Handle Bars causing shoulder and back pain

[Kunkies]

I have a 2000 GL1500CT (a.k.a., Honda Valkyrie Tourer) in fast black. 

After my first long distance jaunt ~4 years ago, I installed 2" risers due to having to reach too far forward creating shoulder, back pains.  I only installed the 2" risers because I did not want to retrofit new [longer] cables.

I just completed a 4,101 mile to/from Sturgis trip and came back with the same pains.  Does anyone have a recommendation on new handlebars with an increased pullback?  Looking for input, suggestions; off color jokes  . . .

My sincerest thanks in advance,

[Momz]

You may want to search for a set of HD XLX61 bars (most are black) in chrome. They don't pull back as as far and are a bit "straighter".
I have installed a set on my "Bobber Valk" and I like the overall feel.

K&N makes a few 1" Super Bike bar styles as well as several 1" Flat Track styles that may work for you.

[Bone]

My 98 Tourer (Fast Black) was giving me similar pains. I'm 5'11" with normal reach. I installed the 1" spacers wanting to move the bars back they seem to help. Unfortunatly my longest ride since then has been a couple of 500 mile rides.
I believe getting the hands back closer to the body is the answer maybe being younger is the true answer to the problem

[98valk]

had same problems, followed http://www.drbookspan.com/  no problems anymore.

using the clone deuce risers helped http://www.jpcycles.com/product/5000728

final relief was following Dr Bookspan

[Gryphon Rider]

I installed 2" risers due to having to reach too far forward creating shoulder, back pains.  I only installed the 2" risers because I did not want to retrofit new [longer] cables.

Just to clarify, the risers you installed are 2" longer than stock, i.e. they put the bars 1.4" higher and 1.4" farther back compared to stock?  Whatever solution you find that puts your hands closer to you than that will probably require longer cables.

[Jess from VA]

Taller risers is the usual solution, but a taller seat will also help.  My Ultimate bigboy puts me a bit closer to the bars than my lowboy, esp with the driver's backrest stood straight up like I like it (and a bit less bent knees to boot... and I like the bigboy better than the lowboy, and I'm a midget 5'9").

Also, do not forget that you can loosen the riser clamp(s) and have a little up or down play with your current risers).

[WDAN]

http://www.bigbf.com/product_sale/

Big BF has 6" deuce risers many of us have purchased. He has a video that will show you how to re-run cable so no cable replacement.
I installed them and love them. Gives me bend in my elbows so no more back/shoulder pain due to bars.

[sandy]

Could it be that your handle height is too low? Most Valks I see have the bars too low. I roled mine up so the handles are mid chest height. The shoulder and chest muscles do most of the work and never any back aches. I'm 5' 9" with a 32" inseam.

[Valker]

Like Sandy said, rotating them up fixed that exact pain in my shoulder blade area.

[Kunkies]

You folks are awesome, great feedback and advice.

I'm going to try raising the handlebars this weekend.  This also gives me yet another excuse to go long distance and make sure it works!   

Kindest regards to my fellow Valk' addicts.

[BnB Tom]

   OR...

You might consider taking more frequent rest stops 

               

[HayHauler]

Make sure you out a good thick towel over the tank before loosening the handlebar clamp.  You could get a nice dent in the tank with the sudden drop of the bars. 
Almost happened to me and has probably happened to others. 

Welcome to the asylum!

Hay
Jimmyt