Is a backrest worth it?
#11
#12
I just rode 750 Miles in the last few days and was looking for anyone's opinion on how the backrest works out for you. I had one on my last non harley bike and used it once. It made me sit upright and it was uncomfortable. It didn't adjust at all. If you do have one how much am I looking at spending? Thanks for the help
#13
#14
#15
There must be some adjustment I am missing, because when mine is pushed all the way back, it is basically standing straight up. I wish it would go back farther. Is there a way to adjust it?
#16
I've had back rests, off and on, with various bikes. I'd have to say their worthwhile is the proverbial "it depends". Mostly on how you sit on the bike. If you've got your bike set up to already hold you forward, the backrest isn't going to do much of anything. On the other hand if you've bars and such that let you lean well back, and slouch, a backrest can help tremendously. Only other caviat with a backrest is their ability to basically punch you in the small of the back on potholes if your rear suspension isn't set up well.
#17
Not only is a backrest crucial to long distance comfort but if you're gonna do a iron but or just taking off for some extended touring there are a few other things necessary...
Loose fitting/comfortable pants
Something between your butt and the seat
Seamless underwear (check out LDComfort.com or similar)
I'm no touring guru but I've done my share of ironbutt's and some occasional 500-600 mile a day road trips.
I have the adjustable HD backrest that ended up costing +$300 for everything but I can tell you having that adjustability helps on the long hauls.
As for seat covers, you need to get some degree of air moving between your butt and seat. I tried a couple inflatables and gel pads but those didn't work out for me. I ended up buying the basic pad that HD makes I guess as an alternative to a sheep skin. It's thin and fits the seat really well. You barely notice it's there and its just enough to get some air circulating between you and the seat.
Loose fitting/comfortable pants
Something between your butt and the seat
Seamless underwear (check out LDComfort.com or similar)
I'm no touring guru but I've done my share of ironbutt's and some occasional 500-600 mile a day road trips.
I have the adjustable HD backrest that ended up costing +$300 for everything but I can tell you having that adjustability helps on the long hauls.
As for seat covers, you need to get some degree of air moving between your butt and seat. I tried a couple inflatables and gel pads but those didn't work out for me. I ended up buying the basic pad that HD makes I guess as an alternative to a sheep skin. It's thin and fits the seat really well. You barely notice it's there and its just enough to get some air circulating between you and the seat.
#18
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