Question about drivers backrest

[Fritz The Cat]

Does the backrest have to match the seat or is there a generic backrest that fits all?

Thanks and pardon my ignorance, I'm a noobe.

[Farther]

Utopia works on my Standard just fine.

[Gangman036]

This is the one I bought.........not related or know them, blah blah
One of the best things I've as far as comfort.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-VALKYRIE-Tourer-Chrome-Driver-Backrest-/140540597982?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20b8df56de#ht_1081wt_809

[xman]

Father & Gangman I lke the idea. How do you mount those with the standard Valk seat.

Tom

[Chillerman]

I have an Ultimate KingBigBoy seat with with a Utopia drivers backrest. Works just fine. What are you trying to mix and match? I think the Utopia will fit with most drivers seats, but it is about $200 if I remember. Used to be a VRCC vendor but I don't know for sure now.

Here is Utopia http://www.utpr.com/valkyrie.html

[Fritz The Cat]

My concern is that if I order one and it doesn't fit because of the type of seat I have, I'm screwed.

The one on ebay looks like it would work but I don't do ebay anymore, they're evil.

[Gangman036]

Mounts with the 2 screws underneath, on the front of the passenger seat. I had both of my stock seats redone with gel foam and it fits perfect. I guess it would depend on what kind of seat you have. Here are a few other links to backrest that look similar. I agree with you on EVIL-bay. I ordered mine a couple of years ago.

http://www.bestemusa.com/product_info.php?products_id=313

http://www.xdcycle.com/discount-motorcycle-accessories/Honda-Valkyrie-VTX-R-and-S-VT750-VT-1100-Shadow-ACE-Tourer-Aero-DRIVERS-Backrest.html

http://www.utpr.com/valkyrie.html

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/list.cfm?model_id=12&Category_ID=32&manufacturer_ID=0&product_id=0&sblid=formselect

[Paxton]

I'd love to add one of those from eBay but I think it would require removal of my Solo Seat rail!
I guess I am choosing looks over comfort. 

[ricoman]

Utopia works on my Standard just fine.

Utopia makes a very good product. Gives a little lean back support for longer rides and is has some adjustability too.
When I was rear ended and my std was totaled right out from under me, I credit the backrest for keeping me on the bike and limiting damage to my body.

[chuckie]

Utopia for me. Cost more but fully adjustable, and folds forward, whic for me is important since I
get on throwing leg over saddle. Hips don't like it when I try lifting leg over seat.
Chuckie

[Fritz The Cat]

Mounts with the 2 screws underneath, on the front of the passenger seat. I had both of my stock seats redone with gel foam and it fits perfect. I guess it would depend on what kind of seat you have. Here are a few other links to backrest that look similar. I agree with you on EVIL-bay. I ordered mine a couple of years ago.

http://www.bestemusa.com/product_info.php?products_id=313

http://www.xdcycle.com/discount-motorcycle-accessories/Honda-Valkyrie-VTX-R-and-S-VT750-VT-1100-Shadow-ACE-Tourer-Aero-DRIVERS-Backrest.html



http://www.utpr.com/valkyrie.html

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/list.cfm?model_id=12&Category_ID=32&manufacturer_ID=0&product_id=0&sblid=formselect

Thanks for the links. Looks like the Utopia is the way to go. I have one on my GW and I'm totally satisfied with it.

[Farther]

I'd love to add one of those from eBay but I think it would require removal of my Solo Seat rail!
I guess I am choosing looks over comfort.  

The Utopia works very well with my solo rear fender rack.  I think the rack actually reinforces the mounting area and distributes the stress from the backrest mount over the two mounting points (front & rear) of the rack.

[Tailgate Tommy]

Utopia works on my Standard just fine.

+1 on the Utopia. I've been using it on my 2003 standard since I bought it new an I love it. Great guy and company to deal with as well.

[JetDriver]

You mentioned possible problems mounting the Utopia.  Contact the guy at Utopia; he's got directions and a diagram worked up for how to mount it on a Valk.  He'll talk you through it too- nice guy.

[Paxton]

BACKGROUND:
Not wanting to hijack the thread, in my last posting I wondered whether installing a backrest to my OEM "Solo-Seat" requires the removal of the Solo-Seat-Rail.

After looking at it today, it appears impossible to use them together. I believe the reason is that the rear-mount hardware for the rail
would obstruct the backrest's access to the mountin' screws.  
PHOTOS: https://picasaweb.google.com/103917731019176896112/VALKYRIEMUSTANGSOLOSEAT?authkey=Gv1sRgCLvjpIHgxfj8Pw#

On the same vein, am willing to shave-off the rail's mounting hardware. Doing so, I'd think, might allow the backrest to
slide-mount in between the solo seat-rail and the rear of the seat.
Ultimately, it may depend on how much space is available in between the rail and the seat; and on the design of the actual backrest...

My challenge now is to find out if I can do this before I dish out the Doe for a backrest.(?) ???

PS: A. I believe I saw the coolest backrest on Rude Dog's Black Standard.
               B. I've toyed with the idea of customizing the passenger backrest to hook-on to the solo  
                   seat rail...

[Paxton]

Farther
No. I am referring to the Seat Rail that curves around the rear of the solo seat as in the Old Skool Indians and Harleys.
Have a look: https://picasaweb.google.com/103917731019176896112/VALKYRIEMUSTANGSOLOSEAT?authkey=Gv1sRgCLvjpIHgxfj8Pw

[Ricky-D]

There have been reports on this forum regarding the driver backrests, which have stated that they have broken off the mounting points on the rear fender.

Proceed accordingly.

***

[ricoman]

There have been reports on this forum regarding the driver backrests, which have stated that they have broken off the mounting points on the rear fender.

Proceed accordingly.

***

never heard of that with a utopia. mine sure had the chance to break when I was rear-ended, all it did was bend about a quarter inch.

[BradValk48237]

I have a Utopia backrest on my 00 I/s Super Valk....... And one of the seat rails ..

It works. Use the bolts that come in the kit. I am using a Standard Valk Drivers seat for a solo seat...

B

[Paxton]

BradValk48237
Would you please post photos of your set up or email them to me?

Thanks!

[KSDragonRider]

My Interstate had a Utopia with it when I bought it, It was not installed as my father did not like it, but the hole was in the seat, so i put it back on.  I think it helps out alot with the longer rides.

[PhredValk]

Utopia is the single best addition I've made to my 99 IS. Big old Lazy-boy on the hiway.
Fred.

[Farther]

BradValk48237Would you please post photos of your set up or email them to me? Thanks!

Here are some pictures that may help:  http://www.bigbikethings.com/SeatRails.html

[BradValk48237]

Here is a pic of mine.....

[Davet261]

I agree with a lot of people here about the Utopia backrest.  It has a two point hinge that lets it adjust to your back. The backrest adjusts up and down, and it also has an adjustment for forward and backward, the backrest folds down for ease of getting on your motorcycle. Simple bolt on application and no cutting slits in seat to mount it.  With your feet up on your highway pegs its about the closest you can get to riding your motorcycle in a Lazyboy recliner.  I paid about 200 bucks for it and it took about a month and a half to get it from the manufacturer but I have to say its probably the best 200.00 I've spent for comfort. 

[hubcapsc]

So then... if someone sent a stock seat pan to Russell, then the resulting
seat would work with both the fender rack and the Utopia back-rest?

-Mike

[Farther]

Probably if you told Russell that was what you wanted.