Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion Men Only Message Board Bikers?

Are there any bikers here? I sold my Super Glide a couple of years ago due to the pain of riding. Forward controls and dragbars contributed to my pains, (lower back). But I am going stir crazy with no other hobbies I can still do that I enjoy, If we ever get back on our feet I have been considering buying a touring style bike, Heritage, Road King, Electra Glide, or a Ultra. Any thoughts, suggestions? Someone told me to get a seat with the driver backrest but I am looking for input from someone with AS that knows the disease and problems that accompany it.

I might fit that bill!

Despite the fact that I am on disability and use a cane to walk, I still ride. The right seat with a backrest along with extra highway pegs makes it much easier. Fact is that I am far more comfortable on the Ultra than i am in the overwhelming majority of cars. I have two sets of pegs so i can keep changing my position. I have a Mustange seat with backrest too. I also stop more than I did in years past. So far this year I have managed to get 14k on the bike, which is pretty good no metter where you live!

That is what I was wondering, Someone else told me to get a seat with the driver backrest. My question is do you have trouble getting your leg over the seat?

I also have found auto's to be uncomfortable, Mine seems to be the more streached out my legs are (as in the closer the seat is to the floor) the more pain I have. (70's era trucks seem to be the most comfortable) Not that sitting upright is painfree. I guess I just have more room to move my legs around in that position.

The more I think about it the more I like the Electras and the Ultras. Hopefully things will work out where we will be in shape to buy by early spring, Looks like there are some great deals on mid 90's tour biks now. (Trying to stay away from the TC88 motors.

I now have a TC96. Runs great! Not sure why you wouldn't want a TC88 or 88B. I found it to be a very reliable power plant. Yes, the EVO is a great one too, but less and less folks will work on them anymore.

As for getting the leg over. Hard to explain, but there is an easy(er) way to do it. I actually mount the bike on the high side by facing the rear of the bike. I use the throttle side of the bars to hold onto and then roll my foot up and over the seat. It's allot easier than the "standard" approach.Another thing is to crank the bars all the way to the left stop before mounting. When I am ready to take the bike off of the stand I crank the bars to the right stop. This just about picks the bike up for you.

The Evo I can work on myself (not much diffrent than the old Shovelheads) I don't have nothing agianst the TC really except that they seem to have a whine (almost like a whistle) while at idle. Just like the simplicity of the Evo.

I really want another old Shovelhead bar hopper but the wife says no.


for now

I'm glad to see something for bikes here. I haven't been "Officially" diagnosed with AS, but there is little evidence to say otherwise. I used to ride a little, but fear the AS will hinder me, as most of my problem is upper back, neck and shoulders. Because of the neck stiffness, I worry I won't be able to ride again. Discomfort is a non-issue, as I feel more comfortable on a bike than I do sitting in a car.

Hey Ken, is that a Blue Knight patch ? I'm in Law Enforcement here is Calif. I have a few friends that ride in the local chapter.

"Hey Ken, is that a Blue Knight patch ?"

Yes it is! MN IV. Great bunch to be part of IMO. You should look into them.

Riding is something that I most likely should not do.My Rhuem and PCP both shake their heads at me every time the subject comes up. But they also admit that I am more likely to be hurt in any accident than someone else. My next step with the bike will be to go to three wheels. Good mirrors too since I can not turn my head far enough behind me..........

Funny you should mention 3 wheels

Click Here



Noticed that earlier while browsing the adds.

Bidders with 0 or negative feedback must contact me before bidding or your bids may be cancelled. I reserve the right to end this auction early.

Something seems fishy about this. The seller has a score of zero, yet wants buyers not to. Also the price. Warranty is listed as "Existing", yet it's a 2001 which has none. Also notice the seller doesn't tell where the Trike is located, and no details at all about picking it up or shipping.

Seems fishy to me too. Unless the price is a typo...but I would still want all kinds of reassurance i.e: checking the vin and a hands on inspection.

I didn't even look at the details just noticed it was a trike.

I agree, something looks funny for shure.

Ghost Wheels are another way to go. At @20 mph they float , so you don't even know that they are there. At slow speed to stops they keep the bike up.

