Need help with...Rider backrest recommendation
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
Go Adjustable
I put the Harley adjustable backrest on my RK and love it. The adjustment allows for being bulked up during winter, the wife to get on and off easier and plain old being able to move it around just to suit my fancy of the moment. Once you get a backrest you'll wonder what took you so long!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,858
Likes: 29,836
From: PNW
I have the Mustang on my Supertouring seat. It's fine, but the best one out there imo, is the adjustable Moco one. I had to take mine off because the Mustang seat wouldn't work with it. I miss it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,281
Likes: 3,419
From: Idaho Panhandle
First of all, the backrest will add a huge amount of comfort. You just don't get as tired. Any decent backrest will take the strain off your back.
I picked mine up like new for $ 40.00. It is the Harley Fixed version from a Street Glide. He was switching to the Harley adjustable backrest.
I never feel the need to adjust mine, but if I had an adjustable one I probably would use the adjustment feature.
When you have one, you wonder why you did not do it sooner.
Shop ebay and craigs list. You'll find one as many upgrade to the adjustable. As I said, I am really fortunate that the fixed is just right for me with the pad in lowest slot and the mounting notch one from the furthest back. Everytime I think about adjusting it, I have to ask myself "why?"
I picked mine up like new for $ 40.00. It is the Harley Fixed version from a Street Glide. He was switching to the Harley adjustable backrest.
I never feel the need to adjust mine, but if I had an adjustable one I probably would use the adjustment feature.
When you have one, you wonder why you did not do it sooner.
Shop ebay and craigs list. You'll find one as many upgrade to the adjustable. As I said, I am really fortunate that the fixed is just right for me with the pad in lowest slot and the mounting notch one from the furthest back. Everytime I think about adjusting it, I have to ask myself "why?"
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 343
Likes: 1
From: Western WA
Gentlemen and others 
thank you all for your feedback. Once again participating in this forum has been of great value, and just may cost me $$$.
Having started out with a 'maybe' mindset, I think it may now be time to start trolling the parts-for-sale section, ebay, etc in search of a deal. While the H-D adjustable sounds very good, I can't really justify the cost/benefit vs. other options. The Mustang sounds like a promising option. I have a modified stock seat, so am hopeful it will work (slot is still there - but may be slightly rear of the stock position, as rider seat position was carved-out to accommodate my long legs). Time to given 'em a call I guess.
Thanks again for the info you've shared!
thank you all for your feedback. Once again participating in this forum has been of great value, and just may cost me $$$.Having started out with a 'maybe' mindset, I think it may now be time to start trolling the parts-for-sale section, ebay, etc in search of a deal. While the H-D adjustable sounds very good, I can't really justify the cost/benefit vs. other options. The Mustang sounds like a promising option. I have a modified stock seat, so am hopeful it will work (slot is still there - but may be slightly rear of the stock position, as rider seat position was carved-out to accommodate my long legs). Time to given 'em a call I guess.
Thanks again for the info you've shared!
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: USA
I have the non-adjustable HD backrest on my RK. Glad I got it. I'd recommend the CVO (teardrop) style backrest if the wife rides with you. That shape gives her a little more leg and wiggle room when 2 up.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
Currently have the Mustang and really like it. Lots of adjustments with the vertical position and knurl **** for easy adjustments while riding. Don't suggest raising while riding though, might come out. I had a Utopia on a Kawasaki Nomad and really like the backrest shape for support and comfort and it does fold forward but adjusts with a allen screw, so not on the fly. Utopia bolts to stock seat pan, not the bike fender/frame
