Stiff Shoulders

M

Maxdar

Well-known member
Site Supporter
Forum Sponsor
Been riding my new(almost) CBR125 for about a month. Went up to Newmarket from the Beaches and between my shoulders started to get really stiff and sore. I'm not sure my posture is correct. I've read about conditioning my core.

As for posture, what is "good" on a little CBR? I think I'm leaning forward a bit, but should I be trying to stay upright as much as possible? Upright is difficult given the low handlebar position.

The stiffness started to impede my ability to do shoulder checks. I tried to stretch it out as much as possible, but it was making me nervous and I had to cut the ride short.
 
If you're new to riding, your shoulders are just getting used to being held and used in that riding position.
Keep riding, and it will work itself out. It doesn't hurt to strengthen and stretch those muscles (eg. push-ups with your shoulder blades apart, reverse flies (arm lifts while facing downward), arm across the chest stretches, etc)
 
I found the pain was allways there,ninja 250,thats why i now ride an enduro style bike,sitting more upright is way more comfortable.
 
Maxdar said:
given the low handlebar position.
Click to expand...
LOL, wait till you ride an SS.

But yes, you should be using your lower back mostly instead of your arms to hold yourself up. You can do things like hyper-extensions or deadlifts at the gym over winter but for the most part you'll get used to it with just more riding.
 
Also new riders tend to be tense while riding. Learn to relax your muscles and shoulders, again more seat time helps. If you are riding tense and stiff you will be sore after a ride. Easy way to check is if you can flap your elbows like a bird you are riding relaxed if you can't you are too stiff.
 
squeeze the bike with your legs.

You'll feel more secure on the bike, and more relaxed in the arms. You'll also have better control of the steering.
 
You're "white knuckling" or death gripping the bars. It's typical amongst new riders, and I did the same. Result: sore shoulders, mid back pain and sometimes neck.
 
stormcat said:
You're "white knuckling" or death gripping the bars. It's typical amongst new riders, and I did the same. Result: sore shoulders, mid back pain and sometimes neck.
Click to expand...

This

Its also not a good idea to be stiff on the bars because you transfer all the tracking from your bars to your frame which makes the bike shimmy around. Try just resting your hand on the grips with relaxed arms. You'll find you ride will feel better

This is my signature
 
Thanks everyone. Tried using my core more tonight and it did make a difference. Until I hit the Gardener (first time on highway) for a few exits...definitely tense on the bars!

Still, feels better using core and holding tighter with my knees.... Flapping my elbows feels like I'm doin the funky chicken, dunno if I'll use that as my go to style... but thx anyway Taximan!! ;)
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom