Why is everything such a PITA - Rider backrest install
 

Is it just me or is everything a pain in the A$$ to install. I picked up a back rest for my ultra. I was thinking of getting the adjustable one but the guy at the dealer said they have issues with them. So I bought the fixed version. There are four sets of holes and being on the shorter side I put it on using the second from the back. The install was very easy except getting the seat off. I figured out why the tour pack has scratches on it where it meets the seat back.

I mounted the back adjusted the set screw and away I went. It didn't take long to realized that it pushed me forward in the seat even with the set screw back. It seems the base was too far forward. No problem there were four holes.

I took the seat back off and moved the mount back one set of holes only to find out that the mount hits on the plastic of the molded seat making it so that you can get the seat forward enough to catch the screw.

Am I missing something or is this just another example of Made in America?

Any suggestions or should I just return it and forget about it?

I had the same problem on my RK. I cut the support off and put the bracket on backwards. Seems crazy but it worked.

http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/r...X/Untitled.jpg

I had a '05 Ultra with a back rest. It took a couple of tries to get it in the right place. The PITA part is you have to take the seat off every time to make an adjustment. Once you have it, it's set. I was able to find the sweet spot for me. I liked that back rest and put the same one on the new bike.
It wasn't perfect, it pushed the slot in the seat to the front. If the back rest is off you could notice it.
Heard the same thing about the adjustable back rest and didn't install it on the new bike.
Good luck with yours!

Mine went right on.

+1 Mine too

Its not that they don't go right on - its that once installed it pushes you too far forward.

4 holes :icon_dance-disco: And I know what you mean..... it does feel that way at first.... You just have to get used to it..... 40 miles and it will feel like it was made for you.

Wonder why the guy trashed the adjustable one. I have one and a lot of the guys here do and never read of any problems. Wonder if he just didnt have one in stock?

I put on the adjustable on my 09 Ultra, I had no problems installing it. I have had no problems with it. I love it, I can adjust it just how I want it. Great add on.

I put the Mustang adj. backrest on, No problem removing seat, doesn't push me forward, took 10 minutes.