A question for you tall folks...

[crag antler]

I vote for the super bike bars. You lean a little bit into the wind which means your trunk muscles are not fighting to keep you upright against the breeze.

I tried Superbike bars on my GS1100E and at 6'4" I noticed my wrist s were getting sore after riding short distances.
Being able to adjust the stock bars to a comfortable position really helps.And as was posted not being too tense will really make a difference. 8O 8)

[dpep]

Certainly handlebars are part of it. I am a fraction under 6-5 and have ridden an 850 for 115000 or so miles including many trips with all day riding. I have used different handlebars over the years. I should have ditched the stock ones earlier than I did. You want to set up the bike for the kind of riding you plan to do most. If you are going to do a lot of touring or commute regularly for any distance, you should get a windshield or fairing, highway pegs, and bars somewhere between stock and short. If most of your riding is for shorter jaunts and you won't have a windscreen, then go with the lower bars so you can lean into the wind as mentioned earlier.

The stock bars are not good for your long arms unless you mostly ride in a leaned back, cruiser-like position with your feet on the highway pegs. Yes, the rider's footpegs are too far forward. I have examined the possibiity of relocating them many times, but I could never come up with anything that appeared worth it. I decided it would just be easier to adapt my riding position and habits. With shorter, less pulled-back bars you will sit more forward on the seat which has the effect of putting the pegs a little more to the rear relative to your body.

Speaking as one who has back injuries and who has had back surgery I can tell you that the most effective pain relief you have at your disposal are your stomach muscles. Tightening them relieves pressure on your back. Try it the next time it starts to ache. Also, always tighten them before you jerk your bike onto the centerstand; it could keep you from injuring your back in the first place.

Otherwise, all of the suggestions above are good ones.

[Dink]

Don you took the words right out of my mouth.
Leslo how is your physical condition? I would suggest some sit ups and 12crunches, this will help tone your stomach muscles, and relieve pressure on your lower back. In fact I think all of the replies in this thread have merit, Run through the list, any of the sugestions here could help and all of them certainly will, Start doing sit ups etc, and give the bike a good twice over, cause it deserves it anyway.
Dink

[duaneage]

I'm 6'3" and ride a gs650G

I have standard bars and found that aligning the drop in the bars with the forks cured most of my problems. Working out on my shoulder muscles in the gym helped too, as I had pain between my shoulders. A fairing is on the list for next year as highway speeds force you to hang on too much.

[Wingnut]

I had a similar problem. 45 minutes and my lower back hurt. I had the stock bars too far back. I moved them forward, so the riser is in line with the forks and it made a huge difference. This winter I will change to a lower bar as mentioned and anticipate further improvements.

[Anonymous]

I'm guessing that when talking about the handlebars, most folks are referring to the G models. I ride the GL models and the stock bars are one of the things I like most about the bikes. I am 6'3" and am pretty comfortable. One thing's for sure though. Staying relaxed can really make a difference. I notice it most with my wrists and forearms. When I start to hurt, just relaxing my grip is all I need to do.

[Carter Turk]

You can remove the rubber on the footpegs and gain a 1/2'' of legroom. I've had three knee operations, so it made a difference in comfort for me on long rides. Carter

[WesV]

I'm guessing that when talking about the handlebars, most folks are referring to the G models. I ride the GL models and the stock bars are one of the things I like most about the bikes. I am 6'3" and am pretty comfortable. One thing's for sure though. Staying relaxed can really make a difference. I notice it most with my wrists and forearms. When I start to hurt, just relaxing my grip is all I need to do.

IIRC G means Shaft Drive. What you are talking about it the L designation with the pull back handle bars, stepped seat and all. I too (6' even) personally like the pull back handle bars, allows me to sit more upright in a natural position, but many people complain about them, and change em right off.

[earlfor]

For minimal lower back strain, I set my handlebars as...............
put bike on centerstand and while sitting upright on the bike and leaned slightly forward, (kind of a slumped position really) stretch out both arms with your hands palm down. The handlebar grips should be 4 to 5 inches beyond your reach. Once underway, the airflow will support the "stretched" position and neutralize the load on your wrists and arms.

You're looking for a position with neutral "buoyancy" at the speed you ride at most frequently. I like about 2 or 3 ounces of weight/download on my hands at 70 mph.

Earl

I had a similar problem. 45 minutes and my lower back hurt. I had the stock bars too far back. I moved them forward, so the riser is in line with the forks and it made a huge difference. This winter I will change to a lower bar as mentioned and anticipate further improvements.