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I just purchased my first street glide special that will be delivered to me soon. It has the 4 point docking hardware already attached and I am looking to get an aftermarket backrest for when I have a passenger. I will mostly ride single and will seldom have a rider with me so I don't want to spend a fortune for a HD backrest. I have been looking at several different options but one of my issues is that some of them show different measurements and I want to assure it fits the bike properly. I've seen a range of 12.5", 12/8" and 13" and they all state they will fit my year (2016) and model. Would someone that has a detachable backrest for my year/model be willing to get a measurement for me? Below is an example of measurements and the area that's 13" wide is my biggest area of concern. Appreciate anyone's input. Thanks
That's awesome. Does it click in place easily? I've read where some people have issues with them binding some and have to be bent one way or the other. I had one for my '07 Fatboy that snapped in very easily with no issues. Really appreciate you taking the time to get that measurement for me. Thanks
If it would bind, there was a problem with them hitting the top of the right shock. (If the shocks are HD Premium) This problem was solved by flipping the shock!
If it would bind, there was a problem with them hitting the top of the right shock. (If the shocks are HD Premium) This problem was solved by flipping the shock!
I just started researching this yesterday and I read about possibly having to flip a shock (seems odd to me) or having to bend the backrest bracket in or out where it mounts to the hardware in order for it to fit. I have no idea what type of shocks are on the bike. I would assume stock shocks but not sure if they are considered premium or not. Appreciate the heads up.
Mine is made by HD. Never had to bend/tweak anything. The U-shaped bushings slip over the top shock mounts with ease. When new, the rear latches were somewhat difficult, but not impossible to latch. Now that it's been on and off numerous times, it's much easier to latch, but is still rock solid with no rattles.
Mine is made by HD. Never had to bend/tweak anything. The U-shaped bushings slip over the top shock mounts with ease. When new, the rear latches were somewhat difficult, but not impossible to latch. Now that it's been on and off numerous times, it's much easier to latch, but is still rock solid with no rattles.
A small rubber hammer works well to get the latch in place if needed. We had a standard HD backrest on the FLHR for years, and then bought an adjustable HD version two years ago. I am 6'5" and 300+ and the adjustable backest made all the difference for my wife, she no longer gets squeezed between myself and the backrest due to the Tallboy seat....
Last edited by dakotared; Apr 10, 2021 at 06:03 PM.
I've got a 2020 SGS and got this one. Fits like a glove and a fraction of a cost. Then bought a saddlemen pad to match my lucky daves seat. Looks 10x better. If you're running the stock seat the Amazon one matches up pretty nicely.
ECOTRIC Adjustable Detach Sissy Bar Backrest W/Leather pad For Harley Touring Street Glide FLHX FLHR 2009-2020
I've got a 2020 SGS and got this one. Fits like a glove and a fraction of a cost. Then bought a saddlemen pad to match my lucky daves seat. Looks 10x better. If you're running the stock seat the Amazon one matches up pretty nicely.
That's sharp looking. Yea mine has the stock seat and I have seen a few of those on Amazon. Will probably roll the dice on one of those considering the price. Appreciate the pic and info.
I just started researching this yesterday and I read about possibly having to flip a shock (seems odd to me) or having to bend the backrest bracket in or out where it mounts to the hardware in order for it to fit. I have no idea what type of shocks are on the bike. I would assume stock shocks but not sure if they are considered premium or not. Appreciate the heads up.
Do your shocks look like this?
If so, they are Original Equipment.
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Backrest measurements
