[StrykerB]

I was trying to get some help from all the other owners out there. We are debating which backrest to get for the bike. I like the idea of the QR Backrest for the fact of being able to remove it. However I also like the idea of the Fixed Backrest so that I don't have to worry about taking it on and off. I was really looking for some pros and cons that I might not have thought of. Please help! Any advice is welcomed! Thanks.

 

[galo8]

QR is more expensive but it will take you 10 seconds or less to take off and put on. The fixed one will take you about 15 mins to put on and take off. I you like to ride solo a lot the QR might be a better choice unless you like the way it looks on your bike and then you can leave it on. I just ordered the short chrome QR one on amazon for $313, but I haven't received it yet. I like the way the short one looks and in my case I ride solo 80% of the time.

 

[11Stryker]

I've got the tall QR and very quick change to solo, But got tired of the Frankenstein bolts and those plastic struts when riding solo. So removing struts permanently was easy- just used three 1/4" thick hardened washers on each bolt to take place of struts. Now I wish I had bought fixed tall because it only takes me 2 minutes to change from Solo to 2-up. Theres my 7 cents!

 

[Rich Thompson]

I have the tall fixed mount back rest, It looks good on the bike. I leave it on all the time. I don't know for sure but i thought i seen somewhere on the site that the QR do rattle when the back rest is off.

 

[rbeane60]

I have the quick release one and ride with and without it and never heard it rattle. It is nice to have the option .

 

[11Stryker]

The only rattling is when backrest is off and the 2 spools on rear bolt are freewheeling and can rattle when hitting bumps or old Ladies!

 

[StrykerB]

I will definitely trying to avoid the Old Ladies. I do live in Florida so it might be extremely difficult. I live in a Buick Paradise and they scare the bejesus out of me some days. Okay, how about if any of you have any saddle bags with the backrest? OEM or Custom? And does it get in the way with the backrest or is too much clutter for the back? I keep hearing about these Frankenstein Bolts, are they that bad? I am leaning towards the short fixed.

 

[rbeane60]

Here is what it looks like with the OEM Bags. I think it is ok.

 

[11Stryker]

I will definitely trying to avoid the Old Ladies. I do live in Florida so it might be extremely difficult. I live in a Buick Paradise and they scare the bejesus out of me some days. Okay, how about if any of you have any saddle bags with the backrest? OEM or Custom? And does it get in the way with the backrest or is too much clutter for the back? I keep hearing about these Frankenstein Bolts, are they that bad? I am leaning towards the short fixed.

Here are my Frankenstein bolts with struts still attached

 

[UrbanRage]

I spent the extra money thinking that I would remove it. Well it has never been off and honestly if I did take it off the huge bolts would drive me crazy..lol.. . I would recommend to save the money and get the fixed one.

 

[SmokenJoe]

Fixed one comes off in about 10 min.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxVV7gNFKE0

 

[sonic635]

For the difference in price. you can purchase the luggage rack attached to the fixed. My bike came with the fixed short backrest. I purchased the luggage rack for it as soon as I bought the bike. I attach my Kuryakin mini grantour bag behind the backrest and strap it down to the luggage rack. I almost never drive the bike without the bag.

 

[StrykerLover]

Can you post a picture? I have the same backrest but haven't found a bag that I like yet.

 

[sonic635]

StrykerLover here are a couple of pics of the Kuryakin mini grantour. The bag is in it's expanded shape cause I had extra stuff to bring to work today. Handy bag for day to day use.

 

[StrykerLover]

Thank you. I really like that. Still looking for something a little larger that still does not rub on the fender. I'm fussy with my stuff and don't want rub marks on it.