Drivers Backrest Opinions
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 100
From: Pasadena TX
You don't miss what you've never had. Try the fixed backrest first, it's cheap enough and if you don't like it you can recoup most of your money. I got the seat bracket at the dealer, and found a used rest here on this forum. I have $100 in it. I find that I'm a 'set it and forget it' guy. Once I found the right spot for me, I haven't used any other position. It's certainly better than no backrest. Of course, an adjustable backrest might be the shizzle, but I haven't used one and never felt the need to. It's your money.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 380
From: Queanbeyan, Australia
Adjustable backrest the way to go
I have an adjustable backrest. Never tried a fixed but I don't like the idea of being stuck in one position. I like being able to adjust to the 'sweet spot'. Once adjusted it doesn't move often - but the adjustability is worth the extra cost IMO.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 368
Likes: 2
From: Yantis, Texas
Well now that I am pushing 50 I have decided that my comfort is more and more important....I have searched all three forums I am a member of and read endless threads about backrests.
Now I really just need to know is the extra cost of the cable adjustable backrest worth the money?
I see that they usually sell for $100+ more and before I throw that money on one I'd sure like to get opinions from others about how often they readjust while underway and how much movement do they really offer?
I know most say 1-3 inches of travel...but without actually seeing one and sitting on a bike with one is it a much better set up?
I know I could hit up a dealer and check, but it is kind of hard here in Germany to just ride up to your local Harley dealer and check one out.
Also where exactly does the adjustment panel/piece mount? I imagine on the left side under the edge of the seat?
Any opinions and help will be greatly appreciated!
Now I really just need to know is the extra cost of the cable adjustable backrest worth the money?
I see that they usually sell for $100+ more and before I throw that money on one I'd sure like to get opinions from others about how often they readjust while underway and how much movement do they really offer?
I know most say 1-3 inches of travel...but without actually seeing one and sitting on a bike with one is it a much better set up?
I know I could hit up a dealer and check, but it is kind of hard here in Germany to just ride up to your local Harley dealer and check one out.
Also where exactly does the adjustment panel/piece mount? I imagine on the left side under the edge of the seat?
Any opinions and help will be greatly appreciated!
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 368
Likes: 2
From: Yantis, Texas
You do not have to tear the seat apart. Mine was a simple bolt on instillation. The pics on the website are from a Honda Goldwing install. If your seat has a slit in it, I am pretty sure it will be a simple bolt on install.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 943
Likes: 41
Mustang adjustable and first one I've ever owned. Didn't know what I was missing. Makes long trips way more comfortable and adjusts easily on the fly which is important to me. I always end up tweaking it a little and need to change the sweet spot occasionally. Only problem is that I have to take it off when wife rides because it limits her space on the Ultra. She doesn't ride with me that much but when she can't, I try to have a good time anyway.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 1
From: Redding, CA
Just installed the HD adjustable backrest this evening. Instructions provided sucked! It's like they took notes in Korean, gave them to a person who only speaks English, had them write instructions, then gave those instructions back to a Korean that is trying to learn English, and had them rewrite. Fortunately, once you get started, most of the process is fairly common sense.
Went for a short ride after. Over the past five years, I've read threads raving about the backrests, and thought that they were written by people trying to justify their purchase. 10 miles into the ride I was wondering how I ever rode without the backrest! It really is that good! The adjustment ability is also super cool, I can see where I will be changing things up on long rides just to get a different position.
Also put on new 13 inch premium hand-adjustable rear shocks, and long-angled adjustable engine-guard mounted foot pegs. The shocks already feel better than the OEM air shocks, and the pegs are cool for added positions. In combination with the backrest, it seems like I will have the ability to make a lot of position changes, which will be great for long trips. I've done 900+ mile days in original configuration. Now planning on a 5000 mile round trip to Fuelmoto for a *****-out 107 kit install, instead of a new Rushmore. Now wishing I had done these mods 4+ years ago...
Went for a short ride after. Over the past five years, I've read threads raving about the backrests, and thought that they were written by people trying to justify their purchase. 10 miles into the ride I was wondering how I ever rode without the backrest! It really is that good! The adjustment ability is also super cool, I can see where I will be changing things up on long rides just to get a different position.
Also put on new 13 inch premium hand-adjustable rear shocks, and long-angled adjustable engine-guard mounted foot pegs. The shocks already feel better than the OEM air shocks, and the pegs are cool for added positions. In combination with the backrest, it seems like I will have the ability to make a lot of position changes, which will be great for long trips. I've done 900+ mile days in original configuration. Now planning on a 5000 mile round trip to Fuelmoto for a *****-out 107 kit install, instead of a new Rushmore. Now wishing I had done these mods 4+ years ago...
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 250
Likes: 2
From: Alabama
I am 50 with a bad back and have had 2 surgeries. The adjustable backrest is awesome. I can ride much longer and really like the adjustable part. I do change it depending on what kind of riding and if using the highway pegs on long stretches. Get one, you will love it.
