Pain in the ...............

[Top Cat]

I really like my Nomad and was going to buy a used 08 when time comes.
But, I am now thinkin maybe go to a different bike.
The problem is I get a pain in my lower neck and upper back shoulder area.
I have tried everything I can think of but the problem persists.
I have tried chucksters risers, Phatt 2 risers and raising and lowering the bars in the holders.
I have tried 4 different seats and even modified a couple stock I bought on Ebay.
I have tried sitting closer to the bars and further away.
I have had 11 bikes in my life and this is the only one that causes this pain.
I am open to any ideas you guys can throw out there.

[cheriann]

Have you tried changing positions on your highway pegs? (I assume you have them) I'm sure sitting back in your seat and the risers are part of the comfort, but having the highway pegs adjusted in the right position can make a big difference too

[Kawhead]

Maybe it's 'cause you just old?

[fish]

ALEVE! I have that problem but it from sitting at the puter with my chin in my hand and elbow on the key board drawer, which also causes puter elbow

[billmac]

I assume you have also rotated the bars to try different handle bar positions.

Could it have something to do with your helmet or clothing. Some of that equipment is heavy and can really effect us older guys. You may want to try varying some of that stuff. Of course the known buffeting of the Vulcan can also do those things to the body. I have the biggest lowers offered.

I have always had problems with my hands and arms tingling on the Nomad. Like you, I was blaming the Nomad and tried different risers and bars. No luck. My best treatment so far is padded grips and padded palm gloves.

I bet some of the smarter guys around here will help you fix this problem.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

I really like my Nomad and was going to buy a used 08 when time comes.
But, I am now thinkin maybe go to a different bike.
The problem is I get a pain in my lower neck and upper back shoulder area.
I have tried everything I can think of but the problem persists.
I have tried chucksters risers, Phatt 2 risers and raising and lowering the bars in the holders.
I have tried 4 different seats and even modified a couple stock I bought on Ebay.
I have tried sitting closer to the bars and further away.
I have had 11 bikes in my life and this is the only one that causes this pain.
I am open to any ideas you guys can throw out there.

A new Harley Ultra-Classic?

Okay... seriously. My Nomad did that to me also. Nomads have a tendency to stretch the rider out to where you have to reach for everything. One reason maybe why the new ones (to include the Voyager and Vaquero) are "tighter" with less stretching to reach things.

I know some hop on a new Kawa and think it is too cramped; but I would bet if they rode one for several hundred miles they would get used to it. And then would sit on their old bike to see how much they stretch for things.

I mean really... think about it. Why do so many buy risers, seats, and handlebars for the Nomad? Could it be they are too stretched-out? Reaching too far for too long causes neck-pain.

[jandreu]

Had the same problems but a set of 3" straight riser extensions and rotating the bars a little cured it. I know you've tried this, as already said maybe your just getting older. You might try renting a touring HD for the weekend and see how you like it, they are very comfortable.

[nomadtom69]

does Cindys bike give you the same pain or have you tried it yet

[coacha]

Maybe you need a narrower separation from grip to grip? I know dkdixie changed his bars on the Strat because the stock Strat bars were too wide.

[fish]

Tim do you have a back rest

[Top Cat]

Cheri, Yes I have tried different positions for the highway pegs.
Lar, I do take Alive everyday and yes I have a backrest. It is adjustable and I have tried every position possible, it helped my lower back but not the neck and shoulder.
Bill, I have rotated the bars to no effect. You may be onto something with the helmet. I had a Modular and sold it as it was to heavy and really made my neck hurt more than it does now.
Loafer, I am ignoring you.
Greg and James, I wonder how much it would cost to rent a Harley Ultra-Classic for a weekend? Seriously
Tom, I have only riddin Cindy's bike for short distances. May take a longer ride and see what happens.
Ron, that is probably what I am going to try next. It may be my last hope.
Mike, old? Come on, you know that can't be it.

[schoeney]

How tall are you Tim?

[Top Cat]

5' 11"

[Sight Seer]

Tim,

I also had this problem on some other bikes I've owned.
The 1700 Nomad has a closer rider/bar combo and the stock bars have a very neutral feel as far as comfort.

I've done a couple of 600 mile days on mine and have experienced no pain in these areas.

The cruise control really helps also because you can take a lot of pressure off your throttle hand by just having to gently hold on to the grip.

I'd see about riding one for a day and see how it feels.

Just my $.02. Good luck.

Sight Seer

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

Cheri, Yes I have tried different positions for the highway pegs.
Lar, I do take Alive everyday and yes I have a backrest. It is adjustable and I have tried every position possible, it helped my lower back but not the neck and shoulder.
Bill, I have rotated the bars to no effect. You may be onto something with the helmet. I had a Modular and sold it as it was to heavy and really made my neck hurt more than it does now.
Loafer, I am ignoring you.
Greg and James, I wonder how much it would cost to rent a Harley Ultra-Classic for a weekend? Seriously
Tom, I have only riddin Cindy's bike for short distances. May take a longer ride and see what happens.
Ron, that is probably what I am going to try next. It may be my last hope.
Mike, old? Come on, you know that can't be it.

I was at my dealer today and they had a sign saying rentals are about $100/day. The price may vary in your area.