Detachable Backrest or Rigid Mount?
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Go rigid
I bought a detachable windshield & detachable backrest rack combo. Like the one guy said, I've taken it off maybe twice in a year and that was so it was easier to clean the bike. Quick detach in my opinion makes for quick theft. I'm frustrated also because I want to put bags on my bike and it makes it harder with the quick detach backrest. I wanted quick detach so when I wanted to go for a cleaner look when riding around town I could take them off. I never do. When I trade the bike it will be easier to remove them and that's the only benefit I see.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,863
Likes: 21
From: Kennewick, WA
I went QD and to be honest the backrest is only on the bike 3-4 times a year for a few hours. It did rattle until we upgraded to the touring seat. It has a wide pillion that pushes against the backrest and killed the rattle. For the saddle bags I made some brackets that use the docking points to hang them on (they are throw over bags). I set it up so once I drill holes in the backrest brackets I can remove 4 bolts and run the bags with the backrest. I like having options.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
I bought a detachable windshield & detachable backrest rack combo. Like the one guy said, I've taken it off maybe twice in a year and that was so it was easier to clean the bike. Quick detach in my opinion makes for quick theft. I'm frustrated also because I want to put bags on my bike and it makes it harder with the quick detach backrest. I wanted quick detach so when I wanted to go for a cleaner look when riding around town I could take them off. I never do. When I trade the bike it will be easier to remove them and that's the only benefit I see.
I take my detachble backrest/luggage rack on and off all the time, like couple times a week, depending on what I need to carry. Bags will be the same way. When I drop my backrest and bags on within 30 seconds, or take them off in the same amount of time.
The quick detach hardware will take the same amount of time to remove as the other hardware, if you remove it to sell the bike.
Check your other post on this... Easy Brackets.... bolt on the same bolt holding the HD QD hardware....
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 347
Likes: 1
From: Lexington, IL
07 FXDL here . . .came with detachable backrest, not something I would've purchased but I couldn't beat the price. 
I have to say that I really like being able to take it on/off. Mine goes on for long trips to hold the touring bag. It also has a luggage rack on it so I can put the sleeping bag, tent or sleeping pad on the rack.
The other really nice feature is if I'm out running errands I slap it on as I can carry just a little bit more. (have bags too) The only real advantage I can see is if you were using rigid plates and wanted to run the barebacks QD for bags the bags would be held in a little bit tighter to the bike.
I have to say that I really like being able to take it on/off. Mine goes on for long trips to hold the touring bag. It also has a luggage rack on it so I can put the sleeping bag, tent or sleeping pad on the rack. The other really nice feature is if I'm out running errands I slap it on as I can carry just a little bit more. (have bags too) The only real advantage I can see is if you were using rigid plates and wanted to run the barebacks QD for bags the bags would be held in a little bit tighter to the bike.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Florence
I like the quick disconnect. Personally, I like having my options open. Hate being locked into something.
If I want to use a solo seat, the ridged backrest would be quite un-natural.
I used the HD turn signal relocate so I would have room for large saddlebags.
The type of bags that fit between the shock and "un-relocated" turn signals, look weird TO ME, they just look too short.
Now, if I had known better at the time, I would have went with ( and I still plan to eventually) what JMPANCOAST has for his signals. I think he had to do some minor modding to the bracket, but I think it looks real nice.
And yes, my backrest rattled, but you can wrap the rear docking point with a little electrical tape. That cured my rattles.
I used my backrest with a T-bag a lot prior to getting saddlebags, now I only put it on if I have a rider or have to pack extra gear.
If I want to use a solo seat, the ridged backrest would be quite un-natural.
I used the HD turn signal relocate so I would have room for large saddlebags.
The type of bags that fit between the shock and "un-relocated" turn signals, look weird TO ME, they just look too short.
Now, if I had known better at the time, I would have went with ( and I still plan to eventually) what JMPANCOAST has for his signals. I think he had to do some minor modding to the bracket, but I think it looks real nice.
And yes, my backrest rattled, but you can wrap the rear docking point with a little electrical tape. That cured my rattles.
I used my backrest with a T-bag a lot prior to getting saddlebags, now I only put it on if I have a rider or have to pack extra gear.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 5
From: West Branch, Michigan
I have the QD on my 2007 FXDL..... They had to use the TS "relocation kit"....which only moves the signals out further from where they already are. Didn't have to change my license plate location either. I like the option of riding with or without. It takes 2 seconds to put on or take off. 
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 5
From: West Branch, Michigan
SOKO...........FYI, Harley does make a LOCK with keys for the QD set up. It's in their Parts book. I've taken mine off for rides around town.... and put it back on for longer trips when I attach my luggage to it.
Ackman 1968 My QD has never made a sound so far..... and my P pad doesn't touch the brackets at all.
Creekhed1 is interested in this set up specifically for a Low Rider, so what worked or didnt work on your model might not be what he would run into. Just saying....... and not to sound disrespectful to anyone.
Ackman 1968 My QD has never made a sound so far..... and my P pad doesn't touch the brackets at all.
Creekhed1 is interested in this set up specifically for a Low Rider, so what worked or didnt work on your model might not be what he would run into. Just saying....... and not to sound disrespectful to anyone.
