Driver backrest questions
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 240
From: On 2 rails...
Driver backrest questions
I have a 2013 RK and had my seat modded by MCC who nailed it. But now we have a new issue, my wife is tiny and even tho she is comfy back there we find that she'll slide forward as there is so much room between us, it doesn't bother me but is discomforting for her.
So cost wise we were trying to figure out what to do and think that a backrest for me may wedge her in better and alleviate the sliding forward issue.
So there are two kinds of mounts a fixed and adjustable, my seat has been shaved to the max and with the factory bars I am comfortable without one.
Is there an advantage/disadvantage to adjustable (pricey) or fixed, and there seems to be two types of backrests also, one with a fixed flat bracket and one with two rods and a spring.
Can someone give me some insight as to what works with what and id one style or the other would be better?
She doesn't want to give up floorboards for pegs so she could lock in with her heels and the grabrail option would be useless unless she held on to it constantly.
So cost wise we were trying to figure out what to do and think that a backrest for me may wedge her in better and alleviate the sliding forward issue.
So there are two kinds of mounts a fixed and adjustable, my seat has been shaved to the max and with the factory bars I am comfortable without one.
Is there an advantage/disadvantage to adjustable (pricey) or fixed, and there seems to be two types of backrests also, one with a fixed flat bracket and one with two rods and a spring.
Can someone give me some insight as to what works with what and id one style or the other would be better?
She doesn't want to give up floorboards for pegs so she could lock in with her heels and the grabrail option would be useless unless she held on to it constantly.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 168
From: WPB, FL
It would be highly annoying!
You don't want to put a drivers backrest on the bike to make it a stopping point for the wife to wedge herself against constantly. IT WOULD BE HIGHLY ANNOYING TO YOU to have her "banging" into it constantly! I have an adjustable backrest on my RK and that didn't work out to well UNTIL I broke down and sprang for a full tourpak setup including wrap around backrest. The real icing on the cake for her was when I installed the tourpak armrest kit. She likes to "turn in" the padded rests to "lock" herself in more securely. Also, I never removed the passenger grab rails because she still uses them on occasion.
I realize it's not the perfect RK look but it gives you a removable option.
I realize it's not the perfect RK look but it gives you a removable option.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 809
Likes: 39
From: Duluth, MN
That sounds more to me as though the seat is not working for her. I have an adjustable backrest that I use for long trips...other than that it is never on my bike.
Maybe there is a way to change the angle on the rear portion of the seat??
Maybe there is a way to change the angle on the rear portion of the seat??
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,133
Likes: 2,528
From: CT/FL
get a street glide seat and she'll slide backwards lol
seriously,
are her footboards raised up to the highest position? my wife is tiny and she has a backrest so she can push against that and feels secure when we slow down. sometimes she locks her thighs against me if we have to stop quickly. maybe re-cover her part of the seat with something not as slippery?
seriously,
are her footboards raised up to the highest position? my wife is tiny and she has a backrest so she can push against that and feels secure when we slow down. sometimes she locks her thighs against me if we have to stop quickly. maybe re-cover her part of the seat with something not as slippery?
Last edited by Joe12RK; Mar 22, 2016 at 09:30 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,066
Likes: 1,945
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Originally Posted by Roadblock_MN
Maybe there is a way to change the angle on the rear portion of the seat??
Talk to MCC if they can do. Or the seat might be a little slippery. Try a non-skid padding like a sheepskin or something.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 240
From: On 2 rails...
Tour Pak is best option, I have the 4 point already but was holding off til we got a lil closer to retirement. Especially now with the RR cutting off jobs and OT not sure where I'll be 30 days from now in the ability to make a good weeks pay.
The drivers backrest won't lock her in, but based on measurements a rolled towel at the lower part where it goes into seat will keep her from her butt sliding forward.
As for MCC, that'll have to wait til I retire in 8 years and am closer in Myrtyle Beach.
I'm looking for my cheapest temporary fix.
The drivers backrest won't lock her in, but based on measurements a rolled towel at the lower part where it goes into seat will keep her from her butt sliding forward.
As for MCC, that'll have to wait til I retire in 8 years and am closer in Myrtyle Beach.
I'm looking for my cheapest temporary fix.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 283
Likes: 22
From: Grand Prairie, TX
I've had the fixed version on three different bikes. While I will make some minor changes once in a while, for the most part, I just set it and forget it.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 2,990
From: Charleston, SC
I have a tiny girlfriend, same problem.
I already had a tourpak etc and it does nothing from keeping her from sliding into me. The drivers backrest does though.
She also jams her leather purse thing she rides with in between her and the backrest. Works well. No more issues.
Backrest also gives her something to grab on to...
I already had a tourpak etc and it does nothing from keeping her from sliding into me. The drivers backrest does though.
She also jams her leather purse thing she rides with in between her and the backrest. Works well. No more issues.
Backrest also gives her something to grab on to...
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
If she is sliding on the seat then the problem is either with her seat, or her seat - if you get my meaning! Consider either getting your passenger seat recovered with a matt surface such as suede leather, or some riding jeans (or whatever she wears) with suede patches. You could have patches added to her favourite riding apparel.