Bruised

[Old Tiger]

deleted

[John U.]

Well it's true that a Valk is no Goldwing.
You might try a gell cushion or an Airhawk cushion. A cushion is a lot less expensive than replacing the seat.

Although an aftermarket seat or a custom made will make the greatest difference.
Do a search of this site, there are quite a few choices, it would help you to hear what others have to say. I have an Ultimate Big Boy. I like it much better than the stock '98 Standard/Tourer seat but it could have a bit more padding for my rear end.
The Russel Daylong seats appear to have a lot of padding, but I've never sat on one.

[John U.]

I forgot to mention, whatever you do, don't try reducing the tire air pressure so soften the ride. Valks are heavy and will grind a tire up in no time if it is underinflated.

[Earl in Pensacola]

Have you considered Progressive #416 air shocks??  Their expensive, but not really so bad when  compared to many other shocks, especially those "single" shocks.  Anyway, I have a '97 Tourer and put them on because I used to "Tour"  a lot and pull a trailer.  What with 340lbs for two up plus full saddle bags and the tongue weight, I too needed help.  The 416's were the best thing that could have happened!  And by-the-way, I used then for 150K along with the OEM seat!!

[ValkFlyer]

The first ride 3 years ago, coming home I hit a raised edge on the freeway, whap, I get smacked right up my spine. Maybe some adjustments to the suspension is in order? Ditched the OEM shocks and on goes some Progressive 440 hd's. I take her out and find they are a little better but any frost heaves or edges where the pavement changes, I get a solid whack up thru my diaphram, so she set unridden. Yesturday I take out, and after a 100 miles, I am in misery. 45 mph cruising smooth country roads are fine, at speed on the freeway (70-80 mph) my back and organs are taking a beating.I'm at the point of giving up on my Valkyrie. Are they all like this?

6'4" 270lbs and I've adjusted the shocks from 1 to 10 but can't find any real sweet spots.

Are you running stock length (13inches) 440s?  I found that there was a considerable difference in how my Valk handled the pavements after moving back up from a 12 inch.  I'm 260 lbs.  my 440 HD's are set at a pre-load of only 1 and 1/4 turns.

[9Ball]

The first ride 3 years ago, coming home I hit a raised edge on the freeway, whap, I get smacked right up my spine. Maybe some adjustments to the suspension is in order? Ditched the OEM shocks and on goes some Progressive 440 hd's. I take her out and find they are a little better but any frost heaves or edges where the pavement changes, I get a solid whack up thru my diaphram, so she set unridden. Yesturday I take out, and after a 100 miles, I am in misery. 45 mph cruising smooth country roads are fine, at speed on the freeway (70-80 mph) my back and organs are taking a beating.I'm at the point of giving up on my Valkyrie. Are they all like this?

6'4" 270lbs and I've adjusted the shocks from 1 to 10 but can't find any real sweet spots.

Might want to consider wearing a back brace while riding.  Get a good one, not the cheapie Home Depot one (although that would be better than none).

[Jess from VA]

I have worn back supports with good results when my L-spine is acting up.  Changing bike suspension is not going to remove the occasional jolts on a sore low back.

The dirt rider back braces are pretty good and not too pricey. Snug fit is essential and my spare tire belly in front was a bit uncomfortable.... but I lived with it.

(I always use my driver's backrests too, and had to be careful the hard rubber in the back brace did not damage the vinyl.... let a t-shirt stay untucked.

Most of your metric dealers that do business with dirt bikes have a couple in stock, so you can try on before buying.
 
Like this:

http://shop.foxhead.com/store/browse/subcategoryGrid.jsp;jsessionid=D8A7125AC0B0606289CDCFE56FCE1134?categoryId=cat20046&mode=1&categoryNavIds=cat20006%3Acat20026

http://www.motocrossgiant.com/Fox_Racing_Turbo_XL_Belt_p/07038-014-os.htm

There are also ortho supports.

http://www.docortho.com/back-brace/?gclid=CNvsz5Xb0aoCFYLd4Aodnn8b0Q







   

[Farther]

I don't think your bike is the problem.  I suggest you get to your doctor, if you haven't already, and get into a physical therapy program.  If physical therapy does not work you may be a good candidtate for surgery.  This site has some good support belts at relatively affordable price:   http://www.bodysmart-usa.com/Consumer/Weightlifting/WLBL.htm

[Jess from VA]

Farther, not to be contrary, but I would not recommend a solid (no stretch) weightlifter back brace for help in riding (or walking around).  They can be uncomfortable enough with elastic, but downright punishing with no stretch at all.   

[Farther]

I use both but prefer the non stretch one for most activities.

[ValkFlyer]

The first ride 3 years ago, coming home I hit a raised edge on the freeway, whap, I get smacked right up my spine. Maybe some adjustments to the suspension is in order? Ditched the OEM shocks and on goes some Progressive 440 hd's. I take her out and find they are a little better but any frost heaves or edges where the pavement changes, I get a solid whack up thru my diaphram, so she set unridden. Yesturday I take out, and after a 100 miles, I am in misery. 45 mph cruising smooth country roads are fine, at speed on the freeway (70-80 mph) my back and organs are taking a beating.I'm at the point of giving up on my Valkyrie. Are they all like this?

6'4" 270lbs and I've adjusted the shocks from 1 to 10 but can't find any real sweet spots.

There's no way you shouldn't be able to cruise at that speed, if you believe you've got the correct length shock on the back, and they're in good condition.......... then consider what's going on with the front.  I've posted a number of times that the front is also important when it comes to striking a balance between back and the ride, never seem to get a rise out anyone but in my book the two are critical on this big bike....

[Daniel Meyer]

Progressive front springs with ATF, and a car tire will soften it up quite a bit. Kicks ass!

[greggh]

Check your shock bushings and go see a dam Chiropracter.

[valkyriemc]

FWIW; I know its popular to run high pressure in valk tires but I never have. I get good/great tire wear with my dunlops. I run, and have run since 2002,  34 front and 36 back.  My I/S shocks are set on position 2 and I ride mostly solo.  I don't notice any type of jaring ride with that set up. Now on a semi rough road the Busa will rattle my teeth but that bike will also turn 150 in 10 seconds.