15 Best Bikes for Back Pain Problems in 2024

More than 60% of Motorcycle riders suffer from back pain. The main reason behind this issue is the ergonomics of the bike. Although bad roads and long rides contribute to the issue, choosing the best bike for back pain with good suspension setups and upright riding position puts less strain on your back and helps to minimize the pain.

Essential Features for Bikes to Avoid Back Pain

• Lightweight Design: Bikes with less weight are easy to maneuver. Heavy Bikes put more pressure on your back.
• Upright Riding Position: Bikes with great ergonomics are more comfortable for back pain.
• Good Suspension Setups: Reduces impacts on the back. A good suspension absorbs shocks from uneven roads.
• Comfortable seats: Well-cushioned seats help to reduce back strain during long rides.

15 Best Bikes For Back Pain Problems in India

#Commuter Bikes

Commuter bikes are one of the best bikes for back pain problems due to their handling and lightweight. These bikes usually feature an upright riding position by promoting a natural posture and reducing strain on the back. The handlebars and footpegs are positioned to ensure minimal reach and are effective for daily smoother ride.

1. Hero Splendor Plus XTEC

It is one of the highest-selling motorcycles in the world, although a lot has been changed from the older version. The Hero Splendor is now integrated with XTEC technology, ensuring high fuel efficiency and rapid power & pickup. 

Powering the Splendor Plus is a 97.2 cc engine that delivers 8.02 PS of power and 8.05 Nm of torque. With just a weight of 112 kg, the company promises a high mileage of 80.6 kmpl. Also, the seat height is 785 mm, and the wheels come with tubeless tires.

The upright seating position makes the handling very light, reducing any strain on the back and arms of the rider. Praised for its reliability, maintenance costs, and fuel efficiency, the Splendor Plus is an excellent choice for daily commuting, making it easy to handle in urban traffic.  

2. Honda Unicorn

For a long time, Honda Unicorn has been said to be the best suspension bike due to its fantastic comfortability and handling. Several changes have been made since the old unicorn. 

The new Honda Unicorn features a 162.7 cc engine producing 12.91 PS of power and 14 Nm of torque. With a seat height of 798 mm, the kerb weight of the bike is 140 kg, and comes with tubeless tires. The Monoshock suspension system is best suited for urban roads, minimizing shocks and reducing strain on the back. Honda Unicorn has been noted for being a reliable, low-maintenance bike suitable for a comfortable ride over long distances.

3. Yamaha FZ-S FI

It is one of the most comfortable bikes for back pain relief. Yamaha has been improving the FZ series every year with newer upgrades. The bike has a 149 cc engine that generates 12.4 PS of power and 13.3 Nm of torque.

Weighing just 135 kg and with a seat height of 790 mm, the FZ-S offers an upright riding position and a well-designed seat suitable for city roads and long cruises. Positioning the handlebars and footpegs straight gives a relaxed riding stance and exceptional handling in traffic. Yamaha uses lightweight monocross suspension that provides an excellent shock-absorbing performance, giving good stability on rough roads while putting less impact on your back.  

4. Honda SP 125

The Honda SP 125 is the smoothest of all bikes in terms of engine performance, powered by a 123.94 cc engine that delivers 10.87 PS of power and 10.9 Nm of torque. The bike weighs 116 kg and has a seat height of 790 mm.

The bike’s ergonomics is designed for an upright riding posture. Its lightweight design and handlebar position provide a comfortable riding experience for city commutes and longer journeys.

5. KTM Duke 125

The Duke 125 is the entry-level bike from KTM. This stylish, agile bike has a 124.7 cc engine that delivers 14.5 PS of power and 12 Nm of torque. The bike features a single-channel Bosch ABS, a kerb weight of 159 kg, and a seat height of 800 mm.

