That' so when he rides a passenger on long trips, he can nap while she drives from the back seat.
you laugh now, but i have seen it done. a guy on an old HD had his apes not real tight, but tight enough to hold, he would pull them back to be more comfortable when riding, or let his girl ride from the back. and then when he'd get to the bike night or rally or whatever, he'd push them back up to "Look Cool"