Fasted
Member
Posts: 29
My Lone Wolf
New London PA
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« on: June 20, 2011, 08:22:48 AM » |
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A friend Valkyrie rider, saw my photos of my 1998 CT with a stock seat and suggested I might want to up grade my seat. So I'm fishing for the best seat at a reasonable price (and there is a tooth fairy). The guys here on VRCC's forum seem to like the Ultimate seat. So that the way I'm leaning, but I've been told a 2001 OEM seat for $85.00 is a good low cost solution.
My question is: Is the riders back rest of any value? When I go on really long trips I have a back pack the sits on the passenger seat and on the sissy bar, it makes a nice full length back rest, and is great, but I'm not sure how much the little back rest would help, how much support does it give.
Your opinion or experiences would help.
ED
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bigguy
Member
Posts: 2684
VRCC# 30728
Texarkana, TX
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« Reply #1 on: June 20, 2011, 08:28:46 AM » |
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Makes all the difference to me, however I'm not using anything else for a back rest. Your backpack may be doing just as good a job. I like mine because it's gives me the lower lumbar support I need. My wife rides two up a lot, and we both like having it to keep her from sliding into me if I hit the brakes a little aggressively. Finally, it gives me another anchor point when I bungee something on the passenger seat.
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Here there be Dragons.  |
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16789
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #2 on: June 20, 2011, 08:35:26 AM » |
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If you get the new style OEM seat, it should be pretty good. Every now and then, on eBay and stuff, you can find the OEM backrest that's hooked to a bracket that bolts under the pillion seat. I rode around for almost a year with a 97 seat, no backrest and no highway pegs. I'm now a firm believer in you gotta have a better seat and a backrest and highway pegs  ... -Mike |
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tpme06
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« Reply #3 on: June 20, 2011, 08:36:05 AM » |
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I have a 2000 and don't mind the stock seat at all. I did however get a lambskin (wool) seat cover, which makes it a bit more comfy and surprisingly helps keep your butt a bit cooler during the hot summer days... is sweat much less. I did just order a back rest because on longer rides (5-6 hour days) my shoulder starts to bother me, and I thought a back rest may help a bit in taking some pressure off of my upper shoulder area.
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madmaxinde
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« Reply #4 on: June 20, 2011, 08:42:36 AM » |
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I build my own out of an Ultimate Pad, and it's been a great addition to my Fat Lady  |
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« Last Edit: June 20, 2011, 09:07:57 AM by madmaxinde »
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Keep the shiny side up Bro
VRCC # 33008
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dubsider
Member
Posts: 195
Flat6 baby #33034
Dublin GA
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« Reply #5 on: June 20, 2011, 09:38:18 AM » |
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I have one of the newer seats and am just adding a Utopia drivers back rest http://www.utpr.com/... It is the least expensive way to go and I believe is just fine.. On my Sabre, I have a Mustang Wide Touring seat.. and since it is a one piece I opted to go with the BikerFriend XL http://bikersfriend.com/strapped to the passenger seat.. works perfectly as a backrest |
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Brad
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« Reply #6 on: June 20, 2011, 10:08:41 AM » |
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I rode for years on my stock 98 standard seat and thought I had no problems. About 3 years ago I bought the ultimate Big Boy with a back rest and couldn't believe the difference a back rest makes.
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Farther
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« Reply #7 on: June 20, 2011, 10:17:39 AM » |
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+1 for me too. This past summer I did a 5k road trip and the stock seat with Utopia backrest worked very well. |
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Thanks,
~Farther
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The Anvil
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« Reply #8 on: June 20, 2011, 10:19:30 AM » |
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Well, are you going to upgrade your seat because it's uncomfortable or because a friend suggested it? If it's uncomfortable then by all means replace it, but if it's not then why spend the money? Good replacement seats are not cheap.
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Boxer rebellion, the Holy Child. They all pay their rent.
But none together can testify to the rhythm of a road well bent.
Saddles and zip codes, passports and gates, the Jones' keep.
In August the water is trickling, in April it's furious deep.
