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[kona76]

Hello,

I have just under 1,000 miles now on my 2008 SE Road King. I see some of ya'all have removed the riders back rest in the Pictures posted. I am under 6'00" without my boots, but with boots on, I get the pressed forward feeling.

I like the back rest, it gives me some comfort, and for some weird reason, when I have to back up the bike, I am happier with than without the backrest present.

Is there only one install, maxed out to the fullest length with the stock hardware? Cause the more familiar I get with my SERK, the more I wish I had a position further back like my  SE FatBoy is.

With out welding a solution, is there additional data on this cause I know many guys WAY BIGGER than I am, who would look foolish all humping the gas tank....Ya know?


Mike K.
kona76

[novazeus]

Like the windshield, the backrest is made for people 5'6'' and shorter. The seat does get better with age.

[miker]

Order a seaty from corbin.  When it arrives throw oem seat in trash... 
You can adjust that big frame framis under the seat assembly to a far back as it goes, didja try that?

I ordered a corbin but not thrown the oem set in the trash, I am goint to try and fit it to my 1970 honda mini trail...

[ad2]

Got my SERK the week before Sturgis last year, rode all the way cussing the back rest digging into my back, pushing me forward. First day there took the seat off and adjusted the bracket back a notch - excellent move. World of difference!

I have a Mustand seat, but haven't put it on yet.

[kona76]

I got the impression my dealer installed the backrest cause the installation sheets were on top of the Retail package. Not that I cared, but if it is meant to assist 5'6" and shorter framed audience, how would they ever find out? My backsupport seat was fully extended and now I get the "REAL" picture. It sucks.

My friends, me thinks our eyes always tell the truth but lie during translation.


Mike K
kona76

[Dan_Lockwood]

There is an adjustment on the back rest itself.  The lower back Allen bolt on the pad will adjust the "tilt" of the back rest just a bit.  That may be enough to make it more useable for you.

I ended up taking my mount off the fender because I had to mount my PCM III there on the fender.  I'll try to get a new location for it and then see what I can do to get the back rest up and working again.

I think the comment about a 5'6" guys is just an off the cuff slightly tongue in cheek observation and not "actually" what the book says.

As far as the seat on my new SERK goes, I find for my build, size, girth etc., that the stock seat is VERY comfortable for me.  The only thing wrong with it for "us" to ride is the width and padding depth of the rear portion of the seat for my wife.

I've had a couple Mustang seats, 16" - 12" and they are about the right size but are VERY hard on the ole arse, if you ask me.

Sorry for going off topic on this thread.

Later dudes and dudettes...

[kona76]

I am knowing about various seat options for the SE RoadKing. It's funny that I find this stock seat the most comfortable one coming from the MOCO. It's nice looking too. Even when removed, the seat is light and easy to work with.

I removed the back rest and rode without it. I think the seat is mushy like that. It doesn't feel like a saddle, like it is missing something. Oh, I get it, the missing back rest.

I am going to find a way to use the mounting bracket, fully extended and in the same position, and remedy this stock setup problem that only a shorter brother or sister can utilize. I still like the look and I want the lower support which is what it is intended for.

It's high enough already. But I will try the two other positions and see if that makes a difference. But, if I went any higher, I would have to throw a leaping spinning back kick just to get my foot over the top. Next time it will be an Olympic event!!


Mike K.
kona76

[56FLE]

kona76,

Did you get that backrest sorted out?

I was reading my FLHRSE4 manual and looking at page 143 figure 63. From this picture it looks like you can move the mounting bracket to four different positions on the fender. Looks like you just need to remove the seat to make this change.

[miker]

Its simple..

[Lzyboy]

I took the seat off my bike as well to look at the other options the bracket may offer. Unfortunately, the bracket is as far back as it can go. I thought about turning it around but the bar support (looking like a stick) would scratch paint.
Lzyboy don't like that! The back rest fits both way so turning the bracket around will push the rest further back, however, it will not line up with the hole in the seat. Waiting for results because I have the same problem with my back rest. Until I get on the highway hit cruise control and throw the feet up on the pegs. Man is that awesome.... 

[kona76]

Yeah, unfortunately, mine is set back as far as it can go without modification or fabrication of a simular but very different bracket. Not settling just yet.

I even went as far as requesting the backrest itself, bent; dog legged..something. But ya lose the chrome, lose the clean look....blah, blah... I know some willing guys with positive input that have no feelings for a brand new $37,000 HD scratchless paint job. Typical engine guru types, ya know?

So, no remedy yet. I asking all I know.

[kona76]

I took the seat off my bike as well to look at the other options the bracket may offer. Unfortunately, the bracket is as far back as it can go. I thought about turning it around but the bar support (looking like a stick) would scratch paint.
Lzyboy don't like that! The back rest fits both way so turning the bracket around will push the rest further back, however, it will not line up with the hole in the seat. Waiting for results because I have the same problem with my back rest. Until I get on the highway hit cruise control and throw the feet up on the pegs. Man is that awesome.... 

Dude, you are not talking about riding on top of those highway bars stock position, right?

[shadygrady]

Take the seat off and adjust the mount itself as other posters have suggested. Makes a huge difference! I'm 6'0" with boots on.

As far as seat comfort, I bought some gel padding and memory foam for about $40 and put it in my original seat so I could keep the flame look. Super comfy now and only took 45min or so to do. Looks just like it did originally. I'd be happy to forward directions and site to order the gel pad if anyone is interested.

[kojak]

Yeah, unfortunately, mine is set back as far as it can go without modification or fabrication of a simular but very different bracket. Not settling just yet.

I even went as far as requesting the backrest itself, bent; dog legged..something. But ya lose the chrome, lose the clean look....blah, blah... I know some willing guys with positive input that have no feelings for a brand new $37,000 HD scratchless paint job. Typical engine guru types, ya know?

So, no remedy yet. I asking all I know.

I put a tallboy seat with a RK adjustable backrest on my serk. I'm 6'2" and its perfect. The stock bike was way too crowded with the seat, floorboard and backrest for me.

[KozyK]

as suggested, you can adjust the mounting plate under the seat. I ended up installing the HD touring cushion seat more for my wife than for me. it is wider for both rider and passenger and still has the saddle feel. Lost the flame but kept the backrest. 5'-10" and feel uncomfortable without it when riding solo. With my wife on-board I remove it and she is the best backrest ever. 18,000 plus miles and can't ride often or far enough.