Drivers Back Rest
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: Andersonville, East TN.
I had an adjustable backrest on my 2010 Streetglide, with an 2011 seat which has much more padding than the stock 2010. I recently bought a 2014 Streetglide and took the adjustable bracket and all off the 2010 and bolted it right on the new 2014. I did however leave the adjustment lever OFF because I rarely very adjusted it and didn't like the look of it on the side of the bike next to the motor. I left the bracket position where it was when I took it off the older bike anyways so it's comfortable on the new bike for me without the unsightly adjustment lever. You can still adjust it if you take the seat off however. Also, MOST importantly I cut the steel plate the backrest pad mounts to, the part coming out through the seat when mounted, about 2 inches shorter then welded it back and painted it black. It was hitting my back way too high instead of my lower back and that made all the difference in the world on my comfort level. You can still adjust it higher but I never have. In fact I wish I had cut it another inch lower.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 84
From: New Jersey
I had an adjustable backrest on my 2010 Streetglide, with an 2011 seat which has much more padding than the stock 2010. I recently bought a 2014 Streetglide and took the adjustable bracket and all off the 2010 and bolted it right on the new 2014. I did however leave the adjustment lever OFF because I rarely very adjusted it and didn't like the look of it on the side of the bike next to the motor. I left the bracket position where it was when I took it off the older bike anyways so it's comfortable on the new bike for me without the unsightly adjustment lever. You can still adjust it if you take the seat off however. Also, MOST importantly I cut the steel plate the backrest pad mounts to, the part coming out through the seat when mounted, about 2 inches shorter then welded it back and painted it black. It was hitting my back way too high instead of my lower back and that made all the difference in the world on my comfort level. You can still adjust it higher but I never have. In fact I wish I had cut it another inch lower.
Sent from my iPhone using IB AutoGroup
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,847
Likes: 2,495
From: Lake Orion, MI
Like most of you, I have the adjustable back rest. The only thing I did not like was (and my rest is high) I could see the steal plate that connected above the seat. Just didn't look right for me - so, my wife made this.
I have never had the adjustable back rest but agree one of some kind is a must. I have stock seat and non adjustable back rest. I should try the adjustable one one day, but I figured once you had it installed, it would not need to be changed. Sort of like my seat in my vehicles...
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 900
Likes: 1
From: Denver, CO
Kind of felt the same way myself until I got the adjustable. I think you will find that you do adjust it around depending on conditions and how you feel at a given moment. It's worth the xtra $$$ IMO.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 84
From: New Jersey
Depending on if my feet are up on the hi way pegs or the floorboards, I like to adjust the back rest. It's also nice just to be able to get in different back positions on long rides, etc.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 528
Likes: 14
From: pittsburgh
I'm in the process of adding the hd adjustable backrest on my limited right now. I found this site in a previous post and it really helped with the install: http://www.baggersmag.com/motorcycle...ider-backrest/
Advanced
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Piedmont, SD
I recently installed the adjustable backrest on my '14 SGS and I love it. My only complaint is that I wish it went back just a *little* further. The installation instructions from H-D are horrrible, but as SecondGear mentioned, there are a few videos on youtube that are very helpful. The bracket itself is easy enough to figure out, but the remote lever is a little more confusing. Works great though!