HandleBars/Pain Between Shoulder Blades : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

ramnj · 08-26-2008, 08:07 PM

I'm using the stock handlebars on my 05 Fatboy (FLSTF) and after riding for about an hour, I start having a burning pain between my shoulder blades...gets real bad after several hoiurs.

Any of you guys had the same problem? Did changing handlebars fix the problem, and if it did, what handle bars did you go with?

Thanks,

YankeeBob · 08-26-2008, 08:15 PM

I have a Road King. Same problem. I changed bars. I also carry a supply of Ibuprofen. If I know its going to be a long ride, I take one an hour before I go.

Some have gone to apes and swear by them.

ramnj · 08-26-2008, 08:20 PM

What type of bars did you get and did they help?

I don't really like the apes.

luvstoride · 08-26-2008, 08:33 PM

WARNING!! THE FOLLOWING OPINION IS MINE, AND MINE ALONE!!

I switched to drag bars with a 6" straight riser, and have never felt more comfortable on my 06 FXSTI. I think the slight forward lean takes the pressure off points that don't need pressure on them.

YankeeBob · 08-26-2008, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramnj

What type of bars did you get and did they help?

I don't really like the apes.

I switched to stock Road King Custom bars which are a "beach" bar. They helped but did not completely eliminate the problem. I find the more I ride, the less of an issue it is.

I never liked apes either. But, after riding a bike with them, I am rethinking it for mine. I am more for comfort. Even if I don't care for the looks.

2kflhr · 08-26-2008, 08:46 PM

Try relaxing your hold on the grips. I used to have the same problem when riding the twisties on a long road and read somewhere (probably here) that too tight of a grip can cause it. I relaxed my grip and problem went away.

sportchuck · 08-26-2008, 10:58 PM

I used to have this problem. I went riding with a chiropractor. At a stop he asked, "Do you have pain between your shoulder blades?" I said I did. He asked why I shrugged when I ride. It seems lots of riders with stock type bars shrug when they ride. Ape hangers elinate this problem cuz with your arms higher you can't shrug as much. Drag eliminate this problem because you can't shrug as much. But with stock position you can shrug more and tend to hold this shrug position you get that pain. I didn't believe him until I sat on my bike grabbed the stock bars and could to a full shrug. Then I sat on my bros v-rod and tried to shrug and it hurt to do it. Then sat on my bike put my hands in an ape hanger postion tried to shrug and it hurt to do it. Seems because it hurts to shrug in in ape hanger and drag bar position we don't. But because we can in the stock position we do the shrugging gives us les strain on the forearms ad makes it seem like we are more comfortable and we are for a while then the shrugging kicks in. It makes sense. I still have my stock bars but since the doc has mentioned it now I stay concious of the shrugging and relax my shoulder no more pain. I still like drag bars and may get them for looks though.

ramnj · 08-27-2008, 09:01 PM

I ride with a very lose grip on the handlebars. Not sure what is causing the pain but I'm going to look into different handlebars.

thanks,

ktwillys · 08-27-2008, 09:28 PM

while you are riding have someone take a picture of you on your bike..
you will find that you are leaning forward and that is pushing your shoulders together (shrugging) causing the muscles to spasm...

what you need to do is change the handle bars and use risers if needed to put the arch in your lower back again, that will greatly reduce the muscle strain on your back and help keep you from shrugging your shoulders.

then you can also use a back rest to help support your lower back..

600 to 700 miles a day no problem...

peterf · 08-27-2008, 09:38 PM

I had the same problem with my road king.The first thing I did was **** can the stock seat,Ive always had a mustang seat on my other harleys,so I put that on then got new bars with more pullback from wild1(chubbybars),you can give them a call there great to deal with.This should make the bike fit you.hope this helps, ride safe ,Pasta

ramnj · 08-27-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterf

I had the same problem with my road king.The first thing I did was **** can the stock seat,Ive always had a mustang seat on my other harleys,so I put that on then got new bars with more pullback from wild1(chubbybars),you can give them a call there great to deal with.This should make the bike fit you.hope this helps, ride safe ,Pasta

Thanks...just looked at their site and will call them tomorrow morning.

tyuditsky · 08-28-2008, 07:42 AM

I had the same problem, went to apes. Change the bars to anything else and it'll either go away or hurt somewhere else.

LexKing · 08-28-2008, 07:57 AM

ramnj;

I am sure that you are on the right track with changing your handle bars. If your current bars will alllow; try riding the bike with very good or correct posture. You will be surprised at the change this makes on the pain in the neck and shoulders.

Lex

06 flstfise · 08-28-2008, 09:50 AM

Had the same problem. Went to mini apes and took all the pain away. Also redid my seat at the same time. Never really liked the apes but did a demo ride on a dyna with some and found them to be really comfortable. You can also try taller risers. Good luck.

ssbuckle · 08-28-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramnj

I'm using the stock handlebars on my 05 Fatboy (FLSTF) and after riding for about an hour, I start having a burning pain between my shoulder blades...gets real bad after several hoiurs.

Any of you guys had the same problem? Did changing handlebars fix the problem, and if it did, what handle bars did you go with?

Thanks,

I had the same problem. I switched to White Bros. Bikini Beach Bars and H-D Nostalgia Grips. Now I can ride 500 miles a day with no pain.