I purchased and installed a riders backrest on my 2014 Road King. There is a little spring inside the backrest that provides something that you make some adjustments to with a T30. I cannot seem to figure out what that adjusts. Does anyone notice any difference regardless of how much you tighten/loosen that thing?

Not the spring that holds the backrest into the bracket (which seems easy to loose) this one is inside the cushion section.

Bob

 

If you look up the backrest you bought in the Harley Parts online catalog, click on more info, it has the pdf with that type of info:

Adjust fore/aft position of backrest pad. Use 3/16 inch hex wrench to adjust set screw that is accessible through eyelet opening on rear of pad. If possible, do not remove set screw because it is difficult to install.

 

Yeah, I have all that.

My question is what does that adjustment affect. Seemingly nothing.

 

The spring inside the backrest just keeps the top of the pad from tipping forward. Holds the pad upright. The adjustment screw inside doesnt control the angle of the pad, it pushes it forward., (or limits how far back the pad will go) The pad will still pivot for and back. With the pad on the bike, you can pull the pad straight forward by hand. The return is what the screw limits. If you find you are too far forward even with the screw all the way in, you gotta reposition the mount itself rearward. If you are too far back with the screw all the way out, move the mount forward. My screw is loose enough I just reach inside while riding and adj to fit.