1997 Valk Standard, Red and White.
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old2soon
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« Reply #9 on: June 20, 2011, 10:28:50 AM » |
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I was lucky enough to benefit from a fellow vrcc members misfortune. After he wrecked his i/s he was selling off some stuff and i got a stock i/s seat with the utopia backrest already mounted. Let me put it this way-i got the setup for $150.00 and you would have to go a ways north of $450.00 for me to maybe slightly consider getting rid of it. It has made an already great machine just soooo much better on long and short rides. There are ways to spend more money and gets lots less.  Quick easy and comfortable-and no-i DO NOT work or benefit from utopia in any way shape or form. Just a really satisfied utopia back rest owner. Don't just take my word fer it-ask my 66 year old arthritic back.  RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Daniel Meyer
Member
Posts: 5493
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #10 on: June 20, 2011, 11:20:05 AM » |
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2000-up OEM seat and utopia backrest. Ahhhhh.  |
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer  |
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PhredValk
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« Reply #11 on: June 20, 2011, 11:45:21 AM » |
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The Utopia is the single best addition to my IS since I bought her. With the back pack there, you obviously don't need it all the time, but might make your riding more comfortable when you're around town.
Just slip one bolt out of the bracket and the backrest is off the bike, without removing the bracket itself.
Fred.
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Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.
VRCCDS0237
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Fasted
Member
Posts: 29
My Lone Wolf
New London PA
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« Reply #12 on: June 20, 2011, 01:50:29 PM » |
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WOW, so many replys, thanks to all, great stuff!!!
To "Anvil" is my seat unconfortable, well comfort comes in levels. After 100 miles no, but after a 500 mile in a day I'm a bit stiff and have some sore spots. I see a lot of guys switching seats, so there must be something more confortable out there. I'm new to the Valkyrie, so if a friend says that another seat is more comfortable than my early stock seat I check it out.
I'm about to head off on a 3000 plus mile ride up the St Lawrence Sea Way (a 7 day ride) so the more comfort I can find the better. Never had a backrest on my previous bike, but I will on the Valkyrie by the end of next week.
Thanks again.
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The Anvil
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« Reply #14 on: June 20, 2011, 02:31:56 PM » |
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To "Anvil" is my seat unconfortable, well comfort comes in levels. After 100 miles no, but after a 500 mile in a day I'm a bit stiff and have some sore spots. I see a lot of guys switching seats, so there must be something more confortable out there. I'm new to the Valkyrie, so if a friend says that another seat is more comfortable than my early stock seat I check it out. Then a seat is an excellent investment. |
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Boxer rebellion, the Holy Child. They all pay their rent.
But none together can testify to the rhythm of a road well bent.
Saddles and zip codes, passports and gates, the Jones' keep.
In August the water is trickling, in April it's furious deep.
1997 Valk Standard, Red and White.
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PhredValk
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« Reply #15 on: June 20, 2011, 02:40:40 PM » |
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I have a 99 IS. Add the Utopia and some hi way pegs, it becomes a big old Lazyboy on the road.
Fred.
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Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.
VRCCDS0237
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Patrick
Member
Posts: 15433
VRCC 4474
Largo Florida
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« Reply #16 on: June 20, 2011, 02:48:32 PM » |
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I added a 2000newer seat and a back-rest.. Its not a Utopia rest[I can't remember the brand] but its a little smaller than the Utopia.. I need the back-rest,but, For long trips I'd probably want a different seat..
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Quicksilver
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« Reply #17 on: June 20, 2011, 03:19:33 PM » |
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For longer trips, the kind that last a few days with riding 8 or more hours every day, I've found the Utopia backrest and the Ultimate seat really make it more enjoyable. I've tried the 2000 seat on my standard with gel pads and sheepskin, it doesn't come close to the Ultimate Big Boy. The backrest can be adjusted on the fly, stretch out to the front foot pegs, lean back and relax. I did have to upgrade the standard to touring handlebars as well.
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1997 Standard   |
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ricoman
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« Reply #18 on: June 20, 2011, 03:53:35 PM » |
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2000 or newer stock seat is way better than your 98 (and at 85 bucks, at least 60% less than aftermarket).
Addition of a Utopia backrest will leave you asking "why didn't I do this before?"
If you have the bucks, a Russell Daylong would be the best choice.
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take personal responsibility and keep your word
98 Tourer, black and chrome, added 8/11/10
98 Std, yellow/cream, totaled 8/3/10
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rmrc51
Member
Posts: 1087
Freyja. Queen of the Valkyries
Palmyra, Virginia
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« Reply #19 on: June 21, 2011, 03:34:06 AM » |
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I have the Ultimate Big Boy seats and I couldn't imagine, 'not', having the back rest! For me, the support it provides is crucial.
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VRCC # 30041
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thewoodman
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« Reply #20 on: June 21, 2011, 07:10:10 AM » |
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After riding with a stock '97 seat for about a year, I bought a newer version [post '00 seat] maybe 3 years ago and bought an Utopia backrest just like the one listed above in the EBAY ad and have never been sorry. 50 bucks isn't too bad a price. Adjusted right and with highway pegs, it's better than my earlier Gold Wings and I hang my tour bag from it since I ride solo 99% of the time. If I want to put the back seat and backrest on for the occassional passenger, it's a 5 minute swap. For any long distance touring, it's a must; after 2 years my brother-in-law added one to his Heritage which made my wife reconsider and I had to build a custom mount to add one to her custom Fatboy too. Wouldn't ride for more than a few hours without one.
