Bad back

[wheelnut]

I got a 1200gsa in june, since then (about 8k miles) I've developed a pain in my right shoulder. I'm not 100% certain it's down to the bike but I'm fairly sure.

Looking at my riding position, I think it's because my arms are too straight and this is sending tension up my arm into my shoulder.

Consequently, I'm looking at getting some risers and looking to see if anyone has 'cured' aching back/shoulders using risers and whether anyone has any recommendations?

 

[Beemerman59]

When I got my GSA in March I got aches and pains in my left forearm. After much trial and error with adjusting the seat and bars I managed to get the right combo. For me it was seat in high and with the bars closest to me. The risers may well help but it's worth playing with the free adjustments first. I also think I took time to relax my arms on the GSA having made the move from a sports tourer where I had more weight on my arms. Just took time to adjust.

 

[MattSwain]

Are you sure it's the bike? I've had shoulder problems this year and been for massages to help with it. I then did 3500 miles on my GS in 3 weeks, had another massage which showed I was as relaxed as I've been in ages as there was no tension at all. From this I concluded in my case it was probably work related. Will be interesting to see in a couple of weeks time after 4 weeks at work if the old problem has returned...

 

[WindyChuffer]

Heres my two penneth:

Sounds like your upper body is stiff and you are gripping the bars hard. Lean forwards, bend the arms, tuck elbows in and relax. Gentle relaxed grip on the bars. Try taking the hands off the bars a little whilst riding.

It cracks me up when I see GS riders leaning back and riding with straight arms. Looks daft + rider not in proper control of the bike.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Joint problems

"....I've developed a pain in my right shoulder. I'm not 100% certain it's down to the bike but I'm fairly sure....." I think that if you asked most of us if we had developed any aches or pains since riding a GS the answer would be yes - but to link them to riding the bike would be difficult. If you stop riding and the pain disappears - and comes back only when you restart you could assume a connection, but after a 'certain age' we all develop various joint problems; The most drastic cure would be to stop riding! See a physio or an osteopath but don't blame the poor bike! VERY LITTLE physical effort is required under normal conditions.

 

[oblertone]

True ...

VERY LITTLE physical effort is required under normal conditions.

... but the longer periods spent on a GS (larger range/aspirational trips) mean that the same position is maintained for longer, and this can exacerbate existing problems. Tweaking is the answer for most of us and I can only recommend the Rox Risers that did it for me

 

[GS TRV]

sports bike might distribute weight better - i can sit all day on my Busa

 

[WindyChuffer]

A day or two on a Califiornia Superbike course will sort your posture and riding position out.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

To tweak or not to tweak?

... but the longer periods spent on a GS (larger range/aspirational trips) mean that the same position is maintained for longer, and this can exacerbate existing problems. Tweaking is the answer for most of us and I can only recommend the Rox Risers that did it for me

Yes, I suppose if you fill up the tank and set off on the autoroute you can manage well over 500 km - which means, if you ride at a sensible speed, say 130 kph (80 mph) over four hours in the saddle non-stop! Yes, just thinking about it gives me back -ache!

 

[wheelnut]

Before I got the GSA I did 20k a year on my vstrom with no issues whatsoever. It's started when I started riding the GSA.

I've got shortish legs and a long back so my arms are a bit straighter than I'd like when riding.

... but the longer periods spent on a GS (larger range/aspirational trips) mean that the same position is maintained for longer, and this can exacerbate existing problems. Tweaking is the answer for most of us and I can only recommend the Rox Risers that did it for me

Those rox risers lok good. Did you get them from a UK distributor or direct from the states?

Next question - do they go on without any cable mods?

 

[FatBob]

I got pains in the shoulders when I switched to the GSA, I think it was down to the wide bars which encourage you to lift your shoulders and elbows. I pretty much cured the problem just by consciously relaxing my shoulders and trying to point the elbows down instead of out. I also practice tai chi where we are taught the same thing - elbows down. It works equally well on a bike!

 

[oblertone]

I got mine ...

Those rox risers lok good. Did you get them from a UK distributor or direct from the states?

Next question - do they go on without any cable mods?

... from a fellow tosser on here, and they fitted fine (1150GSA) with a bit of re-routing of cables and pipes. If you use the search function you'll find someone more recently fitting a pair, but as to where they came from