Very cool product. I also had a guy tell me about the Safe Stop they market, He was very impressed with it.

hip damage... i unfortunately sold my bike last year:(

thats alright, I SHALL RIDE AGAIN!!!

my dad gave me his 1975 harley FLH. it is original condition. since i have not worked since early march i decided to do a restoration on it. i am keeping it original color. basically i am gonna make it look like it is brand new.

I was going to suggest a Trike.... Has anyone checked out the new Can-Am Spyder? The one with 2 wheels in front and 1 in the back.. They're weird but I hear are comfortable.. ABS brakes, car like steering and awsome accelleration.. It's more sporty than a traditional trike and cheaper too.. about $15k I think

I have an 07' XL883L. Unfortunatly I have not ridden it in over a year now. I want to ride sooo bad, but it is just not a good idea for me. No neck movement,at all. I have been seriously considering getting one of the new Tri-Glide Ultra Classics a bit pricey though. I am a little weak in the legs now so its probably the only way I should ride. Man how I would love to pack up and ride cross country, just cannot get it out of my system.

I've got three Moto Guzzis. A 1972 Ambo, a 1974 Eldo, and a 2000 Quota. I've got sidecar plans in the works for when the hips get too bad to hold the bike up.

I gave up riding for two years before I was diagnosed. Humira has enabled me to get back into it, but I ride in short bursts now rather than long trips.

I WILL make at least one more long trip though. Even if its 200 miles at a time.

for a moment,i tot this was bout cycling...=)

i like cycling and motorbikes as well..

www.cyclingforhealth.wordpress.com

keep smiling guys.

Let's pray for a complete cure soon.

I am so happy to have found this forum! I had to sell my Custom Soft tail after my back surgery. I was so depressed. I simply could not ride her anymore. I was a member of an MC and rode all the time. I still miss the feel of the ride and the freedom that came with it.

I ride a 09 Yamaha V-star 1300 and I also had to put on a custom Mustange seat which helped a ton wit my lower back. I know its not a Harley but it has two wheels and I get my hair blown back when I go down the road.

Ken- you said that you have extra highway pegs, do you mean you have 2 on each side at different levels? I have a set of hwy pegs and I find that they help greatly for adjusting my position after awhile. I am wondering if another pair would just give me yet another position to change to and if that really makes a difference???

Hey everyone.

I have not been on my bike for six months. My wife and I ride as a team, we don't ride a HD we ride a Honda 1800 Goldwing. I am healing from a camping acident. That broke my right arm, blew my left shoulder into 15 pieces, broke 3 ribs, did some lung damage, broke my back in 3 places. Then I was told by one of the doctors that I had active AS with 3 disks already fused. Now, I have bone over growth in my arm and shoulder. I try not to think about the pain.Hey but I'm looking to ride again.
well I'm looking to ride again.
CMB

It's been a few years since I was on this site. Just happened to see this old thread was up at the top and since i was here I figured I may as well update my part.

In March of 2009 I took delivery of my 2009 HD Tri-Glide. 2008 riding season proved that my time on two wheels was over. Just way to hard to hold a big bike up at stops. Going to three wheels ended up being easier that I expected. As those that ride with me. I have no problems keeping up with them in the twisites!







The owner of HogTroughs made a holder for my folding cane. It works wonders!

Hi Ken!! Good to have you back! Yikes!! NICE TRIKE!!


Spenser23

Not sure how active I will be, but I'll stop by from time to time....

I ride a Heritage Springer,has a very nice backrest.My father has a Road King and a Ultra both push you forward which kills my back.My Springer lets you lean back a little,which feels great.My spine is almost totally fused,hip pain,but can't stop riding.Good luck hope you find something that workd for you.

Just finished an Iron Butt ride this Sunday. 1,047 miles. Felt like crap yesterday. Hip and knees hurt like hell, but it was worth it!

1984 softail, I could ride to sturgis last year due to pain. I just started taking humira and feel great now. I haven't gotten to ride my bike yet waiting on cables for my new apes. I'm really excited about sturgis this year but I'm still not sure I can make the 9hr ride.

Break the ride up then stoltzie. I have been know to take two days to get to Sturgis also. I'm @ 530 miles one way, or @ 10 hours.