I've got a L-4 fracture from '91'. I have put about 7kmiles on a SM with the stock roadster (similar to gunfighter) seat and 17kmiles on the TBA since Dec 05.
The SM setup was better on my overall back situation in that my upper spine seemed to have less stress. The TBA with the wide factory pullback bars seems to put me in a more comfortable riding position but my upper back seems to take more stress from those hard bumps and dipps. I have all the factory suspension with my rear shocks set to the 3rd position preload.
I think that R3 Classic style floorboards just behind the current forward pegs would help a great deal.
I seem to have more problem with butt burn than spine pains. I attribute this to the TBA seat being a little to small for my body size.
The TBA is great for everyday ridin' but for the long term and cross country I'm opting for the Rocket III Classic. (sometime in the future.) I'm 6'4" 300+Lbs and the big saddle on the R3 more suits my butt, frame and weight for the long haul. Still love ridin' those SM and TBAs though.
Not to get off topic but the answer may be relative to the original topic but what exactly is the benefit of the progressive rear shocks and springs for the front shocks?
