Rider backrest: difference between adjustable and non-adjustable

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Aug 4, 2016 | 05:51 PM

#11

YPD485

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 2,060

Likes: 157

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister Breeze

To each his own....
I've owned both and prefer the non adjustable. Once you have it set, it's fine. Easier to remove I thought too. My adjustable was a pain to get it off at times.
Plenty of them out there too. Bought my last one on eBay for $80 like new. Everything included.

I also tried both on my 2014 Limited. All the adjustable backrest did when adjusting it was to press way to much into my back. So I could only use it in the full rearward position. Then I got a CVO heated seat and the adjustable backrest pressed to hard into the leather of the seat to where it would eventually tear the leather.
So I removed the adjustable and now have the fixed backrest which is comfortable and doesn't damage the seat. Now I see why the CVO bikes only come with the fixed backrest and not the adjustable backrest.

Aug 4, 2016 | 07:14 PM

#12

Steady Eddy

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 234

Likes: 12

From: Ohio

I bought the non-adjustable for my RK with a Hammock seat. It didn't allow me to lean back enough (I'm 6'2"). Took it back to the dealer, bit the bullet and got the adjustable version. Perfect. Rarely adjust it, but did a couple of times on the trip to Sturgis. Definitely the adjustable one if you need more room.

Aug 4, 2016 | 07:47 PM

#13

crazytown

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2015

Posts: 1,249

Likes: 565

From: Utah

I have the adjustable on my RK. I rarely re-position it during commutes, but will adjust a few times on long rides. I love it, rarely ride without it.

FWIW I kept a watch on the 'Touring Parts for sale' thread, and bought mine from another Forum member. Win-Win for both of us.

Aug 4, 2016 | 08:03 PM

#14

EricD10563

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 2,480

Likes: 73

From: Florida

I have the adjustable and adjust it fairly often while on a road trip. Sometimes I like it to push me a little forward other times I push it back like it's not really there. Once you know where the lever is it's really easy to do on the fly. Me I'd rather be able to adjust it and not need it than not be able too.

Aug 4, 2016 | 08:11 PM

#15

SC_Compact

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 1,324

Likes: 522

From: Dutchess County, NY

Have you considered Kuryakyn Plug-In Driver Backrest - 1670. I picked one up on Ebay and I am very pleased with it.

There is a good vid on Youtube on it ==>

Aug 4, 2016 | 09:55 PM

#16

jberg

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 1,832

Likes: 37

From: Rockland County, NY

The adjustable unit's gas shock has a slight cushioning effect adding to its comfort where the non-adjustable is rock solid.

Aug 5, 2016 | 01:37 AM

#17

valpal

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 179

Likes: 10

From: Switzerland

EXCELLENT input @ALL you guys! Thanks so much. As I dare to say that I would shell out the money for the adjustable one (just cringe at the thought) I am also one who likes to have choice, even though later on I might not be making use of that choice. Then again, buying something where you're "stuck" is annoying if you realize that you'd need some adjustment. Literally. And I do ride long stretches, so I am indeed changing the seating position here and there. So I guess I'll go the route of adjustable as I do not have a CVO. The Kury one looks good too but that is not adjustable from the looks of it, so I'll go with the MoCo adjustable one. I will probably have spent my money less wise than that... Thanks again! Much appreciated.

Aug 5, 2016 | 08:05 AM

#18

Super08

Supporter

Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 1,046

Likes: 69

From: Alberta

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC_Compact

Have you considered Kuryakyn Plug-In Driver Backrest - 1670. I picked one up on Ebay and I am very pleased with it.

There is a good vid on Youtube on it ==>Kuryakyn Plug-In Driver Backrest Harley Davidson Street Glide Special - YouTube

That is what I ended up with. I had the HD non adjustable one but could not get it in a position I was happy with. It pushed me forward too much. The Kuryakyn backrest is manually adjustable (seat has to be off). Some don't like that it doesn't fold down for getting on or off the bike, but that is a non issue for me. I really like it.

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Aug 5, 2016 | 03:05 PM

#19

470004

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 25,020

Likes: 19,431

From: New York

I have both one on each bikes. On the adjustable rider backrest, I had never re adjust it since it was installed.

Aug 5, 2016 | 03:13 PM

#20

Handyman163

2nd Gear

Joined: Aug 2015

Posts: 6

Likes: 1

From: SW Michigan

Mustang makes one that is adjustable with a thumb-screw. You can adjust how much it pushes against your back by reaching behind you while you ride. Height is only adjustable when you stop, but at $215, it sure comes in right on price. I have one and love it. Installs under any Harley touring seat with the slot cut out for a backrest. Compared to the Kuryakyn, it was worth the extra $60 to have adjustability and the ability to fold down flat to aid in swinging a leg over or letting passengers on/off.

"Mustang Driver Backrest Kit"

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