Purchased an 06 FXSTI last week, it's been 25 years since my last Harley. Since I'm in my late fifties now, it didn't take long to realize that I'll need to make some changes to the bike to make it enjoyable to ride; First off I will need a different seat, which provides good lumbar (low back) support for my aching back. Also gonna have to have a windshield.
I've done some searches and found that there is a good aftermarket support for Harley accessories. I'm hoping that some of you more experianced riders will offer up some advice on what's good and what's not.
Le Pera has a few seats that seem to be designed for low back support, and I narrowed my search to one called the "Maveric". They won't have one to fit the 06 FXST till end of march or early April, but that's not a long wait. Windshields--WOW--so many choices. I'm 6' 1" and not quite sure what would be the right height for me? Should I see over the windshield or through it? Is the "quick detach" really a must have? Clear or tinted?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

Rather than changing the seat, you might consider using the stock seat and a barrel bag on the passenger seat. Most barrel bags come with pads that have lumbar support. There are several different sizes so if you go this route, make sure you get one that fits properly. Another key is to make sure your handle bars don't make you lean forward. That is the worst possible riding position for someone with a bad back. I have a Standard and three bad vertabrae in my lower back and I choose to go the barrel bag route. It works for me. To me, a windscreen is a must in clear. I haven't found many bugs that taste good. Finally, consider an engine guard with highway pegs. This allows you to change butt positions on longer rides thus reducing fatigue.

 

Can't help much with the seat though I've never heard anything negative about Le Pera, But with the windshield You don't want to be able to see over it and I much prefer the detachable. Even if you never plan on riding without it it will make cleaning easier in my opinion. M.

 

I called a couple of suppliers, including the local Harley shop, and nobody know's what a barrel bag is. Could you be more specific in describing this item? I'd like to get one ASAP if it will work for me.

 

i prefer the windshield to be at around the bridge of my nose.this way you could look through it or over it.

 

Ok, I found barrel bags on ebay. didn't see one that had a pad for low back support, in fact none of them looked to be usable for that purpose. Do you suppose you could tell me exactly what make bag you have, or better yet where to get one? Thanks.

 

I feel your pain. Got 3 ruptured disk. Mustang makes several styles for Softails, some have removeable back rest. The 2 peace I have is a step design with the passanger pad attached which adds back support. Did several 500 miler days last summer. Can't help with windshield. I draw the line there although wife would love one!!!!

 

Dont know about the seats. But here is my experiance with the wind shield. I put the king size nostalgic winder shield on my deluxe last year. First winder shield I ever had ( I been ridin since the late 60's).

Some times what drives me crazy is the very top being at about eye level is having to look at the line at the top. kinda like looking thru it or over it , I prefer looking over it, It does offer a lot of wind protetion, I am going to try the shorter version when the weather warms up. You will still get some wind coming from under neath. I installed the HD wind deflectors on my from forks and was amazed at he wind it did knock off. Especialy on your ears ifn you are wearing a half shel helmet. But then I got tired at looking at them deflectors mounted to my bike and took them off after I got me one of those Jacks Flaps leather vest. With the windshield on the vest does work very well, not as much as the fork mounted deflectors but enuff to make me happy. When It gets really hot out i some times like takeing the windershield off and gettin some wind. I do recomend the quick detach for taking it off and on. If you get the windeershield I recommend using the cleaners for it, I have uses novus & plexus and they work good.

happy trails to you.[sm=biker2.gif]

 

Here's the brand of barrel bag I use by Lazy Rider. Sorry for the confusion.

http://www.hsgear.biz/productinfo.as...ctid=LAZYRIDER

 

I have had Mustang Seats and I can vouch for them. They are sooooo Comfy and Well made.

As for Windshields, Memphis Shades Makes nice stuff. I had a half Tinted one on my last Harley.

They take a couple seconds longer to get off then the Harley Quick disconnects but their system Works well and they are much cheaper to buy.

You want the windshield to just come below your eyes. The wind and debris will go over the top of you. I just had my Stock Harley windshield on my Heritage Cut about 1" or so. Before I was looking through it and everything was kinda blurred due to the curve of the windshield.

You definatly want one that comes off easy.