Riders Backrest : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

retrocool · 12-03-2008, 01:24 AM

Due to spine surgery last year, I find it difficult to do 300-500 mile days anymore without chest and back pain. I've got a Sundowner deep bucket seat and the HD High handlebars on my 07 roadking classic. It was better than the stock seat, but still not what I'm looking for. I'm thinking about switching to the Pillow look touring seat and the riders backrest. Will this help?
I'm torn between the comfort stitch seat and the pillow look.
The wife thinks the pillow look seat looks more comfortable.
I've tried corbin (too hard), and mustang (too big), so don't go down that road.
Anyone out there have either of these seats and or the riders backrest that could offer some insight?
Thanks for any advice offered.
Are Riders Backrest's worth it for greybeards?

TBo · 12-03-2008, 01:53 AM

One of the best long range, best fitting seats is the Russel Day Long Saddle. Each seat is made for each customer. Cost around $600 go to www.day-long.com I think they can make the seat to accept the HD rider back rest. Another similar seat is the Mayer i don't have a site available. Good luck.

Krayven Sumhead · 12-03-2008, 05:14 AM

Mustang makes rider's backrests that fit standard HD seats as long as the seats are slitted. You must mean the Mustang seat is too big?? not the backrest cuz my Mustang is about half the size as the HD adjustable rider's backrest. And made better too. And more comfortable. And more adjustable than the HD.
If the seat you get has exposed stitching, the stitching is gonna absorb water. I found out the hard way.

egc hooked · 12-03-2008, 06:21 AM

I have an 05 electra glide classic. It has the confort stitch seat on it. All I can tell you is this is very confrontable seat. I am short so I have looked at and tried a few different seats the fact is I have yet to fine one that is better then this one. Three of my friends have either SE Road kings or SE ultras and after riding mine they switched to my seat. The back rest is a nice addition the only draw back with a back reat is it limits the passanger room, I am going to install a kuryakyn tour pack relocator kit this winter to help that out.

HDUltrarider · 12-03-2008, 06:28 AM

I have the sundowner with the adjustable riders back rest, the back rest makes a huge difference in back support and comfort, you may want to try adding the backrest to your sundowner prior to making the investment in the new seat.

PastorJohn · 12-03-2008, 06:37 AM

The rider's backrest on any of the seats makes a huge difference in comfort. I have used the Mustang backrest on a couple of their seats and also on a couple of HD seats. The lower back support is superb both in town and out on tour. I prefer the Mustang backrest because I think it looks better than the HD adjustables and is a little less expensive.

Here is the backrest on an HD Ultra seat and also on the HD Road Glide seat.

LeeFLHR · 12-03-2008, 07:20 AM

I had a 07 Roadking with a Sundowner seat and the adjustable drivers backrest. It really help me to be able to ride longer. I since have purchased a 09 FLHTCU and put a harley adjustable backrest on it. Still have the adjustable backrest from the 07 if interested.

sonoffatboy · 12-03-2008, 08:59 AM

heard that the hd road zepplin (with chambers that inflate) is the kings best friend if you have back problems) not cheap but worth it if keeps you riding...

bill corkey · 12-03-2008, 09:18 AM

I've used a hd backrest on '94,'99,'07,'08 flhs. Once you get used to it
you won't want to be without it. I'm talking about the older type back
rest( i bought from HD for the '94 and just moved it to each succeeding bike) not the newer adjustable ones. On the '07 rk i had a sundowner seat; backrest worked fine.
Note; on the '08 ultra the legs of the backrest not long enough to reach the bracket thru the stock seat.
fabricated a mount to raise the backrest bracket 1 1/2".
I'd try the backrest with the seat you have first.

Jambon1 · 12-03-2008, 09:55 AM

I've had two back surgeries and bought the HD adjustable backrest 3 months ago. Believe me when I say, I don't know how I rode without one!!!! Their well worth it!!!

Neckball · 12-05-2008, 03:35 PM

Quote:

.......my Mustang is about half the size as the HD adjustable rider's backrest. And made better too. And more comfortable. And more adjustable than the HD.

Keith E. · 12-05-2008, 07:39 PM

I strongly recommend a backrest before changing seats, you may be pleasantly surprised. If that doesn't work you can always get a seat later to compliment your new backrest.

Keith

TRazzo · 12-05-2008, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDUltrarider

I have the sundowner with the adjustable riders back rest, the back rest makes a huge difference in back support and comfort, you may want to try adding the backrest to your sundowner prior to making the investment in the new seat.

My setup exactly, but as said before, it does limit passenger space. I won't ride a bike without the rider backrest, I have had them on my last 2 bikes and the comfort is awesome. Helps the lower and mid back strain a ton.

Steelhorse · 12-05-2008, 10:47 PM

Retro,
I have an air bladder (police) seat with everything you'll need to hook her up. I also have a bad spine and have tried many different seats on my Road King. I bought the backrest for it from Cee Baileys and it works real well. Very simple install. I have 2 complete setups and was going to put one on ebay. I will put it on here first....
seat
backrest
2 air cannisters with hose
fiberglass cover, not plastic
1 extra bladder

harleymike77 · 12-06-2008, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDUltrarider

I have the sundowner with the adjustable riders back rest, the back rest makes a huge difference in back support and comfort, you may want to try adding the backrest to your sundowner prior to making the investment in the new seat.

Hey Retro. I highly agree with HDUltrarider on this one. I also have the deep bucket sundowner on mine. I sent it off to Allen at Mean City Cycles (a new Sponsor / Vendor here now). For around $100 he did AMAZING things to the seat. He added memory foam, and moved me back and down 1". To add additional comfort, I purchased the SE Riders backrest (heard to many negatives on the "regular" backrests). MAN, what a difference! I would get a sore a$$ and back within 1-hour of riding. With these mods, I can ride for hours before I even stop for fuel. I've done 6 and 7 hour rides and have felt great after! I would consider these "relatively" inexpensive mods before spending hundreds on a new seat - one you may not even be happy with.

Good luck with your decision