This should make it easier to lean from the hips.

Does this sound reasonable? I've read about risers, but I'm not certain if I really need them or not. Do they help promote correct riding posture?

johnjo · 09-20-2009, 05:02 AM

Hi Tyger,
I can't help with all the points you raise. But IMHO i would suggest that if your bars hit the tank as you mention someone has already altered them. As standard I don't have this problem on my 2004 model, ( aint the BRGreen cool ?).
I am 5'11" also with a back problem - disc removed 2005. I tend to slouch when I ride cos it's comfortable. I adopt a more correct posture, bend a little with bent arms, when the back starts to ache ( at least 2-3 hours in the saddle ). I also find that dangling the legs to stretch them out helps a lot with the back pain. Not sure why exactly, just know it works for me.

Cheers JJ

byjingo · 09-20-2009, 11:28 AM

Hi Tyger, I am 5'10" and have had no back problems since I have taken to wearing a kidney belt. This is a wide elasticated belt that has a stiff back supporting section. I had a m/c accident that damaged my lower lumber joints and this (cheap) belt has enabled me to ride pain free. I have had a few 500 mile days on my Tiger,my shoulders still ache after a long ride but I can live with that.

Worth a try.

Bob

Medic09 · 09-21-2009, 12:10 AM

Hey Tyger,

I think you're taking a sensible approach BUT have you considered if you maybe need to change YOURSELF?

As a nurse/medic I wonder how are the muscles that hold you upright and support your lower back? You have muscles at your back, sides, and abdomen that all contribute to this effort. Do they need a little attention? It may be that this is a good opportunity to examine that question. If you need to strengthen those muscles, you may find added benefits in your posture and health after just a few weeks of the right exercises.

Just a thought.

Bruce.B · 09-21-2009, 04:22 PM

+1 on Medic's thoughts.

I'm inclined to poor posture. Usually when I find myself complaining about back pain, it's related to my posture and decline in muscle tone in the abdominal muscles. Everyone's different, of course, but for me it's usually solved with being more rigorous with stretching exercises and floor exercises with emphasis on the abdominals.

That said, a little fussing with your bar position is going to hurt. Besides, you don't want a ding in the tank!

Also, a riding pattern that has you getting off the bike more often than fuel stops is helpful. It's a chance to take photos, stretch a little, and to change you posture for a few minutes. There's no rule about riding long distances that says you must do it all in one bite!

tyger · 09-22-2009, 04:12 PM

Good stuff, what I was wanting to get out the thread.

What exercises would be recommended? In the old days it was sit-ups, but my kids tell me those are bad for the back.

Medic09 · 09-22-2009, 04:30 PM

As a general piece of advice (this is where I need the lawyers to say 'not giving medical advice, for general informational purposes only, etc.') the book Core Performance is great. The deceptively simple routines can be quite difficult for some at first. The CONCEPT that you want to both strengthen and make more flexible your body's core muscles and structures is very important. I will add that I have neglected it at my own peril as I got older, and am now paying a price like many others.

Even without a special book, the exercises you want are those that will strengthen and promote flexibility for your lower back and sides, as well as abdomen. Some crunches are okay, but they have to be balanced by strengthening all around that area, 360 degrees.

Similarly, suitable exercises for your shoulders and neck, to hold the weight of head and helmet erect.

We're not talking body building; rather the idea is healthy balanced strengthening and flexibility. A quick search should bring up a lot of info. Better yet is a one-time consultation with a good physical therapist. It is easiest to learn this stuff when someone shows you.

Anthouse · 09-22-2009, 08:40 PM

Why change yourself when you can spend more money on your bike? I was in the same position, also 5'11", and tried risers and then took them off- better riding position leaning slightly forward- made my back ache more sitting up too straight.

The major change was to get a real seat. The 05 OEM seat sucked and no matter what I did I couldn't postion myself right. After an hour or two I felt like I had a knife stuck in my back. Tried a Corbin- always too hard with a seam across the butt. Last summer I got a Meyer. Major difference. Whether it's a Sargeant, Meyer, or what- try one that is fit to you.

And don't forget to stretch once in a while.

DaveB · 09-23-2009, 10:08 AM

Tyger, I guess we're not all the same. I'm 5' 9", over 50 & have previously suffered from sciatica nearly 10 years ago (when I wasn't riding motorcycles). I have a stock standard 05 955 & can ride it without any discomfort until it needs fuel, i.e. 260 miles at a time.

I would fully recommend the lower back/stomach muscle exercises that the physio prescribed to me after the sciatica. All can be done at home without equipment. I've not had a lower back problem since

. The physio was as old as the hills, but boy, did she know her stuff!

Good luck.

DaveB.

Medic09 · 09-23-2009, 11:12 AM

DaveB, interesting comment about the sciatica. I was just starting to have that problem a few years ago. I noticed it didn't bother me on a bike; only in the car. Simple solution: give up driving a car! Now I only drive a car when there's ice on the roads or other demanding circumstances. In winter, when I'm back in the car for several days at a time, the sciatica comes back.

So, riding a motorbike should be recommended for all sciatica sufferers!