Sissy bar

For the American indie pop band, see Sissy Bar.

A sissy bar (highlighted) mounted on a Harley-Davidson Dyna

A sissy bar mounted on a Schwinn Sting-Ray

A sissy bar, also called a "sister bar", "passenger backrest" and sometimes in chopper motorcycle culture a "bitch stick" is an addition to the rear of a bicycle or motorcycle that allows the rider or passenger to recline against it while riding. Alternatively it can serve as an anchor point or support for cycling supplies that are not part of the bike, including spare helmets, backpacks, or sleeping bags and other camping gear or items a rider feels is needed, such as tool-kits, map books, GPS or cameras or guns or other weapons.

Sissy bars for cruiser-style motorcycles are usually affixed to the rear fender struts, and are typically made of chrome-plated steel with a foam padded seatback for comfort. Some elaborate custom examples can extend three feet or more and often serve as mounts for novelty (typically American or Confederate) flags. A backrest for a touring motorcycle is often shorter and less elaborate and may be built into a top box.

On bicycles

Inspired by its motorcycle counterpart, a smaller version of the sissy bar was a common feature on 1960s- and 70s-era wheelie bikes, such as the Schwinn Sting-Ray and the Raleigh Chopper. This extended backrest, which attached to the rear of the bike's banana seat, gave a passenger something to lean back on and hold on to besides the rider doing the pedaling.