I recently bought the fixed HD backrest after having a lot of people talk about how great the driver rest is.

I've had it for about a month and it kills me on long rides. The obvious answer is take it off but I'd like to know if there's something I'm missing before I throw $300 on the shelf

 

kinda obvious, but have you tried adjusting the backrest? or possibly moving the mount forward or back? it took me several attempts before I got it where I wanted it. oh, and I carried the allen wrench with me all times to make minute adjustments.

 

I put mine on yesterday and rode with it a bit. It pushed me pretty far forward. I took it off, and put some washers under the foremost bolts, where it bolts near the battery, which served to tip it back a bit. I haven't ridden with it yet, but just sitting it seemed a bit better.

I wish it could go back one set of holes further, and there is one set of holes, but I can't figure out how to move it back further to take advantage of them.
The two connections up front are as far back as they can be.

 

Plus, unless I'm missing something, as you tighten the allen screw it tips the seat forward even more. I have it backed almost all the way out, but it would be handy to have it push back an inch or two.

Although perhaps my manly pear shape may have more to do with me pushing to far forwards.

 

When I bought my bike I was debating whether to get the fixed or the adjustable backrest. I figured I would run into the type of problems described above if I got the fixed so I got the adjustable. It turns out that I keep it in the rearmost position all the time but it's perfect for my form and riding style.

 

I had an adjustable one from HD on my 05 EGC and loved it. Then took it off and moved the TP up for the back rest, loved it even more. So, when I bought my 2010, the stealers said oh no that back rest want fit the new bike. So I bought the fixed one. It was a piece of crap, so I took it back. While I had my seat off I said what the heck, I'll see if my old one works. WaLa, one small angle bracket made and it fit perfect. The hold point of this is, take it back and get the adjustable one and be happy and back pain free. Oh, did I say ape hanger help also by keeping your back straight. Just saying.

 

I have the non-adjustable back rest and it has been an absolute God-sent for comfort, particularly on long rides.

You may have to actually move the bracket itself mounted under the seat. I was lucky I guess...I had my bracket installed at the dealership before delivery. I had actually gotten the backrest used and used the holes the previous guy used. I knew the guy and he said he had to mess around to find the right spot.

If it helps...I can check what holes the bracket I have are used or how far back it is installed...I have a 2011 Road King

Let me know.

 

I couldn't get comfortable with my Mustang backrest on my stock seat until I installed 12 1/2 inch apes on my Ultra Classic. Now I can lean back into it and it feels great.

 

I use a mustang and it has a thumb screw, takes about a second to make small tilt forward/back adjustments on the fly,
Up and down adjustment has detents, just slide.
Money well spent.