New FHLT Problems - Your Comments Please.

[NeoCon]

Mornin'

I took delivery of a new Electra Glide Standard yesterday. Before the first 100yds was completed it was clear my pillion was having trouble, quite literally, staying on the bike.

OK, I can move the passenger foot boards down a bit and possibly that will help, but it seems to me the seat is way too short.

To be honest, I kind off feel that such is the unsuitability of the pillion accommodation that it's inconceivable HD don't know of it and it's been left unresolved so as to compel punters to buy a new seat/backrest/footboard adjustment kit. Having to buy accessories just to make the bike useable as a two up tourer: which is what it's meant to be straight from the showroom [and which it clearly is not] is wrong.
Just to end any hopes of 'another dream coming true' my eye wateringly expensive lower fairing are faulty.

My question is [before I go in on the bounce]: am I alone in my seat problem? Has anyone else's pillion complained?

It a damn shame because the rest of the bikes just great!

Thanks.

NeoCon.

[Tony Cross]

Never had any complaints and I am well built

[MORDUEMAN]

I have a new Standard Glide and yes we had terrible trouble with the pillion seat.

The problem is, is that the rear seat slopes backwards and you have only two alternatives, pillion back rest or new seat.

My Mrs cried in pain all the way to the lakes Rally and all the way home, due to our back rest not arriving in time. Now that its fitted, we have done 200 miles at a time with no problems, in fact its very comfortable for a standard seat and we only stop because we have to fuel up !

Finally, yes it is another HD rip off to make you buy the extras for your bike, but we felt it was worth it, as there no comfortable pillion without a backrest IMHO

[Tony Cross]

Must admit I have always had a passenger backrest.

[NeoCon]

Thanks chaps.

First option is ask HD to replace the seat with another [Sundowner?]: not unreasonable since clearly the supplied seat is not fit for purpose. Doubtless that request will fail so a backrest will be fitted followed by a new seat if that fails to please her.

NeoCon.

[grbrown]

My 1990 FLHS, bought new, was the Standard of its day. It is a budget dresser supplied as a blank canvas, for its lucky new owner to adapt to suit their whims and needs! If you need a new seat, backrest or tourpak over to you! I went the new seat and tourpak route.

[Urrell]

It's a laugh calling them touring bikes when they are only fit for one.
The Street Glide and Road King Classic are even worse than yours and are totally unsuitable for carrying a passenger in comfort for more than a few hundred yards. Tried a Road King Classic and the wife was screaming to stop after about a mile and had to hold on for dear life due to the seat sloping backwards and sliding off at the least throttle, The Street Glide looks even worse in this respect.

For one on-board they are very capable bikes but surely they are expected to carry a pillion for a good bit of the time. With a good backrest they may be excellent and looking at the Standard Glide that may be all you require to make it into a very comfortable tourer.

[MORDUEMAN]

Originally Posted by grbrown

My 1990 FLHS, bought new, was the Standard of its day. It is a budget dresser supplied as a blank canvas, for its lucky new owner to adapt to suit their whims and needs! If you need a new seat, backrest or tourpak over to you! I went the new seat and tourpak route.

That's exactly what the latest Standard Glide is Graham and one of the reasons why we chose that model as we wanted to customise it ourselves.

Ring Tony (Blenk) at Jersey HD and get your back rest ordered , enjoy your fantastic bike and personalise it to your hearts content.

[spinlondon]

Perhaps Harley are thinking your Misus will get her own bike?

[Maggar]

I thought that the back rest ruins the look of the Street Glide but is a must for her majesty's arse when she (rarely) desires a ride on the bike. I bought the demountable back rest which easily clips on and off and leaves no visible trace when it's off the bike.

This is it in place (it's the only picture I've got of the back rest - sorry):