Rider backrest: difference between adjustable and non-adjustable

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Aug 25, 2016 | 07:57 AM

#21

zz2h33

Tourer

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 320

Likes: 21

From: Central Iowa

Those of you with the adjustable backrest can you please take a picture of the end of your gas strut where it has a little pivot arm that connects to the cable? I took my bracket off to run a solo seat for a while and when I went to put it back on that little pivot arm had fallen out. It seems that there is something else missing because it doesnt reattach properly and the system doesnt function correctly.

Aug 25, 2016 | 08:21 AM

#22

Hate Work

Road Warrior

Joined: May 2015

Posts: 1,718

Likes: 159

From: Maryland

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super08

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.

I bought the Kury #1670 due to a lower back surgery years ago. But even when in it's lowest position, the backrest hit too high on my back. Solution: I sawzall'd off a good inch of the shaft and the backrest slides all the way down to the seat and is very comfortable. It took a few runs to get it right when I first installed it, but now I would recommend it as I paid about $150.

Aug 25, 2016 | 08:26 AM

#23

UUNetBill

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 2,442

Likes: 418

From: South Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by Handyman163

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"

This is what I was going to post - I installed a Mustang solo with the thumbscrew adjustable backrest and love it. I only adjust it on long rides, but the adjustability makes a huge difference once you get beyond 400-500 miles a day...

Then only drawback with the Mustang backrest, at least with the Mustang solo seat, is that you can't use it when you have the passenger pillion installed - the front of the pillion covers the backrest slot. But I almost always ride alone so that's not a big issue for me. Might be for someone who rides a lot with a passenger, though.

Aug 25, 2016 | 10:21 AM

#24

Mustang Seats

Former Sponsor

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 294

Likes: 53

From: Three Rivers, Massachusetts

Quote:

Originally Posted by UUNetBill

Then only drawback with the Mustang backrest, at least with the Mustang solo seat, is that you can't use it when you have the passenger pillion installed - the front of the pillion covers the backrest slot. But I almost always ride alone so that's not a big issue for me. Might be for someone who rides a lot with a passenger, though.

We recommend recessed versions of our passenger seats when mounting behind a solo with a driver backrest. The lumbar-nose ones fit fine without the backrest, but as you say they cover up the hole. So the solution is to get a recessed rear seat for use with a solo with driver backrest.