Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Bearcat1]

I have a new 2012 FLHXSE3 and I just rode her for a 500 mile trip this past weekend.  I'd like to ask some of you experts about a problem I have had in the past on another bike and the same thing is happening on this bike.  So my handle bars are still stock as is the seat on the CVO SG.  After a good hour or so in the saddle I always seem to develop a tightness/stiffness above my left shoulder blade area.  So I'd say between my neck and left shoulder blade.  Only left side also, never right side.  Eventually sometimes if I let it go long enough without stopping and get off the bike for a while it will get to where it actually starts sort of a burning pain.  Like I said, the same thing happened on my '08 Electra Glide Classic with the stock bars so it's definitely not a specific bike problem.  Do any of you think it could have something to do with the stock handle bars and the way it affects my posture in the saddle?  I've read with interest how some on here have went to the "chubby bars" and was wondering if going to something such as these would make any difference.  Has anyone else experienced anything like this?  I'm 5'9" and weigh 170. Thanks.

[JCZ]

Yes, pretty good chance that it's related to your bars/seated riding position.

I first had that problem on an 86 Heritage.....thought I was just getting old.  Stripped the bike down, built stroker motor and 22" apes and never had the problem again until my 2010 SE Street Glide (had several other motorcycles in between but never had that problem again).  Switched to what many of the other SESG owners were switching to, the Harley Touring Pullbacks (they're 2" up and 2" back closer to the rider).  No longer have that pain in the neck/shoulder problem.

I think the Chubbys are also 2" up and 2" back.  Somebody that has a set will let you know for sure.

[Boatman]

I have changed to the Harley pullback bars on three bikes (SEEG, SEUC, and standard FLHX) per JCZ's recommendations and have been pleased on all three bikes.   If I bought another bike, they would go on.

Others swear by the WildOne's..  Hopefully they will chime in.

Either way, the ride is a lot more enjoyable when the bike fits you.

 

[Bearcat1]

I have changed to the Harley pullback bars on three bikes (SEEG, SEUC, and standard FLHX) per JCZ's recommendations and have been pleased on all three bikes.   If I bought another bike, they would go on.

Others swear by the WildOne's..  Hopefully they will chime in.

Either way, the ride is a lot more enjoyable when the bike fits you.

 

Yeah, that tightness that develops is really the only thing that bothers me when I spend long hours in the saddle.  Can anyone specifically say what the stock handlebars are making you do in this instance to cause the tightness?  Is it more the reach or the level that the bars are in relation to your shoulders?  Or combination of both maybe?

[Deep Blue Dives]

Switched to what many of the other SESG owners were switching to, the Harley Touring Pullbacks (they're 2" up and 2" back closer to the rider). 

Did you need to extend any of the lines to incorporate the new bars?  Trying to get a handle on the cost, time to do that.

[JCZ]

Did you need to extend any of the lines to incorporate the new bars?  Trying to get a handle on the cost, time to do that.

No, if you're using the Harley Touring Pullbacks you just need to get the bars.  May have to re-route just a bit on cables or wires.

[Bearcat1]

No, if you're using the Harley Touring Pullbacks you just need to get the bars.  May have to re-route just a bit on cables or wires.

What about the internal wiring on the FLHXSE3?  Are these bars ready to go as is for the wiring?

[OlDog]

I had the same problem on my '08 SG and on the'11SESG. went with an HD Reach seat on both bikes and the problem stopped. I am also 5'9" and 170#

[DICKW]

Yeah, that tightness that develops is really the only thing that bothers me when I spend long hours in the saddle.  Can anyone specifically say what the stock handlebars are making you do in this instance to cause the tightness?  Is it more the reach or the level that the bars are in relation to your shoulders?  Or combination of both maybe?

Reach

[roadking71865]

I have a similar issue on my '10 SEUC.  My right arm & fingers go numb.  It's the only bike it has ever happened on of the 5 I've owned.  Thought I was just getting old also.  I'm 6'1 with long arms so I didn't think the bars were the problem.  Guess it may be time to check other bars out.

[Bearcat1]

I had the same problem on my '08 SG and on the'11SESG. went with an HD Reach seat on both bikes and the problem stopped. I am also 5'9" and 170#

Well heck, I think I may have my answer. 

I appreciate all the feedback.

[GtreetSlide]

Put your bike in an upright position using a wheel chock vice or by having someone steady it from the front. With arms by your side, sit in the most comfortable position for you. Now without moving, bring your arms up to the handle bars area. Chances are good you will need to lean forward to grab the hand grips. That's how much closer your bars need to be. My expierence with harleys is that the stock bars are always 2" short for me. It probably sells a lot of HD seats and bars.

jb

[SG Racer]

I had the same problem. But I have a shoulder problem on the right side. I needed to go way up. I put 12 inch PY monkey bagger bars on. They are perfect for me. My son rides it and hates it. Not for everyone. I have installed a few sets of different bars for people. With the HD reach bars, all wiring and cables, lines, will work. When you go higher than 10 inch is when you have to start changing things. Those bars that JCZ has will probably be perfect for you.
 Good luck.
 Ray

[barefoot3zk5]

X2 on the Yafee monkey bars,,,  I love em .. 

[mark]

Sounds like you may have a problem that isn't bar related (left side only, no discomfort on right side).  I had the same problem (I'm 5'9 about 170, and ride a SG).  After a couple of hours of riding, my left shoulder between my neck and sh. blade would start aching.  Went to Dr. and he pinpointed the exact spot causing the discomfort...and recommended massage therapy (and no I didn't go to the Tokyo Spa).  After a couple of sessions, problem solved.  Seems like he said it was a mineral deposit around a nerve.