Rider backrest.. Does it help with comfort ?
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 500
Likes: 2
From: Springfield Ohio
Definitely makes the longer rides more comfortable for me. Just wish I could have gotten an adjustable, but they don't fit with a Tallboy seat.
That's why so many biker Babes have big hooties. No need for the back rest, and if they push you forward a little... SWEEET!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
I found a backrest also helps fighting the wind when I was on my Deuce.
I always wondered about the upright riding position not bothering more riders. The spine compression without support is never good.
No one has a multi-hour occupation that I can think of that requires seating without a backrest, do they?
My Deuce had more of a hip-forward position with the forward controls and I found that made it even more necessary.
Even now with dedicated core strengthening exercises I can't image riding without one.
I had a friend do the same thing. I never ride without it, however. I figure my jacket is black, hardly anyone can tell by looking at me.
I have to disagree with you to a point. It may depend where the adjustable mount is located on the fender. I have the Mustang Sport Touring seat and it IS compatible. Per the site, " The baseplate is open in the middle to accept a Mustang or stock HarleyŽ driver backrest kit."
I always wondered about the upright riding position not bothering more riders. The spine compression without support is never good.
No one has a multi-hour occupation that I can think of that requires seating without a backrest, do they?
My Deuce had more of a hip-forward position with the forward controls and I found that made it even more necessary.
Even now with dedicated core strengthening exercises I can't image riding without one.
So... I cut, sectioned and rewelded the vertical bar that the backrest attaches to so that the bottom of the backrest sits flush with the streetglide seat. That took less than an hour to do in the garage (bandsaw and mig welder).
Bottom line - for me the backrest now is invaluable. It provides excellent lower back support, the adjustablity is priceless to dial in exactly where I need it and looks like it was made specifically for the streetglide.
It is super comfortable for both day long and multi-day rides. I do not run it for short rides, but the rest of the time it goes on and my back and body are so much more comfortable with it.
Bottom line - for me the backrest now is invaluable. It provides excellent lower back support, the adjustablity is priceless to dial in exactly where I need it and looks like it was made specifically for the streetglide.
It is super comfortable for both day long and multi-day rides. I do not run it for short rides, but the rest of the time it goes on and my back and body are so much more comfortable with it.
I have to disagree with you to a point. It may depend where the adjustable mount is located on the fender. I have the Mustang Sport Touring seat and it IS compatible. Per the site, " The baseplate is open in the middle to accept a Mustang or stock HarleyŽ driver backrest kit."
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
Yes yes yes yes yes. Get a backrest even if you currently have a strong, pain free back. You won't believe the difference it will make for you. I suggest you ride a few hundred miles without the rest, then ride another few hundred with it. That way you will see what a difference it will make for you. Only down side is that in the summer it might sweat your back where it makes contact, but that's a small trade-off to say the least.
I have the Mustang wide touring seat with their backrest. Love it.
I have the Mustang wide touring seat with their backrest. Love it.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,649
Likes: 2
From: x
Good to go. Allows you more different sit postures on a long ride. I can scoot my butt way forward and lean back against it without having to hang on the bars. Also when flopped all the way forward it gives great support, kinda locks you into the seat when doing spirited riding.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 972
Likes: 633
From: Ohio
Love it, But you must get the adjustable one. I find myself adjusting it from the start of the ride more forward, and as the day goes on I move it back. Not sure why! but it does make a long ride more comfy. For the short rides I take it off.