Upper back pain means you were probably reaching too far forward.
Look for a bar setup with more pullback, that should allow you to relax your upper back.
You want bars you can pull back toward you more, not bars with more pullback. It is not the same thing. The more pullback you have the more your wrists will get kinked in an unnatural position as you lean them back toward you. You want bars with less pullback so you can lean them toward you more.
Have you tried adjusting the current bars yet? My neck sucks and would get numb after an hour on my old deluxe. I turned the bars down a couple inches and never had another problem. Amazing what a small change can do.
Kromewerks + 2 sweepers for bars, C&C super tourer seat with back rest, floor boards moved forward 2" and out 1" it is like my Lazy-boy now! Fixed the same problem you are having get the bars first it will make a big difference.
I always found that a backrest cures my upper back pains. I also installed the "touring" bars on my Limited and that helped to reduce the "reaching" for the bars.
I always found that a backrest cures my upper back pains. I also installed the "touring" bars on my Limited and that helped to reduce the "reaching" for the bars.
Riders backrest (adjustable), new handlebars with more rise and pullback. The 12.5" apes you mentioned will work well to help you with your problem, and the backrest will make it so good you will be able to ride tank to tank no problem.
Have you thought about seeing a physical therapist who can evaluate you on your bike. They'll look at your body mechanics and tell you what is wrong and what is best. Just a thought, it's really not subjective when there is pain, get some measurements and then fit the bike.
Good luck
Thanks guys for all the input. Lately I have been waking up with shoulder and arm pain. But, its all good Ill just claim it with the VA and have it checked out. It could be the morning pain and than riding.
I never really had this issue before. Ive rode longer before and never had the pain really. Most of my other riding was freeway. Today was a 2 lane main road with lots of lights and stopping more than I have before.
Ill ride again and see how it feels. I plan to do the 12.5'' Apes, and new solo seat anyways.