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 The first step in getting somewhere is deciding that you are not going to stay where you are. TheWoodMan |
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Willow
Administrator
Member
Posts: 16680
Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP
Olathe, KS
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« Reply #21 on: June 21, 2011, 10:23:31 AM » |
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I have backrests in all my cages. Wouldn't own one without.
I've absolutely no use for a backrest on a motorcycle. My wife loves hers.
An Ultimate is certainly the way to go, but if you're not ready for that outlay, a stock 2000+ saddle will be a tremendous improvement over the brick you have now.
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Fasted
Member
Posts: 29
My Lone Wolf
New London PA
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« Reply #22 on: June 21, 2011, 02:06:20 PM » |
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Again, thanks to everyone, I ordered a Ultimate BigBoy with a back rest today. Thought I found one for half price, but it was sold, so with all the good words I bit the bullet. Nothing like all your experience.
ED
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B
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« Reply #23 on: June 21, 2011, 05:17:28 PM » |
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I have a mustang with drivers backrest. I'll never have another bike without one.
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"if I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me." TLB-Ps.139:9-10
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #24 on: June 22, 2011, 05:25:55 AM » |
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Im with Willow on the backrest thing on a bike. While I must say on a long trip you do arrive a tad more "rested" I could never get used to the ride, felt like having a cast on or something. For me enjoying the ride is more important than getting there a wee bit more tired
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dubsider
Member
Posts: 195
Flat6 baby #33034
Dublin GA
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« Reply #25 on: June 22, 2011, 11:17:02 AM » |
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I find a back rest a required item.. having had back surgery a few years back, it becomes more than tired on a ride.. I just added the Utopia for 199 (btw Bob is a great guy) to the stock 2000+ OEM saddle and it really can not get any better for the money... I'm in heaven
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Mr Steve
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« Reply #26 on: June 22, 2011, 01:08:59 PM » |
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I like the idea of a backrest, it certainly looks like it would be more comfortable, and most love it. I only tried one and it did not work out, I had a Hartco with a backrest and it pushed me too far forward in the seat (6'7" 300#, I need every bit of rise and back I can get), so I never used it. When I bought the Ultimate King (nice seat) I did not buy a backrest with it, figuring it would also push me forward in the seat. The utopia makes me curious, but I am not sure I want to take the $200 gamble to see how it fits.
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16789
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #27 on: June 22, 2011, 01:29:40 PM » |
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I like the idea of a backrest, it certainly looks like it would be more comfortable, and most love it. I only tried one and it did not work out, I had a Hartco with a backrest and it pushed me too far forward in the seat (6'7" 300#, I need every bit of rise and back I can get), so I never used it. When I bought the Ultimate King (nice seat) I did not buy a backrest with it, figuring it would also push me forward in the seat. The utopia makes me curious, but I am not sure I want to take the $200 gamble to see how it fits.
I guess everything's relative, but the Ultimate backrest is pretty adjustable in that way... I'm just the opposite of you, and wanted my backrest to push on me more, not less, and I got what I wanted with a quick adjustment... -Mike |
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dubsider
Member
Posts: 195
Flat6 baby #33034
Dublin GA
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« Reply #28 on: June 22, 2011, 02:41:51 PM » |
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I like the idea of a backrest, it certainly looks like it would be more comfortable, and most love it. I only tried one and it did not work out, I had a Hartco with a backrest and it pushed me too far forward in the seat (6'7" 300#, I need every bit of rise and back I can get), so I never used it. When I bought the Ultimate King (nice seat) I did not buy a backrest with it, figuring it would also push me forward in the seat. The utopia makes me curious, but I am not sure I want to take the $200 gamble to see how it fits.
the Utopia has an adjusting nut that can swing the rest forward or back by 3-5" either way.. I have mine adjusted straight up. |
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jjrider08
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« Reply #29 on: June 22, 2011, 04:05:20 PM » |
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Mr Steve, I'm with you. I'm 5'8" 180# and I have a ultimate low rider seat. I am much more comfortable without the backrest. The backrest kinda keeps me too forward in the seat ( Even fully adjusted) and keeps the boys cramped. It's too bad. I had a backrest on my Softail Deluxe and wouldn't leave home without it.
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