Riders backrest question
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: New Jersey
Any pics?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,442
Likes: 418
From: South Carolina
I got the Mustang Solo with the adjustable backrest and I love it. More than enough adjustability and easy to remove if you need to secure it or just like the slick look. Highly recommended.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 3,366
From: Idaho Panhandle
I have the H-D non-adjust and I installed the H-D adjustable one on my buddies bike. I have my non-adjust mounted on the second to furthest back holes and that places it right where I want it. I have never felt the need to adjust it so the non-adjust worked for me. The adjustable works for my buddy but now that you mention it, he did say it feels like it pushes him forward, but I thought it was the seat not the back rest that he was referring to so I'll have to ask him. I do know you cannot move the adjustable base back an inch of so like you can the non-adjust. It has a smaller footprint and just one set of holes.
The only issue with the non-adjust is if you want to move the base forward or back, you have to remove the seat and undo the bolts and move the frame back or forward. But if you are like me, once it is right, it seems to be always right.
The Mustang touring seat did not work for me. It was as bad as the stock seat. I did not have the Mustang backrest, just the non-adjust H-D that worked with the Mustang Touring. I did not have an issue with the H-D back rest on the Mustang, just the seat comfort was lousy for me even after 2000 miles when I gave up. I have no experience with the Mustang adjustable back rest.
The only issue with the non-adjust is if you want to move the base forward or back, you have to remove the seat and undo the bolts and move the frame back or forward. But if you are like me, once it is right, it seems to be always right.
The Mustang touring seat did not work for me. It was as bad as the stock seat. I did not have the Mustang backrest, just the non-adjust H-D that worked with the Mustang Touring. I did not have an issue with the H-D back rest on the Mustang, just the seat comfort was lousy for me even after 2000 miles when I gave up. I have no experience with the Mustang adjustable back rest.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 21
From: Delaware
I have the adjustable. Like others have said it pushes too far forward as is, but I increased the bend on it and it's great now. I use the lever all the time to change the angle on long rides. If I only ride a couple hours I don't need it but all-day rides I find it helps my back and shoulders to move a bit.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 33
From: Upstate NY
I have the adjustable one and just got used to the slight forward push. I really do not notice it anymore. My wife said it does not get in the way for her as a passenger either. I do adjust it more on longer rides and sometimes when I have a day that I just need to change it up to be comfortable. If you can sit on a couple of bikes with each kind, that may help you to decide. If you can go for a quick ride that will help you decide even better. I know once I am riding that I don't pay any attention to it.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 368
Likes: 2
From: Yantis, Texas
First off I would like to thank everyone on this site for your previous advice. My friend and I just ordered 2014 ultra classics today. With that said, I get 15% off parts for the first 30 days so I would like to order stuff during that timeframe. I'm looking at a riders backrest but wanted some input. I had the adjustable riders backrest on my 2006 streetglide with the sundowner touring seat and found that it pushed me too far forward. Is this a characteristic of the adjustable only or will the non adjustable do the same thing?
http://www.utpr.com/backrest.html
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
I have to agree. I would rather not endorse Mustang but their backrests are the most versitile and well made rests Ive seen....their seats, well thats fodder for another thread.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...back-rest.html
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 940
Likes: 3
I had a non-adjustable, set it up right and it was good. Got a good deal on an adjustable backrest, so traded up and it was great: Loved the ability to change backrest positions on the fly.
Maybe I got a really strange adjustable, but unlike the others who say that it pushes you too far forward, mine will adjust back to a point where I'm actually leaning back--or if I sit up straight, the backrest doesn't touch my back.
The spring is actually holding it a bit forward even there--it'll go back about an inch or so further before it hits the stop.
If I ever get another bike, I'll be going with an adjustable again--it's nice to be able to reposition it easily on long trips.
Maybe I got a really strange adjustable, but unlike the others who say that it pushes you too far forward, mine will adjust back to a point where I'm actually leaning back--or if I sit up straight, the backrest doesn't touch my back.
The spring is actually holding it a bit forward even there--it'll go back about an inch or so further before it hits the stop.
If I ever get another bike, I'll be going with an adjustable again--it's nice to be able to reposition it easily on long trips.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,850
Likes: 220
From: Sacramento, CA.
I have the HD Adjustable on my 2011 FLTRX & have no issues. Also my buddy has one on his 07 Ultra & has no issues. I didn't like the non adj. because it was to far forward for me. Good luck.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post