Rider backrest...thoughts?

[losbright1]

Do any of you use one of those rider backrests? What are your thoughts? Does it provide the support you need for longer rides? My concern is that I have somewhat short arms for my height and I may ride a bit more leaning forward than most..I am afraid that it will do nothing to help with lower back fatigue..But, if it prevents me from slouching too much it may be just what I need. If you have one and want to chime in post away..also maybe list which model you are using. THanks.

C

 

[Bluebowtie]

I have the same slouching issue. I'm going to try and combat it with Klock Werks back bars and MCC seat modification moving the riding position forward.


Sent from the mobile leash

 

[sprnt96]

I have the adjustable back rest, I am only 5'8" and it gives me the option on how to sit. If I want to sit more upright I move it forward, if I want to be more reclined I move it back. It also works well to relieve the pressure off your rear end by letting you sit more upright with some support.

 

[Mojo]

sprnt96- I've got one I use for looong trips.

 

[TomA]

Hello

I use mine all the time only take it off when riding 2 up and that's not very often. I can lean back and relax or use it in other positions that make you feel better. I wouldn't go anywhere without mine. If you have short arms you may want to look at different bar that pull back for better comfort.

 

[14 FLHX]

I have the mustang driver backrest and it never comes off the bike. Longest ride in one day was 606 miles and my back felt good for the trip. I couldn't imagine riding without it now.

 

[losbright1]

If you have short arms you may want to look at different bar that pull back for better comfort.

When I say short arms, I mean for my height. I am 6'-0" so "short" is not so short that I need different bars or a seat to push forward...just that I don't lean back a lot. But, from what I am hearing those rider backrests are adjustable enough to make it useable. I may look into one for longer riding..my lower back can get sore pretty quickly after about 300m.

C

 

[TomA]

I know several guys that are short and they use them also. I think my friend is about 5-6 and he is the same way it's always on the bike for long or short rides. I think he also has 14 or 16 inch apes that are pulled back a ways for him but it is a road glide he rides same but a little different.

Install is pretty easy wondering if a local dealer would let you test one out.

 

[1Grumpyguy]

I don't take it off the bike! My ride to work is 40 miles one way I ride most every day rain or shine, so I try to be as comfortable as possible. Try one that has a lot of adjustment ...if it's not a good fit it will feel lousy and make you ride in an awkward position. I have the kuriyakin on mine... Takes forever to adjust but it has tons of different positions. Reasonably priced too!

 

[GAFLHXS]

It looks like I will need about $200 for the backrest and mounting kit if I buy one through HD. Are there any other backrest out there that are substantially cheaper with equal value/quality? Looking at one for my 14 SGS.

 

[sprnt96]

http://stores.ebay.com/grasshopperlimited Here is a guy in WI that makes them..they look pretty nice

 

[GAFLHXS]

Great price, interesting video. Has anyone on here had any experience with this backrest?

 

[Skeeter]

Great price, interesting video. Has anyone on here had any experience with this backrest?

Purchased one, but haven't taken a ride with it on but it feels good sitting on the bike. I know they make different heights. Our SG's take this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221583134169?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[blackx-runner]

I have the Harley adjustable. I had it put on the bike the day I bought it. It doesn't look the best, but it serves its purpose very well. I like the adjustable so I can switch up riding positions on the longer rides.

 

[15SG]

I have the mustang driver backrest and it never comes off the bike. Longest ride in one day was 606 miles and my back felt good for the trip. I couldn't imagine riding without it now. View attachment 4148

I had the Mustang adjustable backrest on my 06 Road King that I traded for the 2015 Street Glide, and just bought another Mustang backrest for my new bike. The mounting hardware is different for the 2015, and I couldn't use the one off the RK, and it was getting some age on it anyway. I won't ride without it, makes a world of difference in comfort for me. Next is some highway pegs so that I can stretch out on a longer ride.

 

[transman]

Grasshopper.com $90.00

 

[Slimboybinz]

Grasshopper.com $90.00

+1 on the grasshopper backrest not only very comfortable but best value I haveseen.

 

[bugdewde]

Hydraulically operated to automatically rise or come forward. Easily presses backward for your enjoyment.

Harley Adjustable in the full Forward position



In the Full Recline position



Sadly, these pics don't show the full extent of the range of motion this backrest provides. The Pad pivots forward and backward on top of the stalk.
So the forward position is pretty much as far forward as you can go..... it's plenty for me ... I'm 5'10".
In the back position, the pad pivots back to literally allow me to "recline". It's AWESOME!
The only time I remove it is when I'm parked in public.

Occasionally, I prefer to ride in an upright position to keep pressure off my lower back and tail bone.

On long rides, I put my feet on the back pegs and ride upright, off my tailbone. I can even lean forward and put my elbow on the tank and cradle my chin in my hand..... head prop.
Of course, with the adjustable backrest, I can sit in multiple positions. One of my favorite is propping my feet on top of the crash bars and "recline" ....

Changing positions will go a LONG way in providing rider comfort.
NOTICE: It's the first mod listed in my signature. Transferred straight from my trade-in. Day One.

 

[Shadow Glide]

On my bike as well. Built well , easy install, MADE in USA. Never comes off the bike and if I want to it comes off in about 2 secs.
Grasshopper one off of Ebay. Does not rattle, makes noise of any kind, move around. For the price I was pleased with the purchase and have racked on a lot of miles with it. No problems at all.

http://stores.ebay.com/grasshopperlimited?afsrc=1&rmvSB=true

 

[NewRider]

I have one from HD that is adjustable and easily removable. I put it on when I bought the bike, 1k miles and have never taken it off. I was going to ride with and without it to see what liked best but it works with no down sides, my wife can get on and off with no problems so.... I do like it when I need to back up, just gives more are for me to push, make it a little easier. Also with the passenger back resy it kinda balances the look.