My Back between the shoulders hurts after 6 hours of riding - anyone else? Would handlebar risers help? Is this normal?

[Sindee]

Went for a lovely 6 hour ride on 6/17/2025. After the ride, my back was sore between my shoulders. Wondering if has happened to anyone else? Also wondering if maybe handle bar riser would help? I try to sit straight, but I find that I am putting downward pressure on my handle bars. Is this normal and I am just weak? I also noticed to try and square my shoulders I have to sit way forward on the seat?

 

[dpetrick]

You could check out BRP short reach bars made to bring the bars closer to yo.

 

[Mrmikey]

My back was like that right after I got my Voyager, I found I was unintentionally keeping my back and shoulders stiff keeping straight, a backrest worked wonders. Possibly help you....maybe?

 

[Redbeard]

Don't let the name "short reach bars" fool you. Being vertically challenged, I was fortunate that my first Spyder F3L had short reach bars on them which the prior owner had installed. Short reach bars extend the grips further back toward the rider than the standard bars. This lets your posture if short like me. The RTL I have now, I added a riser block from Lamonster which nearly does the same thing. There is enough slack in the wiring of an RT to add a riser block without any problems other than cutting some wire ties. For me, I never had any back "issues or strains" while riding, not even after a 12 hour ride, but I suspect the correct height of the handle bars had a lot to do with it.

 

[canamjhb]

You are most likely, and unknowingly, having to constantly compensate for your Spyder's wheel alignment. Before spending money chasing an unknown in the handlebars, I would have your bike laser alignment done by a knowledgeable, competent shop. Having the bike aligned within specs is not good enough. Once it is laser aligned, you will notice the benefits immediately. So, if in fact there is something else you need to change, you've not wasted any money. Good luck...

 

[JayBros]

While I do not disagree with the comments of previous responders, since you are a new member the most important answers to me are those to the following questions:
1. What is the year and model of your Spyder?
2. Is this your first Spyder?
3. If this is not your first Spyder, what was the model of your previous Spyder?
4. How much previous motorcycling experience do you have?
5. How long have you had the Spyder?
6. How many miles do you have on the Spyder?
7. Prior to today's ride, what was your longest ride in hours and miles?

 

[greer]

Went for a lovely 6 hour ride on 6/17/2025. After the ride, my back was sore between my shoulders. Wondering if has happened to anyone else? Also wondering if maybe handle bar riser would help? I try to sit straight, but I find that I am putting downward pressure on my handle bars. Is this normal and I am just weak? I also noticed to try and square my shoulders I have to sit way forward on the seat?

We'll help you sort it out Sindee, take a look at JayBros questions and give us some more information. And to make it easier next time, click on your name in the upper right corner and then fill in your signature line with your bike year and model - that lets us see that info anytime/every time you post. Welcome to the forum!

Sarah

 

[LongIsland]

I have a 2022 RTL, and I had the short bars installed when I purchased it as one arm is shorter than the other. The next thing I did was to add a handlebar riser, as the right side of my back began to ache on long rides. The last thing I did was to adjust the handlebars so that my arms were more straight out with a slight bend. It took some time to find the perfect spot, but no pain.
Ride Safe.

 

[Cosmo]

I don’t have an answer, but I have the same problem on my GoldWing and RT
A back rest helped. Probably a combination of things including posture, and too tight a grip.