What is the Best Motorcycle for Back Pain?

Riding a motorcycle is thrilling for most people, however if you haven’t chosen the right style bike for your body and type of riding that you do, it can unfortunately lead to discomfort. Millions of people suffer from back pain, but that shouldn’t stop you from riding! Let’s learn how to fit your unique body on a bike that matches the kind of riding you love. 

What Type of Bike is Best for Back Pain?

There are three main types of motorcycles: Standard, Cruiser, and Sportbikes. Each style of motorcycle offers a different geometrical relationship between your hands, butt and feet. Commonly known as the “comfort triangle,” it determines the position of your back, which then affects overall comfort. If the geometry is correct, riding will be comfortable, but if it’s not, it will be fatiguing and potentially painful on your back, neck and shoulders. 

A Standard motorcycle is quite possibly the best choice for longer rides and those of us prone to low back pain, because your body sits straight up with your hands directly above your feet, and your shoulders and elbows do not extend. Keeping your spine, pelvis and shoulders in a neutral position is the best way to prevent stiffness and postural problems. This type of motorcycle is also very versatile typically for dual sports and touring.

Cruisers are another great option for comfortability, especially on longer rides. Your body is still in an upright position, as well as your arms (depending on your handlebars), but your feet are slightly ahead of you, which means a bit less support for your back. At faster speeds there’s more tension in your chest, which causes you to lean forward, which can put strain on your lower back, but if you’re fitted to your bike correctly and stay mindful of your posture you can ride a cruiser without pain or discomfort. 

How Can I Adjust My Motorcycle to Make it More Comfortable?

There are many adjustable parts of your motorcycle that can add to the comfort and longevity of your ride. Your bike will come with a stock seat which can easily be upgraded to something more comfy and supportive. Adjusting your foot pegs can also make a world of difference. They should be close enough to support your legs, if they’re too far away the muscles in your legs have to work harder to keep your legs from falling.

A huge percentage of riders have handlebars that are not positioned at the right height. This alone can make or break your ride. Incorrect handlebar placement can lead to hand numbness and tingling, neck and backaches. Make sure you get your handlebars measured perfectly to your height and posture. It’s also important to consider the seat height of your bike. If you’re on the shorter side, know that more and more companies are now offering lower seat options. 

Taking care of your body pre and post ride is also important, especially if you already do a lot of sitting. Consider stretching before and after your ride; if you’re doing a longer ride, make sure to stop and take breaks to move around. While you are riding check in with your posture and notice if you’re holding tension in your shoulders for example. While you want to utilize your core strength, the rest of your body should be relaxed. Take some deep breaths, relax and enjoy your ride!!

If you need help determining the right type of bike for your needs, get in touch! We can also help you fit your bike correctly, including changing out parts as needed. We’re here to make sure you get the most out of your ride!