When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am waiting for a new RKS to be delivered at the end of April and have started to make plans for it, I would hope to not need a windshield but thought a good supportive riders back rest would make faster open roads more comfortable.
I enjoy riding back roads mainly but obviously many journeys require long stretches of Motorway (UK), does it make much difference?
One benefit for me would be having to slide my leg through and not swing it over and scuff the saddlebags!
Thanks for any replies, Rob
I am waiting for a new RKS to be delivered at the end of April and have started to make plans for it, I would hope to not need a windshield but thought a good supportive riders back rest would make faster open roads more comfortable.
I enjoy riding back roads mainly but obviously many journeys require long stretches of Motorway (UK), does it make much difference?
One benefit for me would be having to slide my leg through and not swing it over and scuff the saddlebags!
Thanks for any replies, Rob
on my 2017 RK a couple of times I took the windshield and backrest off to look 'cooler'.....each time I couldn't wait to put them back on and got to the point I decided never remove them again..all around comfortable ride was much more important than having the more stripped down look...I'm 6'3" with long legs so not only did the backrest help immensely but I could also easily swing my leg over it.....if I got a 2nd bike it would be a softail and used for short distance riding and then I could deal with not adding either...for you, in an effort to save money potentially, I'd suggest riding it as is for awhile as you'll find out quick enough what you don't like and address it then
on my 2017 RK a couple of times I took the windshield and backrest off to look 'cooler'.....each time I couldn't wait to put them back on and got to the point I decided never remove them again..all around comfortable ride was much more important than having the more stripped down look...I'm 6'3" with long legs so not only did the backrest help immensely but I could also easily swing my leg over it.....if I got a 2nd bike it would be a softail and used for short distance riding and then I could deal with not adding either...for you, in an effort to save money potentially, I'd suggest riding it as is for awhile as you'll find out quick enough what you don't like and address it then
Thank you, that makes a lot of sense!
I know what you mean about trying to looker "cooler" rather than comfortable, I hope I am past that now!!
@Billsbuffalo ..i agree with @mjwebb .. My backrest never comes off.. I'm 6'3 as well and have to kick high, lol, too clear my seat rest.. But comfort and no back pain is worth it.. The windshield thing.. I use a fairing from Memphis Shades originally from my '16 Night Rod Special and modified after I sold it to fit my '21 Road King Special. It is the absolute best solution I have ever encountered for keeping the cold wind off me in the frigid months. It goes completely away from the traditional RK look with a normal windshield, but every windshield I tried... No matter the size, height, or company... All gave me some level of buffeting. My Fairing is quick detached.. And altho I did modify (around larger headlight) because it was from the Vrod... Memphis does make one specifically for the Road King. Ironically I bought another Vrod (a Muscle this time) and had to get another fairing for it. This is my set up. One Pic with on.. And nother with it off after 5 second removal
One benefit for me would be having to slide my leg through and not swing it over and scuff the saddlebags! Thanks for any replies, Rob
First congrats on the new RKS great choice. What color are you getting? As far as a riders back rest and shield they are must have items if you are 50 and over in years. Maybe even 40 and over.lol If you are worried about scuffing the bags which is bound to happen regardless, especially if you haul a pax you have options. There are lid protectors you can install or on the cheap if you are tall you can mount the bike on the right side. I'm 6'3" and mount from the right side sliding my leg on the seat. If height is an issue you can stand on the right foot board and lift up and over. This is how the motormen are trained to do it here in the US. It keeps them away from traffic during a stop which is safer. I enjoy mounting my bikes on the right side and listening to the much older guys in my club say that's not the right way to do it. Makes me laugh.
Most rider backrests fold forward to allow for leg swing and any passenger you haul can stand on the pax peg or board if you install pax foot (floor) boards and lift up and over. I still can't get my wife to do this unfortunately and she's been riding with me for over 20 years. 🙃 I have lid protectors on my 2020 RKS.
First congrats on the new RKS great choice. What color are you getting? As far as a riders back rest and shield they are must have items if you are 50 and over in years. Maybe even 40 and over.lol If you are worried about scuffing the bags which is bound to happen regardless, especially if you haul a pax you have options. There are lid protectors you can install or on the cheap if you are tall you can mount the bike on the right side. I'm 6'3" and mount from the right side sliding my leg on the seat. If height is an issue you can stand on the right foot board and lift up and over. This is how the motormen are trained to do it here in the US. It keeps them away from traffic during a stop which is safer. I enjoy mounting my bikes on the right side and listening to the much older guys in my club say that's not the right way to do it. Makes me laugh.
Most rider backrests fold forward to allow for leg swing and any passenger you haul can stand on the pax peg or board if you install pax foot (floor) boards and lift up and over. I still can't get my wife to do this unfortunately and she's been riding with me for over 20 years. 🙃 I have lid protectors on my 2020 RKS.
Thanks, I am getting one in vivid black, it is the easiest to get hold of! and does look nice.
55 years so the back rest and screen it is .
I am short, the 3 replies have all been 6`3, I am 5`8 maybe the saddle bag lid protectors are essential then.
@Billsbuffalo ..i agree with @mjwebb .. My backrest never comes off.. I'm 6'3 as well and have to kick high, lol, too clear my seat rest.. But comfort and no back pain is worth it.. The windshield thing.. I use a fairing from Memphis Shades originally from my '16 Night Rod Special and modified after I sold it to fit my '21 Road King Special. It is the absolute best solution I have ever encountered for keeping the cold wind off me in the frigid months. It goes completely away from the traditional RK look with a normal windshield, but every windshield I tried... No matter the size, height, or company... All gave me some level of buffeting. My Fairing is quick detached.. And altho I did modify (around larger headlight) because it was from the Vrod... Memphis does make one specifically for the Road King. Ironically I bought another Vrod (a Muscle this time) and had to get another fairing for it. This is my set up. One Pic with on.. And nother with it off after 5 second removal
That`s a beauty, at 5`8 I am not sure I could reach those bars!
Thanks, I am getting one in vivid black, it is the easiest to get hold of! and does look nice. 55 years so the back rest and screen it is .
I am short, the 3 replies have all been 6`3, I am 5`8 maybe the saddle bag lid protectors are essential then.
There is a member on here Oil. Gas. & Leather or OG as I call him who runs Leather covers on his lids. I have the HD setup on my cases.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
Riders back rest?
