Neck to Right Shoulder blade pain, handlebars?

[CapeTeddy]

Hi Freewheelers, I'm with cancer and refuse to give up riding. I won't sit around watching TV waiting to die so I need some advice. I ride a few hours a week but I been staying out longer trying to build up to a trip somewhere soon. Since I been staying out longer, I been getting pain from my neck, down the spine to lower right shoulder blade. Some of that pain is from previous neck injury and some from the cancer. My brother-in-law is a longtime rider, over 40 years, and he has the same pain that came from handlebars being too short. He said I need longer bars. I agree and would like some advice on what to do. Do I go to 14's? Maybe ape bars be better? I'm on a fixed income and like to be able to do this as reasonable as possible, if possible. Any suggestions? Thanks

[RKplus10]

In my opinion, the only reasonably priced solution may be to push your stock bars forward. It works well for me and may be worth a try for you. If you try it, don’t give up too soon. Give it a fair chance.

[CapeTeddy]

In my opinion, the only reasonably priced solution may be to push your stock bars forward. It works well for me and may be worth a try for you. If you try it, don’t give up too soon. Give it a fair chance.

I moved them down about 2 years ago because they felt too far away but I also added a backrest since so that might work now. I'll give it a try. I also been searching and found some mini 12 - 14 apes under $200.00 and that's in my price range. What scared me was when I first started to price handlebars and saw $400 and up not including install. Yikes! But my brother-in-law said he has installed 12 and 14 inch mini apes before so that would save me a buck or two. But first I'll try your suggestion and see how that works. Thanks for your help.

[RKplus10]

Yeah, brother-in-law’s labor could sure change things for the better. It’s that internal wiring that scares me. Good luck Brother, whatever you decide.

[CapeTeddy]

Yeah, brother-in-law’s labor could sure change things for the better. It’s that internal wiring that scares me. Good luck Brother, whatever you decide.

Well if I hit the turn signal and the horn blows, he'll be taking it to the Harley shop and getting it done right. LOL But I have a good feeling about moving them back up will do the trick like you suggested.

[Jack Klarich]

Teddy, if you need more height you should think of changing your risers

Most bikes / trikes can get by with 2'' without changing wires or cables, some have gotten up to 4, it is cheaper and faster than changing the handlebars

Whatever you chose good luck and keep on riding

[CapeTeddy]

Teddy, if you need more height you should think of changing your risers

Most bikes / trikes can get by with 2'' without changing wires or cables, some have gotten up to 4, it is cheaper and faster than changing the handlebars

Whatever you chose good luck and keep on riding

That's a good idea too. Thanks Jack.

[butchvoss]

Teddy, if you need more height you should think of changing your risers

Most bikes / trikes can get by with 2'' without changing wires or cables, some have gotten up to 4, it is cheaper and faster than changing the handlebars

Whatever you chose good luck and keep on riding

I wish i could find risers for mt 21 free wheeler . Ive been fighting the handle bar length also..

[CapeTeddy]

Yeah, brother-in-law’s labor could sure change things for the better. It’s that internal wiring that scares me. Good luck Brother, whatever you decide.

Road over the weekend with the handlebars back up and it seems to work. No added pain so far. That might have done the trick. If after a while it starts bothering me again, I might try risers as Jack suggested.

[CapeTeddy]

I wish i could find risers for mt 21 free wheeler . Ive been fighting the handle bar length also..

It's hard to find a comfort spot. I rode this weekend like I road before adding the backrest. I lean forward a bit instead of leaning back on the rest and that seemed to work. I think I just got lazy using the backrest too much. I also seemed to have more control on turns that way.

[RKplus10]

So Jack, if you were to install longer risers on a Freewheeler, how would you “clean up” that area? It seems the risers and fork lock would be uncovered and exposed. If anyone has done this, I would like to see a picture. Maybe there is a cover, aftermarket or Road King, that would fit. If I’m missing something, just “dumb it down” for me. I’ve got pretty thick skin.

[Jack Klarich]

So Jack, if you were to install longer risers on a Freewheeler, how would you “clean up” that area? It seems the risers and fork lock would be uncovered and exposed. If anyone has done this, I would like to see a picture. Maybe there is a cover, aftermarket or Road King, that would fit. If I’m missing something, just “dumb it down” for me. I’ve got pretty thick skin.

I have not given that much thought

[CapeTeddy]

In my opinion, the only reasonably priced solution may be to push your stock bars forward. It works well for me and may be worth a try for you. If you try it, don’t give up too soon. Give it a fair chance.

OK, After taking your advice I went to Panama city beach for Thunder Beach last weekend. It's about 200 miles round trip from where I live and my shoulder/back pain was much better. But I rode sitting up closer to the bars and I was thinking moving up to 14 inch KST Kustoms 1-1/4" Polished Straight Jacket Handlebar would even be better.. I miss measured my stock bars and they are in-between 10" and 12." I watched a YouTube guy say that's normal because handlebars don't run exact and Harley freewheelers are 12" stock, not 10" like I thought. So since you were so helpful and I Thank You for that, what do you of the "KST Kustoms 1-1/4" Polished Straight Jacket Handlebar?" I can afford them and it looks like I might be able to install them myself. Or do you have any suggestions for a handlebar? I looked at risers and didn't like anything I saw. I'd rather replace the handlebar. Thanks again RKplus10.

[RKplus10]

I have no experience with those bars. Maybe someone that has used them will “chime in”. Wish you the best of luck on getting a good fit the first time. I know you don’t want to do it twice. Be safe.

[DK Custom Products]

This WRITTEN REPORT on The Comfort Triangle may be helpful, taking the guesswork out of getting the bike set up properly for each individual.

Below is a video with the information linked above in the written report.



Kevin