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Custom Vehicle Discussions => CVO™ Road Glide Ultra® => Topic started by: ACfixer on October 03, 2015, 05:05:44 PM

Title: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: ACfixer on October 03, 2015, 05:05:44 PM
I've move the backrest to the farthest back set of holes on the fender mount, I still struggle with this thing! Anyone lose that stupid spring under the seat? Jeeeze this can't be this difficult can it? Trying to get the back rest to the lowest position seems very difficult, any tips?
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: CVODON on October 03, 2015, 05:25:23 PM
Lost here, what spring are you talking about? I have using a HD backrest in my bikes since '05 and due to back problems that is the only reason I can still ride over 100 miles at a time. But I just have no idea what you are talking about.
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: ACfixer on October 03, 2015, 06:06:43 PM
Ha ha okay... here ya go Don. Getting this thing compressed and inserted and then adjusted to the lowest setting is just proving to be a fistfight. I know there has to be an easier way? I've lost that spring under the seat a couple times, and yes I've stretched the spring out. ;)

(http://acfixer.com/NewPics/backrest.jpg)
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: RGlideKid on October 03, 2015, 06:31:43 PM
Lance,
I too, have my bracket moved toward the rear, I think one hole further than stock if not all the way back.  Are there 3 mounting hole sets, or 4?  I can't remember. 
Anyway, I've never had a problem with the spring, but I always have a problem getting the backrest down into the slot thru that small opening in the seat.  Then you gotta figure out how to pinch it tight.  It's made worse by moving the mount back further, too.  Try using a cable tie to pinch and hold the arms together, then stuff it down in the slot, then cut the tie.  Just make sure the tie is higher up than your mount!
It's either that, or wrestle with the darn thing every time you want to take it off or put it back on.  Sorry, bro.  Not much help here, I'm afraid.   :-\
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: kojak on October 03, 2015, 07:22:43 PM
I keep couple of those extra springs around just because of that.
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: windjammer on October 03, 2015, 07:28:22 PM
Piece of crap IMHO. Mine sits on the shelf in the shop because of the poor design.
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: King Glide on October 03, 2015, 07:44:22 PM
I put the B-rest in the seat hole before screwing in the seat hold down screw, then while looking under the seat reach under the seat and squeeze the rest arms and put them in the bracket and lock down the seat.

My arm and hand is small enough to put the b-rest at the bottom position very easily, hopefully yours is too. There is about 4" of space available, if not hire a 10 year old, lol.
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: ACfixer on October 03, 2015, 07:47:03 PM
Yeah I can wrestle it into the darn thing Harry, but I can't get it down to the lowest setting and any higher that thing just hits me in the part of my back that I don't want it. I managed to get it to the lowest setting once and it was all good, but anything else is just uncomfortable for me.

Piece of crap IMHO. Mine sits on the shelf in the shop because of the poor design.

It makes me feel slightly better than I'm not the only one.

I put the B-rest in the seat hole before screwing in the seat hold down screw, then while looking under the seat reach under the seat and squeeze the rest arms and put them in the bracket and lock down the seat.

My arm and hand is small enough to put the b-rest at the bottom position very easily, hopefully yours is too. There is about 4" of space available, if not hire a 10 year old, lol.

Worth a try, thanks!
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: OBB on October 03, 2015, 09:18:34 PM
I put the B-rest in the seat hole before screwing in the seat hold down screw, then while looking under the seat reach under the seat and squeeze the rest arms and put them in the bracket and lock down the seat.

My arm and hand is small enough to put the b-rest at the bottom position very easily, hopefully yours is too. There is about 4" of space available, if not hire a 10 year old, lol.
I will have to try this method. I don't think I have mine the whole way down either.
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: 2014WtGld on October 04, 2015, 12:54:23 AM
I have run mine down low and up high. Both positions are pretty easy to obtain to me and now that I'm use to using the back rest I hate riding without it.
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: JCZ on October 04, 2015, 10:58:20 AM
I have run mine down low and up high. Both positions are pretty easy to obtain to me and now that I'm use to using the back rest I hate riding without it.

