Yup, don't underestimate the importance of the position of the bars. They should come right to your hands when lifted up. If you have to stretch at all to reach them, you will regret it down the road.

When I bought my Heritage I was also interested in the fat boy but I had to lean forward just a bit to get to the grips. I knew that was a deal killer right from the git go. The stock Heritage fit me perfectly.

 

With my standard pull back bars, Sundowner seat and t-bag for backrest, all is good. Oh yeah, I always carry Ibuprobfen, too, lol.

 

Made my own backrest out of the stock pillion after buying the touring pillion for the wife..

Shattered L3 yrs ago and with the stock seat and bars with the backrest I can go 6-8 daily pretty easy.. I do rest and stretch a little every 2-3 hrs when refilling.

 

1+ on the motrin, but eat something first. Motrin will tear up a stomach very quickly if it is not taken with food.

 

Thanks for the reminder on the kidney belt. My leather coat has a removeable one. I'll be trying it out before we take our next long ride.

 

Backrest on the bike, Aleve before, hot tub or hot shower after. Doesn't hurt riding, but when I stop and get off the bike... That is just me.

 

my bottom 4 discs are bulged and deteriorated, had to have a back rest and good seat, but still have to get off every 75-100 miles. But if I can work then I can ride!!!!!!

 

+1 ... for kidney belt.

Longer travel shocks, plush seat, handle bar position all help too.

 

No one has mentioned shocks yet? I don't have a bad back but after hitting a few bumps and potholes with the crappy shocks on my RoadGlide I am thinking hard about making shocks my first upgrade instead of breather/exhaust!

-Sin

 

Yup, the Airhawk seat cushion is both an answer to our prayers and a game changer for the fiance's back problems. Likewise, it is a deal-breaker if for some reason I don't have it with me. She won't ride without it. It's that good.
The product actually carries a money-back guarantee it will make your butt/back feel better.
So you've actually nothing to lose if for some reason it doesn't help add hours of riding time.