Back Support 101: Even with good posture, spending hours in the saddle can create significant stress in the lower back. Muscles have to work hard to maintain an unsupported position and will fatigue over time, leading to inevitable discomfort.

Stubborn riders like myself are not usually willing to give in to a little pain, so we start to compensate by slouching or leaning forward, adding to the fatigue by further tensing the lower back muscles and stressing the spine. The likely end result is fewer miles, more frequent stops, and potential back problems.

Good news! There is a remedy—Sargent’s EM-5 backrest. Made specifically for the liquid cooled BMW R1200GS. this handy accessory adds pilot lumbar support, relieving muscle tension in the lower back while keeping the spine naturally curved for greater comfort during your journey.

The EM-5 backrest was easy to install and didn’t interfere with the operation of the OEM split seat. The product matched the stock seat and blended well with the GS styling. It was remarkably adjustable for height as well as forward extension—all through two opposing rubber knobs on the main control unit.

Once dialed in, I found the added support while riding was more noticeable than I expected and was definitely more comfortable. Being six feet tall with a 34-inch inseam, the backrest did position me slightly more forward on the saddle than I normally ride.

My leg position was less comfortable and felt a little crammed at times. Once I established my settings, I felt limited from being able to move around on the seat to combat butt fatigue. However, while standing on the pegs, the backrest did prevent me from adequately shifting my weight back during hill descents.

Overall, I recommend the product for road use but would suggest removing it when leaving the pavement. MSRP: $350.00 SargentCycle.com

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