My lower back has been going out sporadically the last few weeks for day or so and then feeling a bit better. But on the days it's bad, I can barely stand up straight. First time in years this has happened.
Only things that's really changed is that I've been riding the Wee almost every day to work the last month (38 miles/day). I'm starting to think the upright riding position is slowly aggravating my lower back. Even with a good ohlins rear shock and a good ride, the upright position still makes me feel the bumps in the road right up my lower back even if they're not that jarring. Just the nature of the position.
Used to commute solely on my CBR1100XX that is slightly leaned over. I have bar risers on it so it's not a huge stretch to the bars....it's more of sport-touring position with a slight lean forward with legs bent and behind me. I've never had any back pain of any sort in the 3yrs I've had the Blackbird. Bumps in the road are absorbed mainly through the arms and shoulders b/c I'm leaned over some.
The Wee is more "comfortable" to me especially for longer rides. But I'm starting to wonder if my stubborn lower back will tolerate sitting almost bolt upright.
As a test I'm going to Blackbird it for 2 weeks and see if my back gets aggravated. It's been 3 days so far and nothing.
Then 2 weeks on the WeeStrom and see if things change.
If it turns out to be the Wee, I'm not going to play around with anything..already have a Sargent seat, Ohlins rear shock, and upgraded front springs. I'll probably get rid of it and just ride the Blackbird.
Hope it doesn't come to that b/c I really like the Wee but my lower back may not.
Update
Rode the Wee for the first time in about 4 days. Back has been feeling great since I stopped riding it. Been only on CBR1100XX.
Back is hurting bad again after one commute. This is reminiscent of my '06 Bonneville. Similar riding position to the Wee. Wee has better suspension though. Back was always killing as my sensitive lower back absorbing the bumps in the road. Tried a kidney belt back then and it did nothing. It's not support I need...it's just where I'm absorbing the impact.
Sold it. Kept my Blackbird. Back pain was non-existent.
I'm just going to have accept that a SPORT-touring riding position is what works for me as it has for the last several years. If anything I may go to a Concours 14 down the road if riding position is sporty enough. Otherwise I'll just keep Blackbirding it.
Like I said I've been down this road of never ending back pain with standard riding position bike once before. I don't want to go through it again.
Will be putting Wee up for sale. Sad but necessary.