Coccydynia and My Motorcycle Journey

By Jeff S.

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Original posting, -06-05:

Years ago, I experienced a slip and fall incident that injured my tailbone. Initially, it was just a slight discomfort, but over time, I began experiencing heightened pain after prolonged periods of sitting. Frustrated with the discomfort caused by various office chairs, I eventually invested in a substantial office chair that provided better support. However, this didn't alleviate the discomfort stemming from restaurant seating and bar stools. I consulted my doctor, who couldn’t pinpoint the issue, and I was subsequently informed about my condition: coccydynia. My new physician noted that it was rare, suggesting little could be done, especially given my age (50).

The pain fluctuated based on the type of seating I used. Things shifted when I got my dream motorcycle, a Harley Davidson, but to my dismay, even the well-cushioned seat of the 05 Wide Glide couldn't shield me from pain after just an hour of riding. The ordeal of dismounting and standing caused considerable suffering.

During a custom bike show, I disclosed my issue to a custom seat expert who was surprisingly well-versed in coccydynia. In a brief conversation, he provided more insight than any healthcare professional I'd encountered over the last decade. He assured me that he could design a seat that would alleviate tailbone pressure, and we proceeded to create a design tailored to my customization needs. After a couple of weeks, I received the seat and was hopeful. My riding duration extended by an hour before discomfort returned, which I managed further with a menthol pain patch placed on my tailbone.

I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved in this community for sharing their experiences. With a newfound awareness of coccydynia and resources like this website, I no longer feel isolated by my condition. I'm even revisiting my seat design for further improvements. I've gained control over my issue, determined not to let it dictate my life.

Best, Jeff S. from San Bernardino, CA

Update, -08-21:

Dear Friends,

Thank you for the supportive emails regarding my quest for a more comfortable riding experience. I’m delighted to share my progress.

The meeting with the seat company was fruitful, and I expect a prototype within two weeks. They are genuinely invested in understanding my needs, unlike previous experiences where bulk orders were emphasized.

Using the original seat pan from my 05 Wide Glide, they plan to create a design that redistributes weight away from the tailbone, fostering a surrounding well that accommodates the sensitive areas instead of just adding thicker cushioning. After testing this prototype over a 100-mile ride, I'll provide another update.

I haven't disclosed the company's name yet as I'm unsure of this platform's rules, but it’s worth mentioning they specialize in customizing motorcycle seats for law enforcement and professional racing. Referred by a CHP officer, I found their pricing for the CG seat reasonable, expecting costs between $300 and $500 based on the work involved.

Some have questioned why I’m generous enough to give away my design without seeking personal gain. Firstly, I can afford it. Secondly, the community’s support has been invaluable, making me realize that I’m not alone in this struggle. Adhering to the principle of reciprocity, I find it essential to give back the knowledge I’ve gained. I can only hope to assist others as this forum has helped me.

Best, Jeff S.

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Update, -10-02:

Dear friends and fellow riders,

I recently took the final version on several long rides, and the results were encouraging; the discomfort was minimal compared to past experiences where pain would set in after just an hour of riding.

The seat design introduced was dubbed "The Tailbone Seat," primarily for ease of pronunciation compared to coccydynia. It optimally isolates the coccyx area, easing muscle tensions that exacerbate the issue. It also encourages proper posture, preventing slumping that contributes to tailbone discomfort during rides. The pressure distribution was a significant improvement, transferring it away from the spine and onto the outer thighs—an adjustment that felt strange initially but became unnoticeable shortly after.

The crux of the design process centered on creating a seat that fitted comfortably without excessively softening in problem spots, as I encountered with previous models. Cee Bailey effectively tackled this challenge within their custom products.

The entire setup, including customized materials and designs, totaled around $450. Pricing varied with materials like leather or marine vinyl. They required a filled questionnaire about my riding style and body measurements for the design.

This seat may not be a universal fix owing to individual differences, but it restored my love for riding. I should note that I have no affiliations or commissions with Cee Bailey for your orders—just a satisfied rider hoping for your journey to be as smooth as mine.

I hope it serves you as effectively as it did for me!

Best, Jeff S.

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Update, -10-02:

As winter approaches, riding may become less appealing due to colder weather and slippery roads. It's advisable to prepare your motorcycle for winter storage until the spring thaw. If you need guidance on this, refer to the resources available.

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