subject: Motorcycle Riding - 3 Tips for a Pain-Free Ride [print this page] Motorcycle Riding - 3 Tips for a Pain-Free Ride
Do you experience pain or numbness in your neck, back, arms, hands or legs while riding? Would you like to ride your motorcycle without pain or fatigue? Are you passionate about riding your motorcycle but you have had neck/back surgery and aren't sure if you should ride? Here are a few simple things to consider and changes you can make that will improve your riding comfort and bring the fun back into your riding experience.
1. Vibration Solutions
Vibration in motorcycle riding can be caused by many different things. Obviously, the type of bike you have is a factor. If it's supposed to vibrate, it's gonna vibrate. But if you have a bike that's not supposed to vibrate, maybe you need a tune up. In addition to above, have both wheels statically and dynamically balanced. This reduces wobble, increases road holding ability, reduces tire wear and reduces rider fatigue. You should check forks and swing arm for correct operation. Vibration can occur when there is a lack of fork oil and too much side play in the swing arm. Check the pannier box lids for proper fit and that they are locked. Check for worn neck bearings, for a bad motor mount, for tire pressure and tread, and for wheel weight problems. All of these factors contribute to motorcycle seat vibration problems, Also, hand fatigue caused by vibration in the handlebars can be remedied by changing to better handlebar grips.
2. Motorcycle Seat Materials
Are you riding on your stock motorcycle seat? It's possible that your stock motorcycle seat does not have enough cushion, and this will greatly affect your ride. Vibration absorption can be greatly improved by changing to a more comfortable aftermarket motorcycle seat, many of which are made with gel cushions. You can also buy gel pads to place on top of your stock motorcycle seat that will improve comfort. And an aftermarket custom motorcycle seat can add style as well as comfort to your bike.
3. Motorcycle Seat Style
A low-rider motorcycle seat is suitable for riders up to 200 lbs., up to 6 feet tall, or with an inseam of up to 33 inches. A mid-rider motorcycle seat is best for riders between 200 and 240 lbs, are over 6 feet tall, or have a 34" inseam. A big-boy motorcycle seat goes well with riders who are over 260 lbs, over 6 feet tall or who have more than a 34" inseam. Having the right motorcycle seat for your body makes all the difference.
And finally, most chiropractors and doctors will tell you, that if you've had back surgery of any kind, motorcycle riding is out. This will depend on the severity of your back/neck surgery or surgeries, but for the most part, many riders have eased back into riding gradually, as their necks and backs have regained strength. Modifications to your bike and motorcycle seat can certainly help. Be cautious, but don't give up. If your passion is to ride, then take steps to begin riding. Testimonies of neck/back surgery patients who have ridden their bikes again are numerous. You can find many of these testimonies in motorcycle forums. Once a biker, always a biker!
Consider each of these suggestions and implement as many as you can, and you are sure to improve the quality of your ride. After all, who wants to suffer when there is so much of life to be enjoyed from the back of a bike!
