I have an 06 RoadGlide and love it. The only question I have is when I am out for a long ride I start to get an ache in my back. Not down low but about right between my shoulder blades. It doesn't help to put my feet on the highway pegs (it might be a bit worse) but I notice if I put my feet on the passenger boards (thus pushing my shoulders closer to the bars) it helps a lot. I am 5'9 with a 32" inseam and have no problem reaching the ground so I don't need a narrower seat. I think I need a seat that puts me closer to the bars. Anyone with any thoughts??

 

Or keep the seat if you like it and get bars with more pullback?

 

Hey Road Glide, I did all the states east of the Mississippi on a RG, great bike. You need a seat that has a strong step at the base of the seat, I used a Mustang which did the trick to make me sit up more straight (give support at the bottom of your back). You can keep your stock seat and put the HD removable rider backrest on and this is also very comfortable and cheaper than the after market seat idea. Come right off without tools when you want the cleaner no backrest look. Hope this helps, good luck.

 

Secret for comfort.......BACKREST!

 

How does that backrest actually install? I would like to get one but not sure how it would work with my sundowner seat? Do you have a part number and a website that expalins how it works?

 

I am shorter than you but I had a similar problem with the Sportster I owned. I added risers that put the bars up 2 1/2 inches and back 2 1/2 inches. It helped me a lot and got rid of the tightness between the shoulders. The risers cost less than $50 at the dealer and took about a half hour to change. I did not have to change cables or electrical wiring. Of course, your bike will be different.

 

I agree about the bars. Give them a try - also I have heard many say a back rest is awesome.

Hang in there, it takes a little patience to get it just right. It will be worth it in the end!

 

SOme really good responses already posted here...

I have a Mustang seat any WideGlide handle bars on mine. What a DIFFERENCE!!!

 

I too changed the bars to the chrome wideglide, but kept the stock seat and added the backrest. Racked up 20K miles on this combo.

 

I had the same problem with my Fat Boy. I felt I was leaning too far forward and my upper back would cramp up after about an hour or so. Put on 4" pull back risers and it made a world of difference. Definately less stress on my back.