Will I need a Driver Backrest-21’ Spyder RT Limited

[shakin_jake]

:congrats: On the new 2021 Spyder RTL Jake!! Wow enjoy the Ride home on that thing, I'm sure Mrs. Jake will love getting some wind therapy now. :2thumbs:

~~~wish I could ride her home Copper! Not enough time, to enjoy the ride. We’re short handed on the farm. I’m leaving Helen alone on the farm and there’s too much to do in order to be gone anymore than 2 days there and back. I negotiated a trade for my Ryker so I’m pulling our 7’ X 14’ low sided Big Tex dump trailer trading in the Ryker. It’s 600 one way miles

Had I kept abreast of the current low new Ryker inventory, I could have easily sold my Ryker Rally prior to the sale, then would have had enough time to do a fly n’ ride getting her back to my homestead. There will be time to get in some riding once she’s home, but it would have been more fun to ride back

 

[CopperSpyder]

Have a safe trip make sure you get the new Spyder secure in the trailer for the trip back. Wishing you the best for weather, how do they say that "may the wind be at your back". Make sure and post us a photo when you get back. :thumbup:

 

[dbh999]

I put a Utopia backrest on my 2021 RTL and for me it helps a lot. I've also had backrests on my long-distance touring motorcycles for the same reason. As an alternative to
"So, on the slab (mostly smooth & level) the backrest is on. When the going gets rough, the backrest goes in the pannier." what I do is on the slab the backrest is on and my back is slightly pushing against it and when the going gets rough I slide or tilt forward slightly so I'm no longer in contact with the backrest.

 

[Pooch]

I put the Utopia driver back rest on my 2021 RTL.
I have to have a backrest as I like to push back on it to help balance and support myself instead of trying to hold onto the handlebars for support while I am using the handlebars to guide the Spyder.
I find that doing so takes a lot of unwanted movement off of that sensitive steering and I don’t get that twitchy/darty feeling with the Spyder that can be complained about so much.

 

[shakin_jake]

I would say first figure out if the stock handlebar position works because a lot of back and shoulder pain are fixed with risers and not a backrest, especially if you are not far back enough from the bars to really take advantage of a backrest. I was having shoulder and middle back pain on my 2021 RTL and thought I needed a backrest. I put on the Helibar risers and so far that has fixed my issue so I haven't felt the need to get a backrest. I haven't done an all day ride yet so that may change once that happens. I'm good up to three hours right now without a backrest.

~~~just guessing but I think why I’m able to get away w/o having to monkey around with handlebar height and alternate hand positioning is because I have a fairly long sleeve length. Just a hip shot. I’m 6’1” height, but the height i have comes from my torso, not my inseam so I’ve never really had to stretch to reach the bars so to speak. I’ll admit, this analysis may be totally misguided but that’s my story & im sticking to it=


Best,


Jake
Reddick Fla.

 

[SpyderGoldwingOwner]

For me the 20+ RT do not need a back rest. Everyone seems to have different results