[lpace301]

Hey Guys, I'm a 53 year old new motorcycle rider (as of a year ago) and just purchased a 2008 Goldwing. I've gone on two different day rides of 5 to 8 hours long and get a terrible neck aching and pain after about one hour of riding.
Was just wondering if this is normal until I get use to wearing a helmet that long or if anyone else experienced this. Thanks.

 

[fossil92]

The one thing I can say is something that my brother shared with me. It's possible that you may be gripping your bars to hard, thinking you have to muscle the beast. I was doing that & after my talk with my bro I loosened up & it worked perfectly.

2ndly is your helmet the proper size?

 

[Two Wheel Wing]

If you are not use to wearing a helmet that may be the problem. If it persists, try to look for a lighter helmet which may help.

 

[DreamWeaver]

I haven't had that much of a problem on my 07 Wing but I do have that problem on my 05 FJR. I've determined that its the wind buffeting the helmet and my trying to hold the helmet steady is straining the neck muscles. So, you might try raising or lowering your windscreen some to reduce any wind buffeting around that area. Also, that silly little vent can perform some miracles. Sometimes when the wind is blowing from the side, I can direct the wind through the vent to blow on the upper part of the helmet and it cuts down on helmet jerky movements. I have and use both a HJC Flip Up and a HJC Full Face.

 

[oldsmores]

Try consciously relaxing your arms and letting your elbows drop down a little. I found that for whatever reason I was keeping my elbows raised up, and that was causing a strain on my neck.

 

[Dookoo]

All the advice from above is great. After having a year off of riding many years ago, it took a while for all the little 'stabilizer' muscles to get back into shape. Those little neck, shoulder, and back muscles can cause alot of discomfort and take a while to heal. Time on the bike should ultimately take care of everything. Good luck

 

[Chopin]

Do you have a backrest and Highway pegs installed ? The other issue to consider is the position of the handlebars relative to your reach. For me, the bars are too far forward and I plan to install a riser kit to move them up 1 in. and back 1 in. to take full advantage of the seat backrest.

 

[crownfire]

The other issue to consider is the position of the handlebars relative to your reach.

This, along with Fossil's comments about gripping too hard, would be my guess. I've got long arms and I find it a stretch to the bars. I also have some risers in my future.

 

[budoka]

Just one more piece of advice. Since you are a relatively new rider, have you considered an MSF basic course? if you've done that, how about an advanced rider course. These instructors are very good at spotting flaws in your riding technique and could likely point out what's giving you grief if it's a control gripping thing. That plus the fact it could save your hide is worth it in itself. I did an advanced course a few years back and I was amazed at how many stupid habits I had developed, and I considered myself a good and safe rider. My instructor pointed out that I was actualy putting myself at risk some of the time and could have left myself with no "out" if a cager was to do something stupid in one of the other lanes. Nothing I didn't already know, but had become 'lax' with it. If I do end up with another sport bike, I'm headed to the track for some instruction there. Not to become a boy racer again, but for my own good on a higher performance machine.

 

[Chopin]

The Utopia backrest ( or any brand ) is a PLUS , and for the stock setup it is as good as it can be. Purchase the comforts / supports in increment as your body feels them necessary.

 

[willmax]

A neck rub from the passenger works wonders.

 

[Ron Robertson]

I found that by tipping the handle bar up a little to raise the grips helped on my 1500. Found I was leaning forward and having to tip my head up to to watch the road which was straining my neck and shoulder muscles after riding a while.
Don't know if the 1800 bars are adjustable or not.
From the Northwest Corner
Ron

 

[LarryinSeattle]

Cover the brake and clutch handles with your fingers. This naturally requires you to relax your grip..... otherwise you pull in the clutch and stop with your front brake!! Try using the cruise control or a wrist / throttle breaker too. Keep your breathing deep and relax and enjoy the ride.

You are probably riding the bike like one rides on a roller coaster. The ones that enjoy the roller coaster the most are the ones who can just relax during the ride. I hate roller coasters.

 

[flashie]

What type of riding are you doing? On the open road my neck is fine but around town it hurts because I keep looking for my reflection in all the store windows.

 

[motocopter]

We use flip-up helmets and initially we sometime rode with them in the up position and ended up with neck aches. We now lower them before moving out and have elimnated the neck ache.