To have a driver back rest or not?

[_Sheffjs_]

Thoughts?

If you don't use a backrest do you think it makes the (bike) back stronger?

Opinions?  

[Hook#3287]

I've had a back rest for over 12 years, would not go far w/o.

[Rams]

Had one on my KZ1000, rode my fat lady for about a year plus before deciding to go after another.   Wouldn't consider not having one on trips more than 50 to 75 miles.   Around town or short rides, no big deal.   That back rest makes a difference IHMO on long trips.

[baldo]

I love mine......

[_Sheffjs_]

But do you think not using one makes the back stronger?

[old2soon]

Would NOT go around the block with out one.   Over the years I've messed up my back at least three times I'm aware of.   With the back rest and a sheepskin can still knock out a 600 mile day!     RIDE SAFE.

[Hoser]

I could not ride without one, I'm 70 years old and my upper spine is getting a little brittle. The back rest supports me right where I need it. Hoser   

[Jess Tolbirt]

no i dont think it makes the back stronger but it will make it weaker because instead of sitting straight up with out the back rest ,, i tend to slouch with it but i cannot ride 25 miles without the back rest, with one i can go all day..

[Hook#3287]

But do you think not using one makes the back stronger?

Maybe.  I've heard the same thoughts about riding w/o a screen.

I ride to relax, not build any muscle group.

[Serk]

Couldn't ride without one...

...BUT...

On the Valk, don't use one unless you keep the passenger seat. The passenger seat acts as a brace. My rear fender collapsed when I had a driver's back rest and no back seat. Luckily Daniel Meyer came to my rescue and beat my rear fender back into shape and welded some bracing steel in on the underside.

[Rams]

Not qualified to answer that question but, I doubt not using one will make my back stronger.   When the back and/or butt has had enough, I look to get off.  

While I love riding my fat lady, she can be hard on the back and butt.   Depends on how hard and  long you ride and the roads you're riding on.

On the Valk, don't use one unless you keep the passenger seat. The passenger seat acts as a brace. My rear fender collapsed when I had a driver's back rest and no back seat. Luckily Daniel Meyer came to my rescue and beat my rear fender back into shape and welded some bracing steel in on the underside.

Hmmm, Okay.

I haven't had a back seat on my Valkyrie in three years.   Haven't noticed any issues with the rear fender.   I ride an Ultimate Low Rider (not sure if that makes any difference) and just went out and looked for some or any thing bent, couldn't find any.

I don't lean back on that back rest though but, it does provide some support.   Don't want or need that back seat though.

[Hook#3287]

Serk may be talking about the type that attach to the fender.

All mine are seat mounted, Mustang, Ultimate.

Now that I think about it, I believe one of the Ultimates is a fender mount.

[Rams]

Serk may be talking about the type that attach to the fender.

All mine are seat mounted, Mustang, Ultimate.

Oh, okay.  Guess I'm not familiar with that version. 

Wasn't arguing the point, just hadn't noticed any bent metal.   Believe me, I looked her over closely.   

[BradValk48237]

2000 I/S that I have Super Valked and Solo...

Have had a Standard Utopia Backrest that mounts to the fender for 5+ years... fender looks fine....

BUT I also have the seat rail that uses the same bolt holes and I have used longer bolts to secure both.. so it probably helps support it/

I have leaned on it with my ass off the seat for miles (did it today)... no problem

The Interstate version mounts to the seat... I have both, but its such a pain in the ass to remove the seat rail I haven't used the I/S seat in 4+ years

B

[cookiedough]

But do you think not using one makes the back stronger?

I would say NO to that question in general for most.

If anything, it will make your lower back stronger by using it vs. not having one, like said for most.

I can live without mine since mostly short trips under 100 miles, but on longer rides more than that it does help relieve some back issues that may arise, like said for most I believe IMO.

[Bighead]

Doubt it make your back stronger. I just purchased a new seat with a back rest (1st I have ever ridden with one) and to me it makes no difference. I know a lot say they can't/ wont ride without one but I have one on one bike and one without and can ride the same distance on either without being able to tell a difference in the way I feel at the end of the day.

[F-six]

I had an Ultimate backrest but after a couple of years but I removed it because it felt uncomfortable. Told myself for a long time it was the greatest thing since sliced bread, but really, it wasn't. Pushed me towards the tank every time. Not having a backrest is all about room to move. I have no problem with an 800 mile day on my Ultimate seat without backrest.

[Gavin_Sons]

I had an Ultimate backrest but after a couple of years but I removed it because it felt uncomfortable. Told myself for a long time it was the greatest thing since sliced bread, but really, it wasn't. Pushed me towards the tank every time. Not having a backrest is all about room to move. I have no problem with an 800 mile day on my Ultimate seat without backrest.

