2009 RKC, Driver backrest or not???
Stage II
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Ok, sounds like it's a big YES on the backrest and also going to look into the reduced reach bars. I'm happy as a clam with the set up on my Ultra so I'll wait for a bit on that one. Of course, I probably ordered the wrong seat to accept a backrest, but there's always eBay for the old one. I know it sounds funny to balk at $300 for a backrest after all that money on two bikes, but my wife's patience may be wearing thin. 
Thanks for all the helpful info!!!
Thanks for all the helpful info!!!
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 2
From: Florida Panhandle
Advice from your friendly neighborhood physical therapist is yes the back rest makes a huge difference. The bars are also a very large impact on your riding posture, deal with those after the backrest because your comfort riding position is likely to change with the back rest on.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
If you don't feel like spending $400 on a backrest maybe look into changing the bars first? Try the Heritage Style bars. For $79.95 & no additional lines/cables needed you just might be able to find your fix cheap? I'm 5'11 & found myself leaning over too much with the stock bars. I put the Heritage Style bars on- problem solved! Even if it isn't the complete cure for your back problem, I highly doubt you'll want to get rid of them & they'll only add to the comfort you''ll get once you put the backrest on too!
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
If you don't feel like spending $400 on a backrest maybe look into changing the bars first? Try the Heritage Style bars. For $79.95 & no additional lines/cables needed you just might be able to find your fix cheap? I'm 5'11 & found myself leaning over too much with the stock bars. I put the Heritage Style bars on- problem solved! Even if it isn't the complete cure for your back problem, I highly doubt you'll want to get rid of them & they'll only add to the comfort you''ll get once you put the backrest on too!
I put these bars on mine and love them. Get the bars first. They're cheap and not difficult to change. With the stock bars, you'll have to adjust the backrest way forward for it to even reach your back. You won't be able to lean back on to it.
Then get the backrest
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 880
Likes: 81
From: California
I always seem to be in the minority in my opinion of backrests and handlebars...
Based on all the recommendations on this site, I immediately got the Heritage Style handlebar and the adjustable rider backrest for my 09 RKC within a few weeks of purchasing my bike. Sadly, I was disappointed in both.
First were the handlebars...Purchased and installed them. Went on several short trips, and a couple longer rides, over a weekend. I just didn't like how they brought my hands closer to me. I found out that I actually prefer he slightly-leaning-forward position. It's more comfortable for me...
After I put the stock bars back on, I purchased the adjustable rider backrest. But just like EdwardK said, you have to adjust the backrest full forward just to get it to touch your back. Unable to lean back against it due to the forward position of the stock handlebars. So within 2 weeks, I bought new handlebars and backrest, and sold both at a loss.
Lesson learned: Everyone is different, and what's comfortable to one is uncomfortable to another.
My advice to you is to sit on a RK with the backrest and/or Heritage Sytle handlebar. You may decided that you love it, or that it does nothing for you.
Based on all the recommendations on this site, I immediately got the Heritage Style handlebar and the adjustable rider backrest for my 09 RKC within a few weeks of purchasing my bike. Sadly, I was disappointed in both.
First were the handlebars...Purchased and installed them. Went on several short trips, and a couple longer rides, over a weekend. I just didn't like how they brought my hands closer to me. I found out that I actually prefer he slightly-leaning-forward position. It's more comfortable for me...
After I put the stock bars back on, I purchased the adjustable rider backrest. But just like EdwardK said, you have to adjust the backrest full forward just to get it to touch your back. Unable to lean back against it due to the forward position of the stock handlebars. So within 2 weeks, I bought new handlebars and backrest, and sold both at a loss.
Lesson learned: Everyone is different, and what's comfortable to one is uncomfortable to another.
My advice to you is to sit on a RK with the backrest and/or Heritage Sytle handlebar. You may decided that you love it, or that it does nothing for you.
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 439
Likes: 1
From: Spain (Europe)
I dont like riders backrest on a RKC. maybe looks better in a Ultra. RKC is one of the most beautifull bikes harley ever made and the driver backrest looks fugly. I will change bars first, maybe wild 1 518. If I want a backrest I use the car. It is just an opinion
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 5
Sorry but to me this bassackwards....
Install the backrest, assume your comfortable riding position, put your hands where you think would be the most comfortable then measure for pullback, width etc. Take those specs online to find the bars that suit you.
Almost all bar manufacturers include these measurements either online or in their catalogs. I have known people to make mock up bars out of PVC.
Good luck, ride safe.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 1
From: Topeka, KS
All good opinions. I was looking in the catalog at the pull back bars and it says I need new lines if I go that route. The heritage bars sound like an interesting proposition if no new lines are needed. Since I bought the Mustang solo seat, it looks like I'm already out a couple hundred bucks since the backrest doesn't fit it I have to buy a whole new seat. Looks like the wife will be writing some more checks.