The KTM Duke 125 is a performance commuter that provides an upright riding position with excellent seat comfort for both rider and passenger, making it suitable for urban commuting. KTM has used the WP upside-down front forks and mono 162 mm suspension in the rear, which can be adjusted for preload. The shock absorbers do a good job of maintaining the bike’s stability and reducing back pain.

#Cruiser Bikes

Cruiser bikes are considered to be the best for people with back pain. These bikes have low seat height, forward footpegs, and handlebars positioned for upright seating, contributing to better stability and handling of the motorcycle. 

6. Royal Enfield Classic 350

It is one of the most popular cruiser bikes powered with a 349cc BS6 engine that generates a power of 20.21 PS and a torque of 27 Nm. The bike has a kerb weight of 195 kg and a seat height of 805 mm, making it a sturdy, stable motorcycle.

The ergonomics of the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is designed for an upright riding position with handlebars and footpegs positioned to maintain a natural posture, reducing the risk of back pain. Although the bike’s weight is higher, it improves its stability while cruising on roads. Bikers with low body mass may find it difficult to maneuver in city traffic.

The seat design is wide, comfortable, and conducive, built for long rides, and evenly distributes the biker’s weight. Royal Enfield has used telescopic 41mm forks and Twin Tube Emulsion Shock Absorbers in the rear with 6-Step Adjustable Preload. The front and rear suspension absorb road shocks effectively, even on rough terrains, providing less strain on the back.

Overall, the bike is known for its relaxed riding position, comfortable wide seat, and good suspension, which is suitable for long tours, but due to its weight, it might be a concern in city traffic for some riders. 

7. Honda H’ness CB350

The Honda Highness is a modern cruiser featuring a 348cc engine that generates a power of 21.07 PS and a torque of 30 Nm. The bike has a kerb weight of 181 kg, lighter than RE Classic 350, and a seat height of 800 mm.

The style of the bike promotes a relaxed and upright riding position, essential for reducing strain in the back. Regarding its ergonomics, the handlebar placement and footpeg position are designed to travel long distances comfortably. The split seat is well-padded for both the rider and pillion, offering support and comfort. 

Honda has used telescopic front suspension and Twin-hydraulic adjustable rear suspension that manages vibrations decently. The bike’s weight is manageable due to its weight distribution, ensuring great riding posture and minimizing the chances of backache, making it suitable for city riding.  

8. Royal Enfield Meteor 350

Another Cruiser bike in the Royal Enfield family with a more plush riding position. The stylish Meteor produces 20.4 PS power and 27 Nm of torque from its 349 cc engine. This modern cruiser has a kerb weight of 191 Kg and offers a comfortable seat height of 765 mm.

The company has focused on building the bike for rider comfort to cover long journeys. Unlike the Classic 350, the Meteor features a more relaxed riding position with an upright stance. The low seat height adds comfort for stability and handling, forward set footpegs, and a handlebar that puts less strain on the rider’s arms and back. 

Although the Meteor 350 uses the same suspension setup as the classic 350 with front telescopic forks and adjustable twin tube emulsion shock absorbers in the rear, the Meteor’s design and ergonomics are more focused on providing a relaxed cruising experience.

The Meteor is considered one of India’s most comfortable bikes for back pain relief with its super-relaxed riding position and comfy seats for both rider and pillion. Due to its heavy weight, the bike may be difficult to manage in stop-and-go traffic and slow riding.

9. Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220

Bajaj has offered the Avenger Cruise 220 with a blend of style and comfort for riders who dream of taking a cruiser bike for long journeys that is not as heavy and comfortable to their back. Powered by a 220cc engine, the motorcycle generates a power of 19.03 PS and a torque of 17.55 Nm. The bike features single-channel ABS, a seat height of 737 mm, and a dry weight of 163 kg.

The bike’s ergonomics are designed for laid-back cruise-style riding, which puts less pressure on your back and shoulders. The relaxed handlebar position, forward set footpegs, and good seat cushioning contribute to a smooth ride. The plush seat is wide and comfortable for both rider and pillion, and because of its low seat height, it’s accessible for short riders as well.

