Backrest advice
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Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 52
Likes: 13
From: Petaluma
Backrest advice
While I'm at it, my back starts to hurt after two hours on my 2003 Road King Classic. I was looking at backrests and the attachment bracket on the Harley Davidson website today. Any recommendations for a 6'2" 270 pound rider? (aside from lose weight....) Thanks, Jason
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 196
From: Boise, ID
A backrest is the best thing you can do for comfort IMO.
I have the regular Harley version on my 17 & it works fine. I did adjust the mount a little to angle it back. Just took a few washers.
6' & just over 3 bucks
I have the regular Harley version on my 17 & it works fine. I did adjust the mount a little to angle it back. Just took a few washers.
6' & just over 3 bucks
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 78
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
I agree. the back rest next to shocks is one of the best improvements you can do. That being said I have the HD adjustable backrest on my bike. It's great if you want to move it Forward and back often but i rarely do so not worth the extra money in my book. Good luck
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 997
Likes: 489
From: Louisville, KY
I never had a backrest until maybe a year ago I thought I might like one. But I didn't want to pay the exorbitant prices HD wanted for their backrest and mounting kit. After reading about Grasshopper brand back rests I bought one. It is not adjustable. But...., you can get their backrest and their simplified mounting kit for about $85 total. And I love it! It slips off very easily if you want to take it off but since I put mine on I haven't wanted to take it off for any reason. http://www.grasshopperlimited.com/?g...SAAEgJsj_D_BwE
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,090
Likes: 3,882
From: Murfreesboro , TN
Lose weight! 
I’ve had a backrest on for awhile now. I recently switched my seat to the HD reach seat to give a little extra room on my 16 RGS. I decided to leave the backrest off to get a feel for the seat first and so far I haven’t felt the need to put the backrest back in.
What seat you have can make a difference too. I see why so many people have multiple seats now.
I’ve had a backrest on for awhile now. I recently switched my seat to the HD reach seat to give a little extra room on my 16 RGS. I decided to leave the backrest off to get a feel for the seat first and so far I haven’t felt the need to put the backrest back in.
What seat you have can make a difference too. I see why so many people have multiple seats now.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 222
Likes: 53
From: Lancaster, PA
Adjustable backrest is the way to go, Probably can pick a used one up for $100 for your model with the backrest pad. FYI I just bought a 2019 RGU and was able to transfer mine from my 2007 EGC even though the parts website says different numbers.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 314
Likes: 189
From: Triad, North Carolina
I just put a H-D adjustable back rest on my 2020 SG. I picked it up used, off of eBay for 178.00 Very comfortable. My wife's TriGlide came with one, so I kinda got used to it. I was only going to use it for longer trips, but hey! feels good. Before I traded my Heritage if I went on a long trip I would strap a Rolled up sleeping bag to the passenger backrest, it gave just the right amount of support.
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 779
Likes: 326
From: Simi Valley, CA
If I had it to do over I would get the non adjustable version and set it up the way I like it with shims or whatever and forget the adjustment part.