2011 Road Glide Ultra with rider’s backrest installed into the stock seat. Over the past five or so years, and without much fanfare, Harley-Davidson’s seats have gotten better and more comfortable. Not too long ago the seat was one of the first things a new owner would change out—the seats just weren’t that comfortable for most. It’s nice we don’t have to go out and spend hundreds of dollars; this is but one thing the MoCo has done without a lot of PR or back patting. However, there are still ways to get more comfort out of the stock seat—in this case on our ’11 Road Glide Ultra with the nice, plush, two-up touring seat. The slot on the seat behind the rider isn’t a stash bin or a place to lose your keys (yes, we tested that feature), but it’s to accommodate a rider’s backrest. The backrests are available in a variety of styles and textures and works with the Adjustable Rider Backrest Mounting Kit (52596-09A, $209.95). 01. The Adjustable Rider Backrest kit comes with (clockwise from top left): backrest mounting base, actuator handle with cable, mounting bracket, actuator bracket handle, and hardware; also shown is the Smooth Adjustable Rider Backrest .01. The Adjustable Rider Backrest kit comes with (clockwise from top left): backrest mounting base, actuator handle with cable, mounting bracket, actuator bracket handle, and hardware; also shown is the Smooth Adjustable Rider Backrest . Pulling a lever by the rider’s left leg operates a cable connected to the hydraulic-backrest mechanism that, along with your lower back to put pressure on the backrest, changes its angle. The backrest is easily removed for a clean look; the dock and mechanism are out of sight under the seat. 02. The stock seat is plush and comfortable with a slot (top arrow) already made into the seat to accommodate the rider’s backrest. Also notice the factory installed Mid-Frame Air-Deflectors (arrow); more on this later.02. The stock seat is plush and comfortable with a slot (top arrow) already made into the In less than an hour we installed the backrest mounting kit and a Smooth Style Adjustable Rider Backrest (52501-09A, $99.95). The backrest adds comfort and support whether cruising around town or crossing state lines. It was designed to have little to no impact on passenger accommodations. Kits are available for ’97-later Touring and Trike models. B 03. Removing the seat revealed the two fender studs and nuts; if equipped, the passenger grabstrap attaches here. The two flange nuts were removed, but the nylon retaining washers were left in place.03. Removing the seat revealed the two fender studs and nuts; if equipped, the passenger 04. We moved on to bolting the mounting bracket (arrow) to the backrest mounting base. The instructions indicate to perform the next step first and then attach the mounting bracket to the base. From previous installations of this, the method shown here saves time and frustration.04. We moved on to bolting the mounting bracket (arrow) to the backrest mounting base. Th 05. The backrest mounting base was slipped over the studs, followed by washers, and the stock flange nuts, but not tightened fully so everything could be lined up properly.05. The backrest mounting base was slipped over the studs, followed by washers, and the s 06. Then the mounting bracket previously installed on the backrest base was bolted to two existing holes in the frame behind the battery.06. Then the mounting bracket previously installed on the backrest base was bolted to two 07. With the included Phillips screws and lock nuts the actuator handle with attached release cable was fastened to the actuator handle bracket.07. With the included Phillips screws and lock nuts the actuator handle with attached rel 08. The actuator handle bracket (arrow) attaches to the frame crossmember between the rear cylinder, and the stock FLTRU Air-Deflector. The installation is easier if the Deflector is already installed; the actuator bracket uses the same bolt and washer from the Deflector. Without the Deflector, a clip nut (included) must be inserted into the frame before the bracket can be installed.08. The actuator handle bracket (arrow) attaches to the frame crossmember between the re 09. The cable was routed under the crossmember, through the frame and battery box, and along the top of the rear fender. The cable was guided to the backrest bracket…09. The cable was routed under the crossmember, through the frame and battery box, and al 10. …before the release cable was attached to the backrest release/adjustment lever (arrow).10. …before the release cable was attached to the backrest release/adjustment lever (arro 11. The seat was put back on and the rider backrest was slid into the slot; a lever on the backrest mounting base locks the backrest into the base.11. The seat was put back on and the rider backrest was slid into the slot; a lever on th 12. Pulling back the backrest cover reveals a pull-knob that allows for five-positions of adjustment (11⁄2 inches).12. Pulling back the backrest cover reveals a pull-knob that allows for five-positions of 13. The Smooth style riders’s backrest looks perfectly at home on the Road Glide Ultra.13. The Smooth style riders’s backrest looks perfectly at home on the Road Glide Ultra. 14. The backrest can be easily removed, and also folds down to allow easier passenger mounting. The angle of the backrest can be fine tuned while parked or riding.14. The backrest can be easily removed, and also folds down to allow easier passenger mou Source Harley-Davidson Motor Company See your local H-D dealer | harley-davidson.com By Toph Bocchiaro Enjoyed this Post? 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