Custom Driver's Backrest
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 3
From: Clarksburg, PA
Custom Driver's Backrest
I've been having lower back problems for a few years now and really needed some support.
I have a Wideglide seat with some memory foam and reshaping done, but it really didn't help my lower back.
I sat down and designed a pretty cool backrest.
I've got less than $60.00 into it and it looks better than my genuine HD passanger backrest!
The hardest part was getting the shape and contour of the backrest. I used a tree to shape it...then it was off to the upholsterer to have it covered.
He did a real nice job...complete with a zip on / off cover. He charged me $45, but I handed him $50 and told him to keep the change...I was impressed with the quality of work!
Here it is in position. Almost looks factory.
Removed:
The mounting bracket comes up through the slot in the Wideglide seat.I had to open the slot a little with the dremel. Thefemalebracket is welded to a piece the runs along the bottom of the seat and is bolted to it. Leaning back on the rest will actually hold it tighter.
I can transfer this system to any bike bysimply unbolting the seat.
The slot is not even noticeable unless you dig for it:
Comparing the HD backrest to mine. The quality of work is noticeable if you ask me...even more so in person.
This angle makes it look a little "out of place", but when level looks good. Overall I'm happy with it. Hopefully get to try it out some over the weekend.
I have a Wideglide seat with some memory foam and reshaping done, but it really didn't help my lower back.
I sat down and designed a pretty cool backrest.
I've got less than $60.00 into it and it looks better than my genuine HD passanger backrest!
The hardest part was getting the shape and contour of the backrest. I used a tree to shape it...then it was off to the upholsterer to have it covered.
He did a real nice job...complete with a zip on / off cover. He charged me $45, but I handed him $50 and told him to keep the change...I was impressed with the quality of work!
Here it is in position. Almost looks factory.
Removed:
The mounting bracket comes up through the slot in the Wideglide seat.I had to open the slot a little with the dremel. Thefemalebracket is welded to a piece the runs along the bottom of the seat and is bolted to it. Leaning back on the rest will actually hold it tighter.
I can transfer this system to any bike bysimply unbolting the seat.
The slot is not even noticeable unless you dig for it:
Comparing the HD backrest to mine. The quality of work is noticeable if you ask me...even more so in person.
This angle makes it look a little "out of place", but when level looks good. Overall I'm happy with it. Hopefully get to try it out some over the weekend.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 3
From: Clarksburg, PA
RE: Custom Driver's Backrest
Thanks for the comment... at least one person can appreciate someone's work.
Maybe I should have posted that I blacked out EVERYTHING on my Bob...it would have gotten more hits!
Love that springer seat on your bike. It looks badass.
Maybe I should have posted that I blacked out EVERYTHING on my Bob...it would have gotten more hits!
Love that springer seat on your bike. It looks badass.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 674
Likes: 1
From: FLORIDA
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Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 3
From: Clarksburg, PA
RE: Custom Driver's Backrest
Thanks guys.
After putting on some miles this weekend, I've decided that it needs a harder foam in it.
It pretty much compresses and I want it to push me forward some.It was really nice on the highway and during heavy accelleration
I also think that some of the pain i'm getting is from the shape of the seat. It slopes upward and puts my pelvis at a weird angle.
I'm going to pull the cover and reshape it like the Harley Reach seat...which i gave to my brother because he liked it so much.
No plans to make them as it needs to be custom fit to where YOU want it to give support. It wasa little involved to make, but not too bad if you have a little fabbing skills.
One dayI made the mount under the seat and the next I made the backrest. The upholsterer had it wrapped on the third day.
After putting on some miles this weekend, I've decided that it needs a harder foam in it.
It pretty much compresses and I want it to push me forward some.It was really nice on the highway and during heavy accelleration
I also think that some of the pain i'm getting is from the shape of the seat. It slopes upward and puts my pelvis at a weird angle.
I'm going to pull the cover and reshape it like the Harley Reach seat...which i gave to my brother because he liked it so much.
No plans to make them as it needs to be custom fit to where YOU want it to give support. It wasa little involved to make, but not too bad if you have a little fabbing skills.
One dayI made the mount under the seat and the next I made the backrest. The upholsterer had it wrapped on the third day.
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