Riders Backrest

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Dec 19, 2009 | 08:48 PM

#31

Powderhorn

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 34

Likes: 0

From: Barre, VT

Thanks for all the responses. It looks like most riders really like the adjustable rest over the non adjustable. Will order the adjustable Monday. Thanks

Dec 19, 2009 | 10:48 PM

#32

bald1der

Road Warrior

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 1,847

Likes: 6

From: FT Bragg NC

One word. Adjustable. Nuff said.

Dec 19, 2009 | 11:15 PM

#33

doc_cj

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 1,600

Likes: 2

From: Windsor, CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Powderhorn

I'm interested in buying a HD riders backrest but am not sure if I should get the adjustable one or the standard one. Any feedback to help me make a decision would be appreciated. Thanks

I used a Firehouse backrest on my Heritage (it was not adjustable), and it worked okay. Then I put an adjustable HD backrest on my Ultra and found out there can be a big difference in comfort. I'm going with the HD adjustable on my new '10 Limited, as soon as it actually gets here.

The problem with non-adjustable backrest is that you get tired of being in the same position. With the adjustable you can move forward and back, which gives you more comfort on the road. It is amazing how much relief you can get from just moving the backrest up or back 1/2 inch.

Quote:

why would the riders back rest have anything to do with the heat sheilds?

The adjustment toggle fits under the seat on the left side (from the sitting position). As noted, for the '09-'10 models, you can leave the mid-frame air deflectors on, but the adjustment toggle will then be under the deflector. For that reason, some mechanics simply leave the deflectors off.

If you put the system on yourself be very careful in mounting. You'll have to remove the seat (of course) and the deflector. The biggest issue, for my money, was making sure I put the adjustment toggle in the right spot so that the deflector would fit over it. A dealer charges about 1.5 clock hours for the job, though I think it only takes about 45 minutes on a good day. But then again, on a bad day it might take 8 hours to correct whatever you screw up if you mount it wrong.

Jan 18, 2010 | 03:57 PM

#34

CFDgrunt

Cruiser

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 114

Likes: 0

From: Cleveland

Does anyone know if you can use a adjustable backrest from an 07 to an 09. I know the mount is slightly different, but if you look at the new ones it looks like it comes with some sort of an adapter.... Heading to Alaska in July, and i really hate to have to buy a new one since the trip is gonna cost me a fortune as it is.

Jan 18, 2010 | 04:28 PM

#35

jsimo7

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 827

Likes: 5

From: Ohio

Have the Mustang adjustable but rarely move it.. but I do have the option

Jan 18, 2010 | 04:54 PM

#36

Powderhorn

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 34

Likes: 0

From: Barre, VT

Planning to install the riders adjustable back rest tomorrow. The directions look complicated but that always seems to be the case with HD add-ons. Are there any things to watch out for and is this an easy install?