Riders Backrest
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,507
Likes: 23
From: Orange County Texas
Correct me if I'm wrong.
I think it also has a lot to do with which seat you have. For example I have a 09 Road King with a Sundowner seat. I have installed an adjustable back rest on and what I have noticed is the differance between my riding position with it on and off.
With it on and adjusted for max back I set a little further foward on the bike than I do with out it. Not uncomfortable, but different and my butt isn't all the way in the pocket of the seat.
Now I assume if you were using a reach seat it would give you more lean back. So depending on which seat you are using the back rest position would be different.
I haven't got into it yet but I would like to disassemble the back rest and re-bend the steel of the back rest to give me a little more lean back.
I look over the top of my widshield and if I get in the rain I'd move a little forward and lean back to the point that I was looking through the windshield. I can't do that with the back rest on.
I think it also has a lot to do with which seat you have. For example I have a 09 Road King with a Sundowner seat. I have installed an adjustable back rest on and what I have noticed is the differance between my riding position with it on and off.
With it on and adjusted for max back I set a little further foward on the bike than I do with out it. Not uncomfortable, but different and my butt isn't all the way in the pocket of the seat.
Now I assume if you were using a reach seat it would give you more lean back. So depending on which seat you are using the back rest position would be different.
I haven't got into it yet but I would like to disassemble the back rest and re-bend the steel of the back rest to give me a little more lean back.
I look over the top of my widshield and if I get in the rain I'd move a little forward and lean back to the point that I was looking through the windshield. I can't do that with the back rest on.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,023
Likes: 989
From: Just Outside Chicago
If you shop you can find a used one for a good price...Some guys just dont like them..LOVE mine.Adjust on the fly...Gotta love it!! might put a wanted add on here!!!
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
I have the non adjustable one on my 08 UC The mountain bracket has I think four holes to move it forward or back. Plus it has an allen screw that you can reach with the back rest inserted in the bracket for some more adjustment. When I installed mine, I put a 3/16 allen wrench in my tourpak to adjust it away from home. once I got it adjusted, I never move it now. If you don't mind spending the extra money, you might like the adjustable one better. The backrest works better with highway pegs..JMO
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
I don't know what you're riding and I guess it doesn't matter but I would save your money and buy a non-adjustable one. I never thought it would be a good idea to adjust the backrest while riding down the road.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi Texas Area
I've had both, and definitely, without question, get the ADJUSTABLE! It's like adjusting the seat on your car, but it doesn't move very much, so there's nothing to it while, "riding down the road". I can adjust mine, and if you don't know exactly what I'm doing, you would have no idea. Get the adjustable. If you don't have the money for the adjustable, hold off until you do! It's like a night and day difference! Your back will appreciate it!
Ride safe!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,023
Likes: 989
From: Just Outside Chicago
Yea thats a good one....Reminds me of the time i took my hand off the bars,Just had to scratch..LOL... It's so EZ even a Cave Man could do it!!! Back to the cave...Caveman R.W.