Passenger backrest option? RK
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Passenger backrest option? RK
I've got an 09-newer RK and wondering about my options for a passenger backrest. I use my bike to commute to work, and gf usually likes to ride once a week. I'd like to have that all off when she's not on it.
1.) What parts are needed? Mount 2/4 point, sissy bar, and pad?
2.) I've seen quick-detach sissy bar and pad, but what are my options for mounting hardware? Any of them nice enough looking to where I don't have to take them off. I hate how on some the mounts stick way up.
3.) If the mounts are going to be ugly, then I'll leave the sissy bar on and just take the pad off when she's not on, so are there any nice looking sissy bars that you guys would recommend?
4.) Any backrests that your ladies recommend?
1.) What parts are needed? Mount 2/4 point, sissy bar, and pad?
2.) I've seen quick-detach sissy bar and pad, but what are my options for mounting hardware? Any of them nice enough looking to where I don't have to take them off. I hate how on some the mounts stick way up.
3.) If the mounts are going to be ugly, then I'll leave the sissy bar on and just take the pad off when she's not on, so are there any nice looking sissy bars that you guys would recommend?
4.) Any backrests that your ladies recommend?
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
From: Music City, USA
You basicly have 2 main choices. A backrest with a chrome "rack" behind, or one without the little luggage rack.
You also have a couple of choices (sizes) for the backrest pad. Your GF will let you know which she prefers.
Lastly you have either a 2-point or 4-point mount that the backrest (frame) mounts to. If you are going with the backrest only (no rack) the 2-point bracket is your choice.
HD sells chrome (or black) magnetic covers for the studs that the backrest frame mount to.
Simple
You also have a couple of choices (sizes) for the backrest pad. Your GF will let you know which she prefers.
Lastly you have either a 2-point or 4-point mount that the backrest (frame) mounts to. If you are going with the backrest only (no rack) the 2-point bracket is your choice.
HD sells chrome (or black) magnetic covers for the studs that the backrest frame mount to.
Simple
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
I have this backrest...
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
with this pad....
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
and this rack...
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
I can remove the backrest and leave the luggage rack, or remove the luggage rack and leave the backrest, or take them both off.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
with this pad....
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
and this rack...
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
I can remove the backrest and leave the luggage rack, or remove the luggage rack and leave the backrest, or take them both off.
Last edited by DannyZ71; Sep 1, 2011 at 05:14 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 33
From: Illinois
I have the smallest backrest you can put on an '09 or newer King. It's the one that comes stock on the new Screamin' Eagle Street Glides. It's short, has the billet rear plate, small pad and chrome docking hardware. I also use the chrome magnetic covers for when it's not on the bike (which is whenever the old lady's not riding with me).
I guess I don't have any pics with the backrest on, but here's one of just the docking hardware and chrome covers.
I guess I don't have any pics with the backrest on, but here's one of just the docking hardware and chrome covers.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,415
Likes: 5
From: San Antonio, Republic of TEXAS
you can't see the detachment points when the backrest is off... unless you are running with the bags off. well, I guess you can, if you stand right next to the bike and look down between the rear fender and the saddlebag.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
From: La Vergne, TN
I've got an 09-newer RK and wondering about my options for a passenger backrest. I use my bike to commute to work, and gf usually likes to ride once a week. I'd like to have that all off when she's not on it.
1.) What parts are needed? Mount 2/4 point, sissy bar, and pad?
2.) I've seen quick-detach sissy bar and pad, but what are my options for mounting hardware? Any of them nice enough looking to where I don't have to take them off. I hate how on some the mounts stick way up.
3.) If the mounts are going to be ugly, then I'll leave the sissy bar on and just take the pad off when she's not on, so are there any nice looking sissy bars that you guys would recommend?
4.) Any backrests that your ladies recommend?
1.) What parts are needed? Mount 2/4 point, sissy bar, and pad?
2.) I've seen quick-detach sissy bar and pad, but what are my options for mounting hardware? Any of them nice enough looking to where I don't have to take them off. I hate how on some the mounts stick way up.
3.) If the mounts are going to be ugly, then I'll leave the sissy bar on and just take the pad off when she's not on, so are there any nice looking sissy bars that you guys would recommend?
4.) Any backrests that your ladies recommend?
2) Mounting hardware is really not very visable but covers are available.
3) The Harley sissy bar with rack is decent looking but I dont care for the look of any sissy bar when I'm solo, so it only goes on when the wife is riding. Takes about 20 seconds.
4) I have the large pad, for my wife the bigger the better.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 33
From: Illinois
On an '09 or newer, you CAN see the rear docking points for the backrest. It sticks up above the bags, unlike an '08 or older, which IS down between the bags and fender.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,415
Likes: 5
From: San Antonio, Republic of TEXAS
OOPS my bad. i missed his being an 09.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
From: Music City, USA
RE: the comment 2 vs. 4 point docking, if you have just the backrest, you only need the 2-point. If you go with the backrest with integral rack, you need the 4-point docking kit.