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Adjustable backrest installation

4K views 12 replies 7 participants last post by  RonC26 
#1 ·
Any chance anybody has any pictures of where the button to operate the adjustable backrest is mounted? The instructions are.....well.....Harley so it's hard to understand. Just trying to see if it mounts with the heat deflector mounted (yes, I searched and searched this and other forums before posting)
 
#2 ·
This is small area to get a photo, but here it is. The back of the bike is to right of the photo. You see a screw on the right and that's the rear attachment for the mid-frame heat deflector. The backrest control mounts to the front screw, which is on the left. The photo appears to make the control look like it's mounted sideways. It's not, it's almost straight up and down attached to the frame.
 

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#3 ·
Thank you so much for posting. That's actually a good picture and makes a lot more sense than I was 'thinking' the instructions were placing it. :smile:
 
#4 ·
The problems with the usual Harley shit instructions are even worse with this one: They actually tell you to mount the adjustment lever upside down. I couldn't believe it. I finally puzzled it out and went to my trusty service manager. He verified that the instructions are upside down.
 
#5 ·
Confirmation that I wasn't losing my mind.....I haven't tried messing with it yet because of my work schedule but I appreciate the responses.
 
#6 ·
On my last two bikes I mounted the adjustment lever on the heat shield below my left thigh. On my latest (2017 RGS) I had to purchase the shields to do this but imho is worth the placement. I adjust this after depending on how I am sitting, upright, slouched, feet on hiway pegs....
 
#7 ·
I was able to mount it easily enough in that same configuration and as the instructions show (well, I think it's the way they show, hard to understand some of them). Really, I see very little need to move it as it is perfectly comfortable where it is now, however I haven't been on a long trip with it yet so it's possible that a slight adjustment may be beneficial when going across the country. Either way, that slight expense added to be able to adjust it was worth it to me.
 
#8 ·
I have read where a lot of riders feel pushed forward with this backrest as it has no rearward adjustment and only one mounting position. I am only 5'9" and am trying to find a dealer with one installed so I can try it out. Is there any sort of aftermarket bracket that would allow for more than one mounting position like on the other HD rider backrest bracket?
 
#10 ·
Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you're saying but this one can definitely move rearward. No issue with that I don't think. As I indicated a while ago (and I've put a lot more miles on it now), for the most part I can't see any reason to move it. I adjusted it to where it is comfortable for me and it continues to be great.
 
#9 ·
Scorpion, I've had both types of H-D back rests on my touring models and would characterize the hydronic adjustable one to have almost the full range of the fixed mount with four available mounting positions.
 
#11 ·
Well, this one definitely moves backward and forward.

However, all the way forward and you're laying face down on the tank. As far to the rear as I can shove it is just...barely...good.
 
#12 ·
SharkBite,

I gleaned that information regarding the lack of rearward adjustment from some reviews on HD's website. If that is in fact not the case then to me it would be worth the additional $$ to go that route. Thanks for letting me know about the ability to adjust this backrest in both directions and not just forward.
 
#13 ·
Wow - I'm 6'0" - or used to be, but I adjusted mine forward so I'd get some support from it. In a fairly neutral position I don't hardly touch it. I do lean forward a bit. Sounds like your riding position/set up can affect your backrest a good bit.

That didn't sound like rocket science when I typed it out ..... : )
 
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