Rider backrest
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,264
Likes: 0
From: Springfield Mo
When I was in my 20's no backrest was needed at all! No adjustment! The older I get the more adjustment I seem to need. Now in my late 50's it seem that I adjust the rest every half hour or so. (just so the backrest can do what it's supposed to...let my back rest)
That's me anyway.
That's me anyway.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Southeast MI
I use the non-adjustable version. It makes a huge difference on long rides. I did modify the angle and mounting to make it right for me (6'4"), but I would have had to make similar changes with an adjustable. I posted pics in another thread where I am the OP.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 606
Likes: 7
From: Southern Ontario
I had the SE adjustable one on my last Street Glide. On the downside, it pushed me to far forward which made it uncomfortable. I did like the back support though. I'd go adjustable...
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 974
Likes: 13
From: Chesapeake Virginia
I didn't want to spend the cash for something I might not like but couldn't get it together on borrowing one to try. Opinions on use seem to be love or hate not much in between and 50 50 either way. Waited for one to come up on e bay and got a great deal for 75% less than new and the rest or bracket had never been installed ($49 leather, shipped w brkt). It is not adjustable but while I was looking there were plenty of both. I had heard the adjusting lever was difficult to find a location with the heat gaurds installed on Ultras so I never considered an adjustable unit. First week I felt too far forward like others have said. After about 500 miles of looking at the position of the rest I figured out it is not pushing me any further forward but making me sit up straight. I was concerned that hitting bumps would drive the rest into my back causing more discomfort. This was not the case and I have adjusted my riding (hard to do without some miles on it) to accomodate the much more comfortable ride. Had to re learn how to get on too. I never went for the left foot over the right side of the seat until now. Adjustment has not been needed since the first two moves the day I installed it even with leather and LJ's.
If you are searching out side of HD use "back rest" as your search criteria instead of a part number as older HD back rests were sold as kits with the bracket included in the kit so those part numbers are obsolete and will not be returned in your search on a P/N.
If you are searching out side of HD use "back rest" as your search criteria instead of a part number as older HD back rests were sold as kits with the bracket included in the kit so those part numbers are obsolete and will not be returned in your search on a P/N.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
It's A One Time Investment
At the very least it's nice to be able to adjust it for how heavy I dress. Thicker winter layers, further back etc. Some days I'll want the extra "push" for my back, others not so much.