Back rest or no back rest

What is your preference. I am ordering a new seat for my softail and it has an adjustable/removable back rest for the rider.

I am curious on everyones thoughts.

I have a wide solo Mustang seat with the removable backrest for my Softail. It's a lot more expensive than the one without, but it's well worth the money assuming you'll be doing a lot 200+ mile days. It's removable. You can't go wrong. If you're riding around town or taking a shorter trip, don't use it. It is INVALUABLE if you are on a long road trip. I can not stress this enough. Last summer I took a trip that was over 8,000 miles. I had several days that were over 500 miles. I could have gone further. This is only possible because of the back rest. Without the back rest, my lower back and hips are aching at about 250 - 300 miles. I'm constantly trying to stretch my back and legs while riding or having to take a break. In my trip blog, I'm pretty sure my #1 thing that I was glad I had on my trip was my wide Mustang seat with the removable back rest.

Have I convinced you yet?

Thanks for the info

I appreciate the annecdote. I was leaning for the extra$$ about 40, but I was curious on how much it helped. My weekend rides are about 150-200 miles, but I do make 1 long 2K+ per year. We are also headed to Deals gap this summer.

Thanks again.

I went to Deal's Gap on my ride. Beautiful country. The nice thing is that you can use it while you're riding over there, then take it off and leave it at the campsite/hotel while you're riding the Tail or the Skyway.

I use a back rest too. Not only is it removable, she gets on and off by herself.LOL She has a nice back rest on the sissy bar. AL

Oh and let me just add, sometimes I get a massage even during those long rides. BTW i will say mine cost more than the Mustang version (ya even have to feed it) but in my opinion well worth the extra money. AL

I have one like you, Al. And the built in massage is "wonderful"!! I've got the one from Harley, but I stopped using it since I have the "new improved" version. :roflmao:

Massage? Did someone say massage?

"Only use a backrest if the ol lady is behind me"? What is the point of havin' her behind ya if ya can't feel her? I take my rest off when she rides with me!

I agree!! What's the point of that???:roflmao: :roflmao:

Came with the bike... Could remove it, but the ol lady will kick my arse...

I put one on FOR the misses. We took one ride (about 70 miles) and she hated it. Apparently it was too tall. She liked the shorty I had on my other bike. So now I have none which doesn't bother me in the least.

I am more interested in upgrading the seat itself to give my arse a little break. I have the stock Fatboy seat on there now and I'm not impressed. I had a Mustang before. I just haven't had the extra dough to get one yet.