To absorb road bumps effectively, bajaj has used Telescopic with double anti-friction bush suspension in the front and a 5-step adjustable Twin shock absorber in the rear. Weighing just 163 Kg, the Avenger 220 is lighter than many cruiser bikes, making handling more manageable, especially in city traffic and tight spaces. 

10. Bajaj Avenger 160 Street

The Bajaj Avenger 160 Street is the trimmed-down version of its sibling, the Avenger 220, with a displacement engine of 160 cc that churns a power of 15 PS and a torque of 13.7 Nm. The bike features single-channel ABS, a seat height of 737 mm, and a kerb weight of 156 kg.

Even though some features are pretty similar to its predecessor, the Avenger Street 160 is more lightweight and maneuverable, making it an excellent choice for urban commuting and long rides. The 160 cc engine produces less power than the Avenger 220cc but is more fuel-efficient and easier to handle.

With such low seat height and lightweight design, the bike promises a relaxed riding position. The Avenger 220 is better suited for longer journeys due to its large engine and more cruiser-oriented features. Still, the 160 Street is a more accessible and city-friendly bike with excellent handling capabilities. 

 #Adventure Bikes

Adventure motorcycles are considered the most comfortable bikes for back pain due to their long travel suspension system, seats designed for long-distance comfort, and an upright riding position that helps maintain a natural spine alignment.

11. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

Launched in November 2023, the Himalayan 450 is a robust-built motorcycle designed for adventure touring equipped with a 452 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that generates a power of 40.02 PS and a torque of 40 Nm. The bike has a dry weight of 196 Kg, dual-channel ABS, and a seat height of 825 mm.

The 450 is ergonomically designed for a comfortable upright riding position, making it suitable for long adventure rides. The most highlighted feature of the bike is the seat height adjustability that can tuned according to the rider’s preferences and for off-road and on-road performance.  

RE has integrated 43mm front upside-down fork suspension and a linkage-type mono-shock suspension in the rear, giving it the power to handle rugged terrains comfortably. Since the suspension is designed for off-road performance, it absorbs vibrations well enough to prevent backaches. Considering the bike’s weight to be on the heavy side, the handling is perfect for long distances with its steady performance.

12. KTM Adventure 250

Known for its balance between performance and well-adjusted suspension, the KTM Adventure 250 has been the likes of adventure bike enthusiasts. The bike boasts a 248.76 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine generating a power of 30 PS with a torque of 24 Nm. It features dual-channel ABS, tubeless tires, a seat height of 855 mm, and a kerb weight of 177 kg.

The Adventure 250 is mainly appreciated for its handling and adventure capabilities. The upright riding position combined with a seat height higher than the Himalayan 450 makes it even more worthy to handle long distances and various terrains without compromising on your comfort.

KTM has used the WP APEX Suspension in both the front and the rear (mono suspension) which does a great job handling and damping vibrations, absorbing most of the shocks.

13. Suzuki V-Storm SX

Considered to be one of the best-looking motorbikes from Suzuki. The V Storm SX owns a 249 cc single-cylinder oil-cooled engine that produces a power of 26.5 PS and a torque of 22.2 Nm. The bike weighs just 167 Kg and features a dual-channel ABS with a seat height of 835 mm.

People who own the V-Storm say that the bike, being an adventure tourer, is also comfortable for city commuting. With a straight handlebar and footpegs, the Storm SX has an upright riding position that does not pressure your back while riding.

The bike uses front telescopic forks and swingarm-type rear mono suspension that reduces back strain during extended rides. The ergonomics combine comfort and handling and the power to handle city traffic and off-roading.

14. Honda CB200X

Designed for city and touring rides, the Honda CB200X is the lightest adventure bike to avoid back pain. Powered by an 184.4 cc engine that generates a power of 17.26 PS and a torque of 15.5 Nm. The bike has a kerb weight of 147 kg with a seat height of 810mm and also features a single-channel ABS with Slipper assist technology.