They are adjustable, not much but some. I cant go 15 miles without my ultimate backrest. If you want a stronger back go buy a membership to a gym or start shooting a bow and arrow.

[Hooter]

A backrest is a comfort thing. I don't think it makes a back stronger but it keeps what you have in place. Especially if you ride at distance everyday or do long trips.

   The longer we are on the bike the more we tend to slouch. We add things like risers, windshields and seats to help us reach the best comfort level. I think a backrest is part of that. But, it's all choice and up to the individual and what you want.

[woofred1832]

                    Everyone has their thoughts on seats and backrests........for me on my 2014 Valk. the stock seat is just fine.what I have done is for only more than just a day ride when I add the hard trunk for trips. I made brackets to mount it right behind me and with a larger pad it acts like a back rest for me to learn on for those days when I ride more than 300 miles....... other than that just the stock seat is fine. Like I have said before I'd rather spend the money on other goodies than an easy chair cushion for my ass.  When I pick up the 1975 Goldwing 1000 to become my everyday ride I may mount the trunk on the Valkyrie, because it only takes about 10 minutes to put on or take off. The Goldwing already has had the seat redone an looks like it will give me a little lower back support. The first few day rides which are usually only 150 to 200 mile have fun days just out crusing those Wisconsin county roads with afew stops at some favorite watering holes.......

[Chrisj CMA]

.  
But do you think not using one makes the back stronger?

I believe Not having one makes the back, abdominals and forearms stronger.  Rode with one on one long ride.  You do get there feeling more rested, but I hated riding that way

And, I broke my back and tore a few abdominal muscles.  I know when they are doing something, riding after my injuries was a bit uncomfortable, but now I don't even think about it

[Willow]

I'm of mixed opinion.  I wouldn't drive a cage without a backrest and I don't like riding a motorcycle with one.

I find a backrest uncomfortable but then I'm still young, a mere sixty-five.  I consider five hundred miles a good day.  I've on occasion, of course, done more.

As to strength if your issue is within the skeletal system using the bones more strenuously will not strengthen them.  If the issue is within the muscular system more use tends to make them stronger.  The more you coddle your body the more it needs to be coddled.

[hubcapsc]

I think we all must ride differently. I need to be "plugged in" to
the seat/backrest with my arms bent just right as I hold
the handlebars. Then I push on one side of the bars or the
other to go through curves. Until I could sit that way on the black
bike, I hated it. I'm about to send the seat back to Corbin for this
modification:



-Mike

[Oss]

I dont ride without the back rest on the Valk Interstate unless my wife is riding with me

She is more fun to lean back against than  the Russell Daylong
backrest    and it keeps her from putting her feet on the gas tank

[GiG]

Never had one for 500,000 Standard Valkyie miles or 60,000 Victory miles. Never felt the need or desire. Always like to move around in the saddle on long days.
Bought an Interstate this spring that came with backrest, so I tried it. Now I remember why I never wanted one to begin with.That thing is on the workbench in the barn now. Not for me.
Like Ol Highbinder says, "You gotta be able to get on your bike like a man".

[0leman]

While I have not put as many miles on as MCG, I have put some 80K on my I/S Valkyrie in the last 8 years (that I have had her). I like my back rest, can move around on the seat, and can put ride 400 mile days.    I can still lift my leg over the back rest "Like a Man" mounting her, even though 7 decades have passed.  Even lift my leg over the back rest after riding for several hours.

I enjoy the back rest more than I thought I would.  BUT to each their own, some don't like CT some do.  WE are all a little different.

[baldo]

I have a Utopia backrest (outstanding company by the way) and I love it. It's designed to fold down when throwing a leg over. It's a bit more leg lift, but doable. If this round body can do it.....

[Jess from VA]

Maybe it makes a young back stronger, but I think it would make my old back sorer, esp on long rides.  When I sit up to attention, I come off the rest, and sometimes spend a good while not leaning on it.  Then I lean back.... ahhhh.  

I move around a lot (different grip on bars, one (right) handed riding, legs up or down, or one up on hwy peg and one down on floorboard, butt up or back on seat, on the backrest or sitting up off it.... it helps my butt, shoulders, back and legs) (Every once in a while, I stand up on the boards; it blows the hot air out of my clothes, and stretches out my knees.)  I cannot do the sphinx thing and not move.  I chew gum too.

What I really hate is my head gets itchy in the hot helmet, and I can't scratch it.  Gloved fingers won't go in my ears either (I've tried many times).  

Sorry I drifted off.  

[fudgie]

Never had one in my 104,000 miles on my Valk. I have a bad back anyway but never bothers me while riding. I leaned against my luggage and chaps on the way to the DRU. 200 mile ride like that killed my hips. I think it pushed me to far forward.

[BF]

At first, I didn't have one and never knew the difference.

Then I got one and now know the difference. 

I love mine.  It's the Mustang that folds forward for easy mount, dismount.