Back support

[vtlion]

If anybody out there has trouble with their lower-back on long rides (like I do), check out Teknic's 4 plate back protector.  I snagged one from NewEnough and wore it on a two-day, 450 mile ride this weekend on the highways and backroads of PA/MD on my R6.  WOW!     No back pain AT ALL!  I finally had to stop riding because my wrists were getting sore, but I never expected to feel this good after such a long ride  :mrgreen: .  I haven't had a chance yet to try it out on the GS... she's in the shop getting my new SportDemon mounted on the rear    but I suppose that the results would be the same.

anyway, they are 25 bucks at NewEnough right now and for that price I would highly recommend them to anyone who wants to do long rides on a sportbike or the GS  

http://www.newenough.com/armor_teknic_four_plate_back_protector_page.htm

[GRU]

good to know...it's a great thing and for only $25, what can you buy for $25 these days?  

[Rema1000]

I've noticed a similar effect from my backpack; I have a 35 liter pack with a hip belt, and shoulder belts with a breastbone strap.  So it's a little bit like a frame pack, except the back is a stiff pad, not a frame.

But I agree: I sit straighter, and feel better wearing it.  But the back protector sounds cheaper, and probably even a bit better.

[Bob Broussard]

If it's at all possible, try to get a full 7 plate protector. This will cover the whole spine area. I have a Dainese full protector. It has dual wide straps across the middle. And shoulder straps (I never use).
I'm just concerned with protecton rather than support personally.

[vtlion]

Naturally, more protection = better.

Usually, better =  more expensive.

One more equation... Grad Student = poor.

you see where I'm going with this?  I would LOVE to have  a full back protector, but I couldn't find one for 25 bucks  :dunno:

I suppose I could sell the GS to finance some better gear, but I think I've got a pretty good setup... Astars TZ-1 Jacket, Oxtar TCS boots, JR stage 1 pants (as much for wind protection as for impact/slide protection), and Teknic Violator gloves.  But I just can't make myself let go of my scrappy little twin