The Honda CB200X maintains your normal posture with its upright riding position and comfortable seat. Also, the seat height is the lowest among all adventure bikes, making it easy for People with lower back pain to maneuver the bike swiftly, even in city traffic.

Honda uses Upside Down Front Forks (USD) and mono-shock suspension in the rear, enhancing ride comfort and stability while handling the motorcycle. Though the rider seat is comfortable, the seat comfort for the pillion rider could be improved. 

15. Hero XPulse 200 4V

The XPulse 200 is appreciated for its off-road capabilities and urban adaptability. Powered by a 199.6 cc oil-cooled engine, the bike produces 19.17 PS of power and 17.35 Nm of torque. With a kerb weight of 161 kg and a seat height of 825 mm, the Xpulse provides a comfortable upright riding position. Featuring a single-channel ABS, the front suspension is a telescopic fork with an anti-friction bush while the rear suspension is a 10-step preload adjustable monoshock.

The Hero XPulse 200 4V offers a balance between performance and comfort. Designed for off-road and urban adventure, the bike’s ergonomics effectively handle back pain, especially on long rides. The adjustable suspension manages uneven roads smoothly and offers great handling and maneuverability.

Importance of Bikes with Good Suspension

The primary function of a motorcycle’s suspension is to absorb shocks from the road. A well-tuned suspension system can significantly reduce the impact felt by the rider, leading to a smoother and more comfortable ride. Good suspension reduces strain on arms, back, and feet, making it comfortable and easy. It also provides great handling and stability for the bike, requiring less maneuvering effort.

We formulated the best bikes for back pain in India in 2024, analyzing motorcycles in all categories, including cruiser, adventure, and standard daily commute bikes. Each bike is evaluated for its ergonomics, riding style, weight, suspension travel, and seat comfort.

Types of Suspension System

1. Mono-Shock Absorbers: Mono-shock absorbers contribute to better maneuverability and handling, especially in taking corners. Mono shock suspension has advanced preload, rebound damping, and compression adjustability features. These suspensions need frequent maintenance and can be expensive to maintain. 
2. Dual-Shock Absorbers: Most low-displacement and cruiser bikes have a dual-shock suspension system because of their reliability and simplicity. These shock absorbers can also be easily adjusted for preload according to the rider’s requirements. Although good for stability, dual shock absorbers are not meant to handle aggressive cornering.

# Tips for Back Pain Prevention

1. First and foremost, maintain a proper riding posture. Avoid hunching over, and keep your spine straight and your chest out.
2. Stretch your body before and after your ride – especially your back, neck, and wrists.
3. Take breaks during long riders (after every 50 km).
4. Use appropriate gear such as gel-padded gloves, good shoes, and padded seats. The goal here is to minimize the strain on your spine.

# Advice to Avoid Back Pain

• Lower Back Pain: Try installing handlebar risers on your motorcycle. This adjustment will make you sit upright, helping you maintain spine alignment and reduce strain on your lower back.
• Mid-Back Pain: A stiff seat is the cause of mid-back pain. Try padding your seat or get a padded seat accessory for better position and seating support.
• Upper Back Pain: Is a result of poor posture. Improve your posture by sitting with your chest out even when you are not riding a bike. Do shoulder exercises regularly.   

# Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Two Wheeler Has the Best Suspension?

• Honda Unicorn
• Hero XPulse 200 4V
• Yamaha FZ-S

# Causes of Motorcycle Back Pain

• Height and weight: Depending on the Rider’s height and weight, the type of bike must be chosen. Height Problems lead to slouching while riding. Weight problems cause lower Backaches while dealing with motorcycle weight.

• Riding Position: Where there is discomfort, there is pain. Always ride with your back upright, Shoulders pushed back, and avoid hunching.
• Motorcycle Weight: I feel pressure on my back while moving heavy bikes. Your choice of a motorcycle should be proportional to your weight.