Have no idea...
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Joined: Nov 2017
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From: Oklahoma
Have no idea...
I just bought a 17 Street Glide Special and don't know anything about this type of bike. First type like this I've ever owned, much less ride. I had to replace the original seat due to my height and do not have the access to the backrest attachment that's under the seat pan. Do they make a backrest that attaches to the original rails along side the seat? Don't know anything about backrests, bags, fairings, etc. Needed transportation to go about 550 miles/weekend and finally bought this type of bike but know nothing about all this attachment "stuff". I'm sure (or assuming) a guy can install a backrest with something other than the original, solo, or the access blocked to the mounting points under the seat pan. Thought I would cut to the chase and ask someone who may know this already.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,030
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From: Calgary AB
What seat did you buy? Can you return it and get one with a backrest, or if an HD seat the slot in it for the backrest?
I use a Mustang seat, they have their own backrest setup, don't use the HD setup. You have to order the seat with the backrest.
I use a Mustang seat, they have their own backrest setup, don't use the HD setup. You have to order the seat with the backrest.
Last edited by dwagar; Nov 3, 2017 at 06:35 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,508
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From: Illinois
You can also go online to the harley store. Enter your year and style of bike and then simply go to the seats section. It gives you everything you can install on your bike and good instructions and reviews. I do this every day and map out what Im going to buy next, study the instructions and then have a good idea what and how to do it. Jp cycles also sells some really good aftermarket stuff........ Talk to the parts department at your dealer as well, they are more than willing to help. Enjoy that new bike....
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Joined: Nov 2017
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From: Oklahoma
Thanks for all the information. The seat I have is a used seat but it is a Badlander seat from HD. When I bought my bike HD had installed the wrong saddlebag on the right side. Before I bought it I showed them, so yesterday I rode to get the new one replaced from the one that came with it. I talked to one of the mechanics and he wasn't aware of a backrest that didn't go through the seat to support it in lieu of the side. He is a mechanic and not a parts/accessory guy. I appreciate all the information. I'm trying to learn about these things. It's so different from what I usually ride but I'm taking to it like a duck to water. I'll look into all the information as you guys had told me about. Thanks to all.
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Joined: Nov 2017
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From: Oklahoma
I actually did have it taken to an upholstery guy. He did a great job but there's only so far back they can move the seat. I needed the original seat to go about 1.5 -2" further away from the tank. , I learned later. I heard later that a guy around 6'7" had his seat modified by having the back of the drivers seat area's seat pan, cut out and then modified. Said it worked great at 6'7" and 300+ pounds. I'm not quite to his size but the original seat was a killer. I'm thinking of modifying the seat pan to see if I can get the same results. I should have known better. You can only go back so far until you get into this flair that keeps the rider from going any further back. That would work if you were already where you needed to be, not 2" too close. If I can get the original seat to work, then I could change it before the weekend ride and install my backrest that you can purchase most anywhere. Good suggestion. I think I may delve further into that thought.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2015
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From: Ohio
Thanks for all the information. The seat I have is a used seat but it is a Badlander seat from HD. When I bought my bike HD had installed the wrong saddlebag on the right side. Before I bought it I showed them, so yesterday I rode to get the new one replaced from the one that came with it. I talked to one of the mechanics and he wasn't aware of a backrest that didn't go through the seat to support it in lieu of the side. He is a mechanic and not a parts/accessory guy. I appreciate all the information. I'm trying to learn about these things. It's so different from what I usually ride but I'm taking to it like a duck to water. I'll look into all the information as you guys had told me about. Thanks to all.
