Funny but i have heard the flip side of these comments... A lot of guys love the Electra Glide compared to the Beemers...I have 70000 miles on my bike and with the backrest and seat first then the pullback bars i can got 1000 in a day... Buddies riding K1200lt and another guy riding a St1300 and a Goldwing had just as much *** pain at the end of the trip as i did... LOt of personal preferences... I wouldn't mind having a K1200GT as a 2nd or 3rd bike but for touring... The HD is the one for me now...
Thank goodness we have choices.

 

I agree 100% Dave - some on here won't but they have never been to the other side - Some folks on here think the Ultra rides better than a Goldwing? - Well all I can say is their just built different then I am - I have ridden Wings over 250,000 miles without a back issue but like you I also like the Ultra for what it is but if I'm not able to ride it - then I'll have to go a different direction - I'm not bad mouthing the Harley, it's me that just doesn't fit the bike - I just got back from a ride on my r65 airhead - dem now thats a motorsycle

 

big difference in *** pain & back pain - a custom seat will take care of *** pain - it's not the bike - it's me with the problem - the riding position just isn't working for me - tom

 

I had the same problem with my 07 Ultra I changed the handlebars and that solved my lower back pain

 

I'm having a had time understanding how handlebars can help with lower back? - I can see helping shoulder pain but not lower back? What bars did you go to

 

Allow your seat to break in(5-6K), handlebar adjustment is also important. Move your feet around to different areas of the boards. Foot position can make a big differance.

 

Its all about the seating/riding position. If the riders feet are in Front of the ***/tailbone your spine will absorb all the weight and shock. Any BMW, FJR, ST13, touring design has the riders feet/pegs directly under the seat allowing the driver to arch forward slightly (i.e. Yoda). Bars, seat, beads, etc will not correct this style on the Ultra for you. You could always try riding with your feet on the passengers pegs? Don't recommend it. Everyone who hasn't tried it will Knock sport bikes or (crotch rockets) as Looking uncomfortable to drive but it is actually the most ergonomic position for the body and comfort. Again, this is not a knock on the Harley but the ride is not for everyone. FYI. Very nice R65, looks amazing!!

Dave

 

If you liked the r65 you might love my r100t

 

I went with the ergo bars part # 6011038 (up-back) it stops you frrom leaning forward and down all I know it work for me

 

I have a similar problem. Once I got a lower back pain it was difficult to get rid of. That is until I purchased an inversion table. http://www.teeter-inversion.com/. After only 10 or 15 minutes on this thing, I get relief. Actually, when I first get off of the thing, my back hurts as bad as when I got on it. About 20 minutes later, like magic, the pain is usually gone. If I discipline myself to use it every day I have fewer incidents of pain.

It may be worth it for you to give one of these a try. Going back to the BMW may not solve the problem.