what is a sissy bar

A sissy bar, also known as a "sister bar" or "passenger backrest," is a metal bar that mounts to the rear of a motorcycle or bicycle and extends above the rear of the passenger portion. It serves as a backrest to support the rider or passenger, and it can also be used as an anchor point for mounting luggage or equipment. The term "sissy bar" originated in the early 1960s when some states mandated the use of a bar on the back of motorcycles, and bikers, unhappy about the requirement, started referring to the bars as "sissy" bars. Over the years, sissy bars have become a focal point of expression for bike builders, with custom designs ranging from simple to extravagant, built for comfort, purpose, style, or a combination of all three