Adjustable back rests vs fixed
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
RE: Adjustable back rests vs fixed
I have a adjustable bacrest and Love it.
Harleyfan, I would suggest feeling around on the back of the pad andpushing the up/down adjustment and locking it in place. I had a rattle and messed with it and found out it was in between adjustments.
Harleyfan, I would suggest feeling around on the back of the pad andpushing the up/down adjustment and locking it in place. I had a rattle and messed with it and found out it was in between adjustments.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 658
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake, VA
RE: Adjustable back rests vs fixed
ORIGINAL: Yokel99
I installed a fixed rest and it was a PITA until I added washers under the mounting plate. Once I got the angle right it's been great.
It's advertised as 'easy to remove'. Not so for my meathooks.I need to straddle the bike facing backwards, shove my hand into the hole in the seat as far as it can go and squeeze like hell. I felt like an arthriticgynecologist the 1st few times I tried it but with practice, you can remove or install it with only 4 beers.
I installed a fixed rest and it was a PITA until I added washers under the mounting plate. Once I got the angle right it's been great.
It's advertised as 'easy to remove'. Not so for my meathooks.I need to straddle the bike facing backwards, shove my hand into the hole in the seat as far as it can go and squeeze like hell. I felt like an arthriticgynecologist the 1st few times I tried it but with practice, you can remove or install it with only 4 beers.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
RE: Adjustable back rests vs fixed
I have the adjustable and like it. As others have said I don't adjust it 95% of the time but it is nice to have the option. I did the washer trick as well on the front part of the mount to get it to angle back enough to be comfortable. It does bother the wife a little as it gets in the way of her legs some.
As far as breaking I don't see any problems yet. I have about 5000 miles on the backrest so far. I have even put full pressure on it by having my legs on the highway pegs and pushing full weight (I am pushing 300lbs-no fat jokes please)against it to give my rear a break on long rides. Probably not the best idea if it did break but it seems strong.
Overall though either one you choose a backrest is the way to go. I have a bad back and it makes me comfortable all day.
As far as breaking I don't see any problems yet. I have about 5000 miles on the backrest so far. I have even put full pressure on it by having my legs on the highway pegs and pushing full weight (I am pushing 300lbs-no fat jokes please)against it to give my rear a break on long rides. Probably not the best idea if it did break but it seems strong.
Overall though either one you choose a backrest is the way to go. I have a bad back and it makes me comfortable all day.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Williamston, SC
RE: Adjustable back rests vs fixed
Got the adjustable and can't live without it, add 100 miles to the day easy. Wife as no problems with it on, she stores stuff in the pouch on the back to get out while riding. (cell phone, glasses, camera, etc.) Can adjust to any position I need to fit my back, no rattle because I'm always against it I guess. Not bad removing when I need to, but hardly ever take it off unless I'm removing the seat or parked, I put it in saddle bag to keep from anyone wanting to barrow it. One of the best adds to my bike I have done.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 7
From: tomball tx
RE: Adjustable back rests vs fixed
HAVE THE ADJUSTABLE AND USE ALL THE TIME. GREAT ON LONGS RIDES ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU USE HIGHWAY PEGS. INSTALLING THE ADJUSTMENT BRACKET IS A REAL PITA BUT I HAVE BIG HANDS...OTHER THAN THAT NO PROBLEMS...RIDE SAFE!!!
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
From: Boiling Springs, SC
RE: Adjustable back rests vs fixed
I have had an adjustable one on my 2006 FLHTCUI. Have about 35K miles on the back rest with no problem. I'm a big guy 300 lbs an have had no problem. I had a fixed one on my last bike. I had no problems with it either, but I like the adjustable feature.