Am I Nuts?
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
See22ds,
The single most valuable piece of equipment on my bike is my driver back rest. I'm able to do the long hauls that I was speaking of because I can ride without back fatigue.
If you have any back issues, and don't have one of these then this is what you need. Regardless of whether you do the long trip or not, these things are the cats meow.
Here is an image of one for example...
The single most valuable piece of equipment on my bike is my driver back rest. I'm able to do the long hauls that I was speaking of because I can ride without back fatigue.
If you have any back issues, and don't have one of these then this is what you need. Regardless of whether you do the long trip or not, these things are the cats meow.
Here is an image of one for example...
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
Here's my bike. Note the riders back rest and highway pegs on the crash bar. When I sit normally my feet are below my legs on the running boards, I lean against the back rest. If I need a change I put my feet out and results in a bit more pressure on the back rest.
You need to be able to move around with a couple good riding positions that are comfortable.
You need to be able to move around with a couple good riding positions that are comfortable.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Ron750, no worries, you are not being a buzzkill, you are giving good advice which I will be paying attention too. I know I need to listen to what my mind and body tell me and take breaks accordingly...the last thing I want to do is make bad decisions resulting in myself or someone else being hurt.
Zues33...I have been looking into backrests and will be making sure I have one within a few weeks. I am also looking to see if there is a way to mount mid foot rests as my wide glide has forward controls. I have already upgraded to progressive shocks on the rear and am toying with changing the front springs as well, but will wait till I can ride a bit around here to determine if its needed.
Thanks again guys for all of your advice...it great to get it.
Zues33...I have been looking into backrests and will be making sure I have one within a few weeks. I am also looking to see if there is a way to mount mid foot rests as my wide glide has forward controls. I have already upgraded to progressive shocks on the rear and am toying with changing the front springs as well, but will wait till I can ride a bit around here to determine if its needed.
Thanks again guys for all of your advice...it great to get it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
Ron750, no worries, you are not being a buzzkill, you are giving good advice which I will be paying attention too. I know I need to listen to what my mind and body tell me and take breaks accordingly...the last thing I want to do is make bad decisions resulting in myself or someone else being hurt.
Zues33...I have been looking into backrests and will be making sure I have one within a few weeks. I am also looking to see if there is a way to mount mid foot rests as my wide glide has forward controls. I have already upgraded to progressive shocks on the rear and am toying with changing the front springs as well, but will wait till I can ride a bit around here to determine if its needed.
Thanks again guys for all of your advice...it great to get it.
Zues33...I have been looking into backrests and will be making sure I have one within a few weeks. I am also looking to see if there is a way to mount mid foot rests as my wide glide has forward controls. I have already upgraded to progressive shocks on the rear and am toying with changing the front springs as well, but will wait till I can ride a bit around here to determine if its needed.
Thanks again guys for all of your advice...it great to get it.
Yes you can mount the mid pegs. I ride a Dyna and have forward controls. I bought used mid pegs and add them when I go on a long run. My feet spend a lot more time on the mid pegs on the highway than the highway pegs.
Look for the used pegs online. You can get them cheap because everyone takes them off and throws them in a corner when they add the mandatory forward controls. I bet you could post on this forum or craigslist and find them.
2 bolts each side and they are on or off. Literally less than 5 minutes total. After you do it a couple of times, 3 minutes tops.
Another hint on a Dyna:
If you have stock bars, loosen them up and pull them back as far as you can without hitting your tank at the extremes side to side. The Dyna bars sit very forward and it is much more comfortable to pull them back on long runs.
The Dyna doesn't sit like a touring bike. I've never used a backrest. To put it bluntly I fall into a slouch and can ride like that for hours at a time. It is strange because I sit bolt upright in a chair or in my car. But I've learned what is comfortable for me and what works for hours on end.
Start riding farther and farther, you will find what works for you.
