Sissy Bar Buyer's Guide.
A sissy bar is the do-everything accessory for smaller Harley models — passenger backrest, luggage rack, or bobber profile — depending on the day. Pick by fitment first.
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A sissy bar is the do-everything accessory for smaller Harley models: passenger backrest on the weekend, luggage rack on the trip, bobber profile the rest of the time — if you buy a detachable one. The catch is fitment: Dyna bars split at the 2006 model-year change and the line ended in 2017, while Sportster bars split at 2004 and again by mounting style. Here are the six bars and backrests worth your money.
What Actually Matters
- Mounting: detachable vs bolt-on. Detachable (4-point or side-plate) bars pop off in seconds; bolt-on bobber bars are rigid and cheaper but stay on the bike.
- Year split. Dyna: 2002–2005 and 2006–2017 are different bars. Sportster: 1994–2003 and 2004–2022 are different — check twice.
- Height and pad. Low-profile bars (under ~16") clear solo seats; tall bars need a passenger pad sized to the upright.
- Rack compatibility. If you want luggage capacity, pick a bar with a matching foldable rack (Viking Iron Born) or a rack-only option.
- Finish. Matte black hides wear; chrome needs polishing but suits older Sportsters and Dynas.
Comparison: Sportster & Dyna Bars
| Bar / backrest | Best for | Fitment | Price | Rating | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TC Bros. Kickback — Dyna 06-17 | Best overall Dyna bar | Dyna 2006–2017 | $139.95 | ★4.6 | TC Bros. / RevZilla |
| TC Bros. — Dyna 02-05 | Earlier Dyna (5-speed) | Dyna 2002–2005 | $139.95 | ★4.7 | Dennis Kirk |
| TC Bros. Kickback — Sportster 04-22 | Best overall Sportster bar | Sportster 2004–2022 | $139.95 | ★4.9 | TC Bros. / J&P Cycles |
| Biltwell EXFIL — Sportster | Best premium Sportster | Sportster 2004–2022 | $249.95 | ★4.7 | Biltwell |
| Biltwell EXFIL — Dyna | Best premium Dyna | Dyna 2006–2017 | $199.95 | ★4.2 | Dennis Kirk |
| TCMT Detachable Backrest | Best budget backrest | Dyna 2006–2017 | $64.99 | unrated | TCMT |
| Cobra Tall Detachable Backrest | Best for touring two-up | Multiple models | $411.09 | ★3.4 | SoCal Powersports |
Our Picks
- Best Sportster bar: TC Bros. Kickback Sportster 2004–2022 — $139.95 (★4.9). The highest-rated bar in the comparison; kickback angle clears most solo seats. Check price at TC Bros. →
- Best Dyna bar: TC Bros. Kickback Dyna 2006–2017 — $139.95 (★4.6). Same design language, correct 2006-up side plates. Check price at TC Bros. →
- Best premium: Biltwell EXFIL — $249.95 Sportster / $199.95 Dyna. Heavier gauge steel and clean low-profile lines; the Dyna version is currently $50 cheaper at Dennis Kirk. Check price at Biltwell →
- Best budget: TCMT Detachable Backrest — $64.99. The cheapest way to give a passenger a backrest on a 2006–2017 Dyna.
- Best for regular two-up touring: Cobra Tall Detachable Backrest — $411.09. Full-size pad and hardware for long hauls; premium price.
- Also noted: Viking Iron Born Blade 25" — $112.49 (Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200C, ★5.0) with foldable rack option, already listed on the hub. Check price at VikingBags →
⚠ Fitment warning: A Dyna sissy bar will not mount a Sportster and vice versa — side plates, fender struts and docking hardware differ. Within Dynas, 2002–2005 and 2006–2017 bars are not interchangeable. Confirm your exact model years on the retailer's fitment chart before ordering.
FAQ
Detachable or bolt-on?Detachable if you want the clean solo look most days; bolt-on if the bar stays mounted and you want maximum rigidity for less money.
Will a Dyna sissy bar fit my Sportster?No — mounting plates and struts are model-specific; buy the bar made for your model family and year split.
How tall should the bar be?Under ~16 inches for a low solo-seat profile; taller bars need a passenger pad and can affect license-plate visibility laws in some states.
Do sissy bars work with a luggage rack?Some do — the Viking Iron Born line pairs a 25" bar with a foldable rack; TC Bros. sells matching racks separately.
Can my passenger lean on any sissy bar?Only bars with a proper passenger pad; bare bobber uprights are for looks and light strap-down duty, not back support.