Kind of like the cruise control...the gps...the abs....disc brakes....locking saddle bags....heated seats.....heated grips and all the other creature comforts that they've incorporated over the years.  :bananarock:

Back to the topic.....due to back issues and the surgeries, I've rode with a back rest since my 89 Ultra Classic.  While it's been a bit difficult getting it down in there and positioned correctly, it's never been to the point where I just couldn't get it.  I have learned that the hole in the seat can be opened up much further than one would think.

If I put it all the way on the lowest setting then it's my upper back that starts hurting.  If I put it up to the highest setting then it's my low back that starts hurting.  Or at least that's the way it was with all previous seats and backrests.  On the current bike (13 CVO Ultra Classic) I keep the backrest up closer (making me sit much more upright.....the way all the riding courses say we should always ride...LOL) and I just don't have any back issues for the first time in years with this seat in this position.  But it was certainly a challenge getting used to this new (to me) position.
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: RGlideKid on October 04, 2015, 11:19:02 AM
Kind of like the cruise control...the gps...the abs....disc brakes....locking saddle bags....heated seats.....heated grips and all the other creature comforts that they've incorporated over the years.  :bananarock:

Back to the topic.....due to back issues and the surgeries, I've rode with a back rest since my 89 Ultra Classic.  While it's been a bit difficult getting it down in there and positioned correctly, it's never been to the point where I just couldn't get it.  I have learned that the hole in the seat can be opened up much further than one would think.

If I put it all the way on the lowest setting then it's my upper back that starts hurting.  If I put it up to the highest setting then it's my low back that starts hurting.  Or at least that's the way it was with all previous seats and backrests.  On the current bike (13 CVO Ultra Classic) I keep the backrest up closer (making me sit much more upright.....the way all the riding courses say we should always ride...LOL) and I just don't have any back issues for the first time in years with this seat in this position.  But it was certainly a challenge getting used to this new (to me) position.

Hey, JC...someone needs to invent a backrest for us sore back types that can go either heated to cold!  If they can do it in a car, why not for us on a bike?  Course then, the MoCo would charge out the wazoo for that option, wouldn't they?
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: King Glide on October 04, 2015, 12:20:42 PM
Yes they would and personally, HD has helped me as much as I can afford, lol.
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: golaith69 on October 04, 2015, 12:21:13 PM
I like that type of backrest the other adjustable type sucks - and costs more money .. .. I am 6'9" and I have had it working for me on that type..i just put it as far back as it can go..
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: TNCarters on October 04, 2015, 12:59:45 PM
Last time I put back rest on I used a pair of channel locks to hold it till I got it in the lowest holes. I know it's scratching the paint on the bracket. I'll have to try the zip tie method. Had the larger adjustable back rest on my previous Limited with a hammock seat. Liked it but it was so large it rubbed the slot in the seat and have to put protective plastic on the seat to prevent rubbing a hole in it. Also had to put additional mounting holes in it to fit the hammock seat.
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: Fired00d on October 04, 2015, 02:36:39 PM
I like that type of backrest the other adjustable type sucks - and costs more money .. .. I am 6'9" and I have had it working for me on that type..i just put it as far back as it can go..
:jack: Now I know how you got your screen name. :shocked2: :D :D

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: CVODON on October 05, 2015, 06:14:40 PM
I, like JC, have due to a couple back surgeries am unable to ride without a backrest. I raise and lower it during the day on long rides to support different areas and this works very well. I have never experienced this difficulty in installing/removing the rest as described in this thread. I take it off every time I wash the bike (at least once a week) and as I said move it up and down constantly for comfort. I do not squeeze the bracket to remove, I just push on one side and "rock" the rest to the next higher or lower hole. Works for me.
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: FlaHeatWave on October 06, 2015, 12:07:42 AM
'Just push the backrest in slot in the seat at an angle (from one side of bike, I push toward the kick stand) seat the ball end (either end of the spring), in the bracket and push the other ball end against the bracket (acts as a lever, one ball end is already seated in the bracket, easier to control as one side of the backrest is already seated) compressing the spring to seat the other ball end. Remove in the reverse order...

Or get a Corbin and remove / adjust with the allen wrench (removal of backrest not necessary to remove seat)...
Title: Re: Taller guys... using the driver backrest?
Post by: ACfixer on October 06, 2015, 10:43:54 AM
Thanks for the suggestions guys, I'll give it a shot today.