Quote:
Originally Posted by Rsmith
Man that looks awsome. I'd like to hear a ride review once you've put a few miles on it.
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Was out tonite for a short 40 mile 2-up ride with the Protac installed. Here are a few thoughts about the product after first using it, albeit briefly...
Before I went, I bent the support rails slightly forward (about 1") to provide me with the preferred seating position that I usually ride with. I made sure to test my seated position while wearing my armored riding jacket. The back armor is quite thick, and makes a difference from wearing just a normal jacket or T-shirt. The Protac can be bent forward fairly easily to adjust it's position if required, but is very tough to bend backward, so care must be taken not to bend it too far forward.
Once on the road, it made riding the bike feel like it was meant to feel. The Kawi Gel seat always supported the lumbar well, but now that support continues all the way up into my middle back.
The cushion is quite soft, but with an armored riding jacket on, it isn't noticable. It just feels firm when pressing back into the backrest, especially when under acceleration.
The wife was on the rear of the bike, and felt somewhat more cramped by the presence of the backrest in front of her. Mounting/dismounting was more tricky for her, too, but not excessively so. She stated that the support rails rub her inner legs somewhat. I hope to try our Airhawk cushion next ride, to see if the added seating height fixes this issue for her. I think it likely will.
For the rider at the controls, this backrest inspires confidence. You really feel like you're sitting 'in' your bike, not just 'on' it.
I didn't notice excessive vibration through the backrest at 70 mph. A little, but then again, its a 900... a lot of parts vibrate on it at 70 and up.
I would summarize by saying that for the driver, it's a positive addition to an already great motorcycle. For the passenger (if you ride with one often), it may prove to be somewhat less inspiring, especially on longer hauls.