I'm old too and I use the Harley backrest. Works good for me, did Sturgis and back more than once and it worked fine. I have a 2015 RGS with a 2013 Ultra seat that I use for touring.
I am old too lol I use the Harley back rest I took of my road king classic when I sold it, I have the Harley hammock seat not a fan of the seat but the back rest even though don't match it works good. I hoping the set will be better once get handle bars on were I don't have to reach down to.
I got the factory backrest, found it used on eBay for about half the cost that Harley charges new. Works great, looks great...I'm a huge OEM parts fan, not big into aftermarket parts unless they are accessories then maybe.
the Harley as well , there are two versions , one adjusts on the fly ( or so they say ) , the other is adjustable to a couple different positions ( fore and aft ) , but have to remove the seat to change position of the mount .. I use the second one , it's less expensive as well ..
That one that is less expensive I have too and you can fine tune it a little with if I remember right with a 7/16th wrench behind the pad under the covering.
Mustang backrest here used with a hammock seat. Pretty comfortable combo. The backrest can be adjusted fore and aft while riding by turning a thumb screw. Only negative is the post doesn't line up in the seat slot like it should. It's a little to far forward for the slot. Not a deal breaker and doesn't affect comfort any. It lines up nice with my sundowner seat.
I went with a Kuryakyn riders back rest.....about $180 and I like it a LOT. Made ALL the difference in comfort for rides longer than a hour. Added bonus is it has a little zipper pouch on the back that the passenger can use to hold phone, lighter or cigs.....
I don't have a pic to post, but I have the adjustable HD back rest on mine. I now have it on with a stock 2015 Ultra Classic Low seat. When I used it with the stock 2015 RG seat, it just didn't look right because the shape of the seat, plus, it sat up kinda high, exposing the flat steel bar that goes into the base.
I have the HD adjustable backrest and it is the best thing since sliced bread.
The HD adjustable backrest will adjust on the fly and when on a long ride it is nice to change the position of the backrest to either let you lean back some or sit up straighter. Some say that once you adjust the backrest for comfort that you don't need to readjust it and they go with the non adjustable backrest, but they also don't know that adjusting forward or backwards can increase comfort on those long rides.
The HD adjustable backrest also has a adjustment that moves the pad up and down but this can't be done while riding the bike.
Call Jon @ Horny Toad HD and tell him you are a forum member and you can get your parts and accessories at a discount.
I had the adjustable backrest on my other bike and really liked it. It was nice to change postitions on a long trip going down the road. It's more money but well worth it in my opinion.
I have the standard rider backrest with highway pegs and that is all you need. Plenty of different position options. Make sure you look at surdyke HD. They always have specials.
Kuryakin. As a long sufferer from back pain, I found that once it is adjusted to where you want it you don't need to play around with it....and what a huge difference it makes in comfort.
Go with the adjustable back rest - well worth the money. I've got it and would urge anyone to go that route. Like Ironmark - being able to adjust on the fly on a trip is incredibly comfortable and is an amazing add-on.
A few months late to the discussion but all valuable info, so thanks!!
I'm leaning towards the HD adjustable as the fold flat option allow a short guy to get his leg over easier, but I'm curious if anyone with heat shields (2011 Ultra) was familiar mounting the control bracket. Some say the shield has to be cut and others said it mounted over it, but no one has photos to share. Just hoping for a more definitive answer before deciding.
Thanks Q!! Great find. Very much appreciated.
If I can make it look that neat, then I'm sold.
I guess I've finally found a use for that Dremel Tool xmas gift.
Cheers...
A backrest is on my list. As for now, I put all my clothes in a T-bag and strap it to the passenger seat. On my last trip this allowed me to strip off layers and store them in the tourpak as I headed south.
Very comfortable and support all the way to my shoulder blades.
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