Didn't like my new-to-me adjustable backrest/sissy bar. :(

Pics while on my "parts" bike for reference:


So I swapped out my luggage racks so I could install my trunk a little higher, reinstall the original rear grab bar and have an adjustable backrest.

The 2nd rack/backrest installed fine. However I have to make some simple brackets to move my saddle bag mounting brackets down a little so they will reinstall. :evil:

I rode the bike to work today after adjusting the backrest so I could use it as the rider. The ride to work was a little weird. I was now missing my trunk and saddlebags. So my balance/feel was a little off. I didn't get a good feel of the backrest. It was also VERY windy and I was worried about not getting blown over on the country roads.

The ride home from work (very little wind) was rather uncomfortable. I could feel every bump in the road on my back if I was leaning back into the backrest. IS this normal and something you get use to? Or was this model probably meant for only the passenger to use? (My trunk has a pad so passenger didn't need THIS backrest assembly).

I have a weekend event coming up that is the furthest away from home I've ridden. Additionally some long time/distance rides are planned for the weekend. I'm not camping, but I was hoping to use the backrest to help attach extra bags/supplies during the ride there. I may keep the backrest on, but I'm not sure I'll be using it as a backrest. :?

Any thoughts ore suggestions?

P.S. It's not a big deal that I had to un-mount my trunk/bags, I've got some rewiring all planned out anyways. Though I need to cut & drill some strip steel to make the trunk fit the 2nd luggage rack. :roll:

P.S.S. Whether or not I keep using the backrest, I have some ideas how to make inexpensive passenger arm rests that would mount into the same tubes. So the 2nd luggage rack will not go to waste.

 

First suggestion, tell me where to get all that trunk stuff!

 

The trunk & rack shown in this post came with my 2nd/Parts bike.

My 2x Vetter trunks (1 give to father-in-law though) gotten via CraigsList, basically for $25 each.

I'd like to trade the above trunk to get my 2nd Vetter trunk back...

My 1st trunk came with some brackets (which I eventually ended up using after modifying my grab bar area).

I also purchased another luggage rack that did not fit my Maxim - NOTE: Test fit and/or measure before prepping and painting. I should try to sell it...

 

Re: Didn't like my new-to-me adjustable backrest/sissy bar.

Sorry I think it's too high to do much good. On a bike, back support is better down low. Like you discovered, it batters you at the top of your back with every bump. When I installed mine in 1982, I had a choice to go with the high version like you got or the low version that I got. I don't think you'll be able to adjust it to your liking. I use mine a lot for the long hauls. Here's mine.

 

That looks like the same brand/type of rack and backrest assembly.

So is the higher one meant for passenger or TALL riders or differently configured bikes?

I'll see if I can modify the backrest part...

 

Let me offer one thing to think about in regard to backrests and sissy bars in general: they TRAP you on the bike.

If something happens and you need to get clear of the bike, a backrest or sissy bar may make it next to impossible and literally tie your fate to that of the (crashing) bike.

Without one, you can roll right off the back if need be.

Just something to think about. A lot of things like that don't cross your mind unless you've been through a crash or two...

 

I will definitely keep that in mind. I probably won't use it as a back rest again. I may use it as a bag-to-bungie mounting point for weekend trips moved away from my back.

I can also see if it is more or less comfortable for my wife vs. the trunk's built-in but removable pad.

The "rack assembly" does fit the bike better, but it will be more work getting my trunk and saddlebags reinstalled if I keep it installed. Time and energy will tell...