Last edited by Jonesee; Mar 4, 2013 at 07:20 PM.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
Jonesee, If he puts on mids pegs, the brake and shifter is still on the forward controls, correct? At the risk of sounding cynical, I'd recommend nixing the forward controls. Put on mid pegs and move the controls back to work with them. Put on a set of risers or different bars so you can sit upright, feet straight down under your legs and bars comfortable with no reach. Use a backrest. Keep the forward pegs for a second position for when your butt starts getting sore from sitting in the same place for so long. Get a good windshield because you'll be sitting upright instead of leaning forward.
All that or trade in for a touring bike. I have issues with my back, I too slump in to a hunched position when I ride with no support. However it turns out I get a killer back ache from it. So I need the rider back rest, keeps my back straight with no fatigue.
All that or trade in for a touring bike. I have issues with my back, I too slump in to a hunched position when I ride with no support. However it turns out I get a killer back ache from it. So I need the rider back rest, keeps my back straight with no fatigue.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
Jonesee, If he puts on mids pegs, the brake and shifter is still on the forward controls, correct? At the risk of sounding cynical, I'd recommend nixing the forward controls. Put on mid pegs and move the controls back to work with them. Put on a set of risers or different bars so you can sit upright, feet straight down under your legs and bars comfortable with no reach. Use a backrest. Keep the forward pegs for a second position for when your butt starts getting sore from sitting in the same place for so long. Get a good windshield because you'll be sitting upright instead of leaning forward.
All that or trade in for a touring bike. I have issues with my back, I too slump in to a hunched position when I ride with no support. However it turns out I get a killer back ache from it. So I need the rider back rest, keeps my back straight with no fatigue.
All that or trade in for a touring bike. I have issues with my back, I too slump in to a hunched position when I ride with no support. However it turns out I get a killer back ache from it. So I need the rider back rest, keeps my back straight with no fatigue.
I personally have found the throttle buddy and throttle locks to be much more risky than using mid pegs.
As for riding position, he will also determine what is right for him. On his bike (a Dyna) he does not have a split in his seat if he is running a stock seat to mount a backrest for the driver. Dynas are pretty well limited to adding a sissy bar attachment if you have stock seat on. After-market is the key. I hate to hear you get backaches from riding. In my experience I don't. He has a back issue so he will have to figure out what is comfortable for him.
Again, with enough miles, he will find what works for him. Everyone rides differently and sets up their bike differently. Most just never put enough miles on at one time to understand what adjustments need to be made.
To the OP, just start riding farther and farther and working on those things that become an irritant or uncomfortable.
Last edited by Jonesee; Mar 5, 2013 at 06:49 AM.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
I think the key for me, or anyone for that matter, is to put the miles on and while doing so paying attention to what needs to be adjusted. I do believe a back rest is needed, as when i am driving in my truck I am always adjusting the lumbar support the longer I a in the vehicle. The mid pegs will provide another postion to switch to if discomfort sets in nd i need to scoot around. But ultimatley as with anything ones does the more you do it the more confident one becomes. I am sure there are many tips or tricks out there to combat uncomfortableness....taking breaks as needed is probably the best. Just looking forward to being able to ride, rack the miles, making the modifications as needed. Just need the weather to coorperate...more snow in todays forecast...thats the downer...
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
We just got another foot on sunday. More coming tomorrow. What a downer. I'm soo done with winter.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 121
From: Southern WV
Just my experience but the windshield was the most important thing I added to reduce fatigue. The wind will wear you out on long rides at interstate speeds. I added a used Mustang seat so I didn't have a break-in issue like some mention. I put a lot of miles on my Softail set up. Still no comparision to the SG I have now for comfort tho.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
I do have a detachable windshield now which I defiantly will use.
Yes we are getting 11" here today they say...I am done with wonter as well, but suppose to be in the 40's this weekend and rain...so the good news is it is warming a little and rain melts snow.
Yes we are getting 11" here today they say...I am done with wonter as well, but suppose to be in the 40's this weekend and rain...so the good news is it is warming a little and rain melts snow.