What would be the best motorcycle/seat combination for a person with a very sensitive lower back?

Answer 1

One of the only reputable motorcycle seat manufacturers is Corbin, and they make many models for nearly every bike.

Now, the bike you ride has a lot to do with what you want not so much what I might consider the "best." if your want a Harley you wont want to hear me say CBR F4i or vice versa if you like sport bikes.

If you want a touring/cruiser bike I would say stay away from Harley though and try maybe a Honda Goldwing if that's not too much cash, $18-23K. I haven't ridden one but I imagine that because they weigh so much they are prob sprung softest of any bike.

The softest sprung sport bikes would be the CBR F4i I mentioned above, with a Corbin seat of course (as Honda seats are a thin piece of something like cardboard), the Kawasaki ZZR series including 600 and 1200, the Kawasaki 250 and 500R. None are really "soft" by any means though, just softer than their counterparts like the 600RR, R6, and ZX6.

The Yamaha FJR 1300A might be your best bet, even has an option for an automatic trans. Good combination of sport looks with big touring bike comfort.

If all else fails, I have no idea but maybe try a nice dual sport bike... if the vibration doesn't bother you the off road suspension meant to absorb big air might make daily riding possible for someone with back injuries.

...or you could take two Aspirin in the morning, grab a CBR 1000RR and just enjoy the hell out of it =)

Answer 2

It's tricky because people differ. Some with bad backs like something where you sit really upright, like a Goldwing. Others want to lean forward a bit, Like a BMW 1200RT. So no one can answer that for you, you need to sit on some. Note that often you can get different handlebars. BMWs often have some adjustability.

As far as seats go, Corbin looks cool, but is just OK for comfort. For off the shelf seats, most people like Sargent better.

But the best thing is to get a custom seat made especially for you. The guys that do that have you send in a picture of you on the bike and some personal information. Or, if you go to their factory, they'll measure you and talk to you. Some Googleable names are Russell and Mayer (two separate shops, the owners are brothers that each think they do it better). Figure $500-$900, depending on how fancy you want to get. The guys who ride really long distances usually ride on one of these. I have a Russell.

Answer 3

Dont use forward controls as they make you sit upright with your back curved and all your weight is on your spine. A conventional 'naked' bike may be best option as you can take some weight on your feet and hands leaning slightly forward when needed. A soft seat will compress too soon even on short rides and stops you moving around.
Dont know what the best seat will be, still trying to find something that works for me. I've even made my own seats with varying success. I too have a pretty damaged back.

Answer 4

Corbin Seat is the only one to buy, they are not cheap, but back surgery cost more. Make sure you buy the back rest also, They have heated seats if you are up north or in colder weather.

Answer 5

staying off the motorcycle would be the answer , but you probably dont want to hear that ! lol ! they can shoot me before they get me off my harley too !...anything but the pads ...try something like a seat with shocks or springs under it , thats the best cushion you can get bro !......GR1M

Answer 6

a pillow lol get something low to the ground its easier to hold up and get a springer front end and soften the shocks on the back, and get some low z bars so your not reaching up so far for the handle bars and foot pegs up a bit for your feet

Answer 7

Anything NOT on a motorcycle.

Answer 8

Utopia makes driver's backrests.
http://www.utpr.com/

Answer 9

a buick, or if you insist try Corbin they make great seats