Rider Backrest Question/Advice
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Lake Barrington, Illinois
Rider Backrest Question/Advice
I'm planning to add a rider backrest to my 2014 Ultra Ltd. I have looked at several types online and have it narrowed down to the Mustang Vintage (model 79610 mounting hardware included - $216) and the HD model Smooth Style Adjustable Rider Backrest (model 52501-09A - $110 + the mounting hardware $220). Both look good and appear to be easy to install and are easily removed and adjustable. What makes the HD backrest worth the $114 cost premium? I don't mind paying more for something if it's truly worth it.
Anybody out there have experience with both types and can offer an opinion? Thanks.
Anybody out there have experience with both types and can offer an opinion? Thanks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 35
From: Southern Maryland
i have three seats, each with a backrest. i have an Ultimate that is on a 2006 Yamaha Road Star, a Mustang touring seat with backrest and a Russel Day Long that use with the HD backrest. None of mine are adjustable on the fly. the HD one can be moved forward and back while stopped and reaching down into the slit of the seat and pinching the spring assist mounting it has.....and boy, what a pita. i've found that once adjusted, there is seldom cause to readjust it.....but thats just me. many have commented on the adjustable back rest but not too many have mentioned it was worth the extra bucks to adjust on the fly. i do think that its a very good add for comfort, no matter which model you would buy. i wouldn't be without one after riding with them.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 421
From: Northern, Ohio (Yuck!)
You also ought to look at the Utopia Products backrest. That is what I have. Made in Akron, Oh!
High Quality
Adjustable to almost any position
http://www.utpr.com/about.html
High Quality
Adjustable to almost any position
http://www.utpr.com/about.html
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 714
if u do long trips the adjustable is with it imo, i will reach down and change it anytime I'm getting stiff or sore when on long rides. if u do a majority of shorter rides lots of stops and around town then the adjustable may not payoff.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 3
From: Stamford, CT
I'm able to adjust my HD backrest on the fly even with the plastic heat guards on the frame, and I find myself doing it often based on how thick my clothing is that day or what seat I'm running. It's also nice to vary the angel on long rides.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I have the H-D manually adjustable. I know which position I prefer and have the mount set for that.
The used market commonly has them at under $150...in a variety of stitching styles.
But all in all I don;t use it much- when touring I use a Tbag on the pass seat for a back rest ( and the map pocket is my lumbar support...more maps/ fewer maps...adjustable! )
mike
The used market commonly has them at under $150...in a variety of stitching styles.
But all in all I don;t use it much- when touring I use a Tbag on the pass seat for a back rest ( and the map pocket is my lumbar support...more maps/ fewer maps...adjustable! )
mike
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,590
Likes: 1,151
From: Brandon,Fl
I took the easy way out and made my own for less than $50, including the backrest. Got a piece of 3/16th steel from Home Depot and did some heatin, beatin, and bendin and ended up with this. Not adjustable but the thickness of the steel has just the right amount of flex/ firmness for me. Picked up the backrest at a swap meet 
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,680
Likes: 602
From: South Florida
I bought the HD manual adjust rider back rest & pad and once I set the fore & aft adjustment to my riding position,I have not made any changes in the last 6,000 plus miles except for adjusting backrest tension on the pad which is done with a alum wrench through a access hole in the backrest.Also you can raise the pad up or down three positions without a tool.The manual one is less money and in my opinion a better way to go.Most adjustable ones seem to have excessive clearence in selected positions after they are used for awhile.JMHO
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
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
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 95
From: lancaster, pa
I got the on-the fly adj HD one and think it was barely worth it if at all, paid 250 online in 07.
also look at the pad size witch limits the adjust ability, so took it to a local upholster and had them take about an inch out of the pad witch made a huge + difference.
also look at the pad size witch limits the adjust ability, so took it to a local upholster and had them take about an inch out of the pad witch made a huge + difference.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post