I've changed my opinion of backrests for Spyder Riding - anyone else?

[rugercharger]

Just putting this out there - having been on 2 wheelers for a long time before transitioning to my Spyder F3 Limited, I never saw a need for a back rest. In fact, I purchased my F3 in 2019 brand new. I did purchase a back rest 3 years ago and never installed it. I decided to install it last week. After a test ride with it on, I did not like it, I did not like the contact against my back. So I took it off.

Well, I told myself to give it some miles before making my mind up. So I did. After putting in some miles, a mix of sweeping curves and highway riding, I pulled over and took it off. Then I took off riding again. Something odd happened, I felt like I had more control and less fatigue with the backrest than without it. So I put it back on.

Now, here is my thought about this - maybe it is just me, but due to the logistics of riding this Can Am vs a motorcycle, with no leaning and the upright seating position of the Can Am, taking curves with the Can Am lends itself to using a backrest more than on a motorcycle.

Anybody else have this same change of mindset to a backrest when moving from a 2 wheel motorcycle to a Spyder?

 

[jdgretz]

Not really the same for me as my Goldwing had a backrest. I added the Show Chrome backrest to my 2024 RT-L and it took a couple of tries before I got it positioned correctly for me and my posture. Now that it's dialed in, I can ride all day without that annoying ache in my shoulder blades. As originally installed, it felt awkward and not all that comfortable. I added a backrest (foam with some elastic to keep it in place) and that helped, but it still wasn't right, and that added backrest was more of an annoyance than help. I played with the height and angle adjustments and finally found the right position for me. Now, it's a delight.

jdg