Backrests

About Backrests

A backrest gives the rider or passenger something to lean against, and a sissy bar is the upright bar behind the passenger seat that supports a pad. Riders add them for passenger comfort on long rides, for lower back support behind the rider, or for the custom look of a tall bar. This category lists sissy bars, sissy bar pads, backrest kits and driver backrests, mostly for Harley-Davidson and cruiser models.

Choose the height and the parts. Listings include mini and short sissy bars, standard bars and tall 30 inch bar sticks, plus 14 inch backrest kits for Softail and Dyna models. A taller bar gives a passenger more upper back support but changes the bike's look and can interfere with luggage, and a short bar is less obtrusive. Bars and pads are often sold separately, and many entries are made for a particular model, such as the Shadow Phantom, VLX600 or Harley touring bikes. Pads come in oval, tapered and contoured shapes. Use the Ride Finder at the top of the page.

Brands here include Mustang, Cobra, HardDrive, Drag Specialties and Puig Hi-Tech Parts. A backrest needs a seat to match, so see Seats and Additional Seat Parts, and for seat covers see Seat Covers. The wider group is Seats, Parts & Accessories.

FAQs on sissy bars and backrests

What is a sissy bar?

A sissy bar is a vertical bar behind the passenger seat. It holds a backrest pad so a passenger has something to lean against, and it comes in different heights and finishes. It attaches to the rear of the bike with mounts made for particular models.

Do I need to buy the pad and the bar separately?

Often, yes. Many listings are the bar alone or the pad alone, and some are complete backrest kits. Read the listing to see what is included, and check that the pad's shape and mounting suit your bar.

Will a sissy bar fit my motorcycle?

Sissy bars attach with mounts that depend on the model and year, so choose one listed for your bike. Compare the model names in the listing, such as Softail, Dyna or Shadow, with yours, and use the Ride Finder to narrow the list.

Is a driver backrest worth adding?

It can reduce fatigue on long rides by supporting the lower back, and it helps the rider stay put when accelerating. Position matters, so check that it can be set a comfortable distance from the seat for your height and that it is made for your model.