2009 RKC, Driver backrest or not???
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 1
From: Topeka, KS
2009 RKC, Driver backrest or not???
Long story short:
Love my new RKC with the Mustang solo seat but my middle back hurts after 20 minutes or so. I deal with it and it goes numb after a while. I thought I'd just have to deal with it because I've been riding for 25 years and it's happened on every bike I've owned for the last 5 or 6 years so I figured it's just me getting old. I only got my first Harley, the RKC, 6 weeks ago.
Then I got a 2009 ultra yesterday for my wife and I both to ride on. After an hour on it by myself still no back pain! The only thing I can think of is that the Ultra seat has a bit of a backrest built in and the handle bars are back a bit further, etc... The thought of enjoying the road with no back pain really appeals to me and I simply can't see me ever selling my RKC.
Now for the question. I'm not wanting to spend 300.00 on a hunch so, do you all think if I got a drivers backrest and pulled the handlebars back a bit I could have an "Ultra-like" ride on my RKC???
If this is a dumb question, please spare me the written beatings and simply chuckle and leave the post unresponded to.
Thanks!!!
Love my new RKC with the Mustang solo seat but my middle back hurts after 20 minutes or so. I deal with it and it goes numb after a while. I thought I'd just have to deal with it because I've been riding for 25 years and it's happened on every bike I've owned for the last 5 or 6 years so I figured it's just me getting old. I only got my first Harley, the RKC, 6 weeks ago.
Then I got a 2009 ultra yesterday for my wife and I both to ride on. After an hour on it by myself still no back pain! The only thing I can think of is that the Ultra seat has a bit of a backrest built in and the handle bars are back a bit further, etc... The thought of enjoying the road with no back pain really appeals to me and I simply can't see me ever selling my RKC.
Now for the question. I'm not wanting to spend 300.00 on a hunch so, do you all think if I got a drivers backrest and pulled the handlebars back a bit I could have an "Ultra-like" ride on my RKC???
If this is a dumb question, please spare me the written beatings and simply chuckle and leave the post unresponded to.
Thanks!!!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,925
Likes: 5
From:
I use to get a pain behind my right shoulder blade after riding my RKC for a while. After I installed the pull back bars the pain disappered. I know what my riding position is for long rides. For me i'm most comfortable sitting upright, my forearms horazontal or angled slight upward towards the bars and my elbows slightly bent. When I sat on my new Ultra, I knew the bars would need replaceing. I got the pullbacks installed and I also ordered the drivers backrest for long hauls.
For me the bars make a bigger difference than the backrest, but everyone is different.
For me the bars make a bigger difference than the backrest, but everyone is different.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 3
From: Washington State
Long story short:
Now for the question. I'm not wanting to spend 300.00 on a hunch so, do you all think if I got a drivers backrest and pulled the handlebars back a bit I could have an "Ultra-like" ride on my RKC???
If this is a dumb question, please spare me the written beatings and simply chuckle and leave the post unresponded to.
Thanks!!!
Now for the question. I'm not wanting to spend 300.00 on a hunch so, do you all think if I got a drivers backrest and pulled the handlebars back a bit I could have an "Ultra-like" ride on my RKC???
If this is a dumb question, please spare me the written beatings and simply chuckle and leave the post unresponded to.
Thanks!!!
I love my Mustang w/backrest, did 4000 miles last summer in 2 weeks and back felt great. BUT, you are going to need to toss the stock bars---->they are junk! I've heard even the tallest of guys on here bitch about them.
Good luck, and do yourself a favor and get the backrest! By chance did you order the solo that accepts one? If not you need to buy a new Mustang that does.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Memphis TN
One step at a time. Without doubt get the backrest. Today. If that doesn't get you where you need to go, get the bars. My left shoulder hurts and I didn't know there were 'pull back bars', never heard of 'em. I will look at this.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,925
Likes: 5
From:
They may be called "Reduced Reach" on the RK model, "Pull Back" on the ultra, same principle, different name.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Memphis TN
>>They may be called "Reduced Reach" on the RK model...<<
Tkx. I did get the RR bars & backrest when I bought the bike. Left shoulder still hurt but it probably has to do with the orthoscopic surgery I had done (on both) a few years ago. I'd thought of asking for a cortizone shot before any looong trip.
Tkx. I did get the RR bars & backrest when I bought the bike. Left shoulder still hurt but it probably has to do with the orthoscopic surgery I had done (on both) a few years ago. I'd thought of asking for a cortizone shot before any looong trip.