Author Topic: Riding with neck problems (Read 1735 times)

eigenvector · « **on:** May 07, 2015, 07:37:34 PM »

I just talked to my Dad and he's really jonesing for my CB550. He used to ride a CB400 in his military days, quit when he got broadsided by someone.

Problem is, he's had multiple vertebrae in his neck fused for sciatica issues and really can't turn his head without rotating his body.

Is that just not the right recipe for a rider? I have to admit that when I tore my iliolumbar ligament I swore my riding days were gone. I just couldn't handle that bike without serious pain. I got over it though. He won't be getting over his injuries, those vertebrae are fused.

Don R · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2015, 09:47:55 PM »

some really good mirrors?

flybox1 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 07, 2015, 10:01:55 PM »

Stock mirrors and stock bars are definitely the way to go...

eigenvector · « **Reply #3 on:** May 08, 2015, 07:55:19 AM »

I don't know, would you trust a rider who could only depend on their mirrors? I don't want to be the one who gets him critically injured by encouraging his desire to ride. I have 3 bikes, I could easily gift him the CB550 if I felt good about it. I just don't.

flybox1 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 08, 2015, 08:05:07 AM »

Not saying he should only use the mirrors, but from an ergonomic and physiological standpoint, its easier to turn and look at your 6's when you're upright, even with some fusions.
If you do ride, do your best to let him lead. You be the shepherd....

xtravbx · « **Reply #5 on:** May 08, 2015, 08:15:32 AM »

I say ride. You live once, do what makes you happy (in moderation!)

It may not be a good idea for him to go on the freeway or busy streets etc, but go blast around the neighborhood or some rural routes for a bit.

Daily commuting I do not think is a good idea though..

eigenvector · « **Reply #6 on:** May 08, 2015, 08:17:27 AM »

Let me consider that. Thanks everyone. I guess we could always do a test ride to see how he does and feels.

He recently became a senior citizen, the big 68, and is most definitely depressed about it.

Probably shouldn't buy him a pair of loose fitting sweats and a rocking chair.

flybox1 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 08, 2015, 08:29:14 AM »

yeah, slippers for x-mas is a bad thing

BobbyR · « **Reply #8 on:** May 08, 2015, 09:10:37 AM »

The stock mirrors may not be great if you cannot turn your head. I use Ken Sean mirrors. They are rectangular and sit a bit lower. They give you a wider field of view on each side. Adjusted properly you really need to only use your eyes. I like this brand since it does not vibrate and blur.

Dennis Kirk sells Ken Sean mirrors.
Good luck to your Dad!

strynboen · « **Reply #9 on:** May 08, 2015, 09:48:12 AM »

after i got 2 discos colaps..i have real problems turn my back..to get the ekstra tvist for look araund ... ..im just started use glasses) and helmet type are other players in this orentasion game...eventuell a open helmet gives a better look aut..but some safty are lost at same time..but speed must be limited at corners to komp lost orentasion...my vorst problems are on highvays..to get full orentasion before overtaking cars..it a bit scaring..but i look 2 times in mirrors before take off...

Lost and Confused · « **Reply #10 on:** May 08, 2015, 03:04:42 PM »

Hi, just had second neck surgery on Jan 15th 2015. Entire neck is fused. When at a stoplight I stand and turn to check for traffic. I ride with a club and friends when possible, and rely on them for extra help. I wish my Dad was alive and willing to ride with me.

Bob

JJmoto · « **Reply #11 on:** May 08, 2015, 04:23:02 PM »

FYI I saw a fella years back with mirrors fixed on the back of his gloves...I think they were convex type....That would be the trick for your Dad....Riders always ride somehow we can adapt

Trevor from Warragul · « **Reply #12 on:** May 08, 2015, 04:39:35 PM »

Problem solved!

http://www.skully.com/#smartest-helmet

Johnie · « **Reply #13 on:** May 08, 2015, 05:54:20 PM »

I think you have to let your dad give it a try and let him decide for himself just how safe he feels on the road. I mean it only takes one mistake to do you in. Lord knows surviving on a bike requires the biker to be ready 110% of the time.

78 k550 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 08, 2015, 06:13:38 PM »

What Johnie say's.

I have 5,6 and 7 fused. no issue's with turning just pain and soreness. Long rides without a windshield is the worse.

Paul

eigenvector · « **Reply #15 on:** May 08, 2015, 07:23:58 PM »

I appreciate the insights. I knew there would be enough old timers here that sooner or later someone with similar issues would chime in.

dhall57 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 10, 2015, 12:14:52 PM »

About 6 or 7 years ago it hit me like a ton of bricks. Pain that is. I could barely function, and trying to ride a bike multiplied the pain. Found out I had 2 collapsed disc in my neck and vertebra pressing on a nerve. Doctor said my neck looked like a train that had derailed. He wanted to operate right away, but I went the chiropractic route and Im glad I did. With monthly adjustments and decompression of my neck I stay pretty much pain free and riding my Honda's are not a problem except on occasions when I try to ride to long I'll start getting some discomfort in my lower neck and right shoulder.

demon78 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 10, 2015, 12:43:54 PM »

I know if my son/daughter tried to control my bike driving they would be told to piss off, he's definitely an adult so it's not up to you to tell him what to do, if he borrows your bike and you do some riding with him see how it goes, he may simply say not worth it or say book passage for the TT I've dug up a sponsorship.
Bill the demon.

Pecantree · « **Reply #18 on:** May 11, 2015, 08:49:40 AM »

Here's a solution!

From last years Harvest Classic.

I hope your dad can find a way to ride safe and pain free.
Good luck to him.
Steve

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Author Topic: Riding with neck problems (Read 1735 times)