Back rest?

[joker]

Any comments on how much better, if at all, a drivers back rest is?
I'm planning on getting an ultimate low boy and wondering if I should get the back rest.
(Wish I could find a used one, man are they pricey)
Thanks.

Joker.

[Hooter]

I won't ride without one, especially on long trips. They also keep you from slouching so much. It may push you forward a touch but the support it gives, at least for me is worth it. If you have any kind of back trouble they are nice. That's my experience  anyway.

[Beardo]

I've never had one before on any other bike. Now that I have one, I don't think I'd want to ride without one.

And I got the full Ultimate set last year, it is money very well spent. You won't regret it.

[hubcapsc]

I know a couple of good long distance riders who
don't care for back rests, but I wouldn't "ride
to the mailbox" without one...

A part of my control over the bike goes
through the backrest... I'm plugged into the
bike all the way from my lower back, around the
corner to that other place, and pressing on
either bar end as needed.

-Mike

[Hook#3287]

I've been using a back rest for over 15 years and would not be able to ride very long without one.  I've gone for a couple of hour rides w/o and have regretted it the next day with more lower back pain than usual.

Due to the work I do, I always have lower back pain, so I don't need anything that will increase it.

Your results may differ. 

[cookiedough]

just likes tires,  everyone is different.  

I think for most,  a backrest is nice especially for LONGER trips but for 30-60 minute one way rides not needed.   I have one and use it, but I could live without it if I had to, but then again,  I do not do long trips say 500+ miles or more.  If I did longer full day trips,  I would definitely want one though.  It does help somewhat I think, but I do not have back troubles needing support much.

Mine is not built into the seat, but has a chrome bar frame bolted into the side brackets and is probably a tad bit lower than most that are built into the seat itself.    Not sure who makes it, show chrome or ???

[Chrisj CMA]

LOW RIDER not low boy.  I have that same seat and the built in backrest it provides is all I have needed.

I broke my back a few years ago and I find I need a good strap on back supporter for heavy lifting but while riding the Valkyrie using a backrest actually weakens back and abdominal muscles. On long trips I like to let go with one hand, that makes me have to use abdominals way more. When I feel the burn then I go back to two hands on and my back never gets sore.

[Pete]

I have bikes with and without back rest. I ride mostly solo.
I like them.
Even when riding a bike without  back rest on  long trip, I usually position a bag so I can use it as a back rest.
i like one to hit me in the small of the back, and not any higher.
I do not like one that pushes me farther forward.
The back rest needs to have some spring so that it gives as the bike reacts to the rode changes.

[Fazer]

The Valk is the only bike I have owned (three in all, big deal) that has a back rest.  I like it, although throwing a leg over it and the sissy bar can be a challenge, depending on the time of day, and how I am dressed.  I sometimes get cramps in what I think are hip flexers when mounting.  I do like the back rest though.

[John Schmidt]

I see on your profile that you're 63.....get a backrest. I'm somewhat older and have been using one since my late 50's, it does make a difference in riding comfort....especially as we age. 

[G-Man]

I have an Ultimate King Boy.  The backrest attaches to the rear pillion forward mounts and nicely adjustable with the turn of one bolt with your fingers.  The pieces are of a thick chromed metal and the backrest is nicely padded.  And is still easy to throw a leg over as the backrest folds completely forward and flat.  Good so that rear passenger can get off un obstructed as well.  Even has a storage pouch for extra glasses, important papers, etc.

Would never go on a long ride without the backrest, or the Ultimate seat.  Great products.

[Jess from VA]

I like backrests and need them.

Just for your information, Mustang stab slot backrests fit Ultimate seats perfectly (so long as they have the flat slot to accept backrest post installed), and the Mustang backrest (for their wide vintage series) is a much better fit for me than Ultimate's backrest.  The Mustang backrest can sit lower (right on top the Ultimate driver's seat back edge) whereas the Ultimate leaves a gap between the seat top and backrest bottom, and the Mustang backrest is a bit more curved in profile and firm, whereas the Ultimate is flat and pillowy.

The Ultimate gap between seat back and backrest bothered my low back on my 5'9" body; if I was 6 foot or up, it would probably not be an issue.

I point this out in case you were going to try and find a used Mustang backrest, which would be much easier than finding a used Ultimate backrest. And as long as both seat and backrest are studded or not, no one can tell the difference if you have mismatched parts.

Ultimate.



Mustang



As far as getting your leg over, I don't swing my leg over the backrest (folded or up), I step my leg through and over the seat, and slide on.

[joker]

Wow !!!  Thanks for all the good replies.
I appreciate it.
Looks like there is a back rest in my future.

[Misfit]

LOW RIDER not low boy.  I have that same seat and the built in backrest it provides is all I have needed.

I broke my back a few years ago and I find I need a good strap on back supporter for heavy lifting but while riding the Valkyrie using a backrest actually weakens back and abdominal muscles. On long trips I like to let go with one hand, that makes me have to use abdominals way more. When I feel the burn then I go back to two hands on and my back never gets sore.

Low Boy not low rider. Ultimate sells three seats for the 1500 Kalkyrie. Low Boy, Big Boy, and King. I have had and ridden on all three. I have also sold and installed a lot of seats for Ultimate over the years. It is my opinion that unless you really need the extra reach to get to the ground, that the Low Boy offers, you will be much happier with the Big Boy. This is especially true if you have a big butt or wide hips. The Low Boy is dished out to get you closer to the ground. Not nearly as much of a problem for smaller framed riders. Larger frams seem to get wedged down into the Low Boy and get to much pressure from the rise in the front of the seat. The good news is that Ultimate offers you a free 14 day trial. There may be folks near you that would let you sit on there's so that you can get an idea of where to start. Call and talk to Des or Dave. Customer service at Ultimate seats is first rate.  

[old2soon]

Comin up on 72 years on this orb and have a Utopia on my stock I/S seat. Can STILL knock out 600 mile days if NEED be. I boogered up my back a Long time ago doing my job. Tween the sheepskin and the backrest I am Still comfortable for/on the long haul. Or the short haul-think P G R mission good to go. Probably amongst the best $150.00 I spent getting that I/S seat with the Utopia already installed!    RIDE SAFE.

[Jess from VA]

I concur on the big boy over the low boy (rider) being more comfortable, esp on longer rides.  The low boy is absolutely a firmer foam than the big boy. (I have one of each on my two interstates; but if I take a trip on either bike, that bike gets the big boy for the trip.)

And at 5'9", I have no problem getting my legs down on the big boy, and with full 13" shocks.  Though on some uneven roads, potholes, patches, yada, obviously the low boy allows you more reach.  Now I don't ever take a passenger, but if you do on a regular basis, and are relatively short statured, then you might want the low boy anyway, since holding the bike up with someone on the back is always more work than riding solo.  

[DarkSideR]

I use a backrest. Makes the long hauls easier and more comfortable. You have less fatigue at the end of the day.

I have an ultimate seat, and made my own back rest for very cheap. I could send you pictures of mine so that you can get the idea of how to make one if you'd like.

[mark81]

had corbin and mustang seats with backrests. corbin backrest on interstate actually hurt my back (disclaimer I bought that bike 2 weeks after I got out of the hospital from a bad wreck so everything hurt)  couldn't be more pleased with mustang backrest on my current standard.  so it's not just backrest yes or no its which backrest fits you, just like with a seat or risers or highway pegs. what works for one does not work for all.

[joker]

So let me get this straight, I can buy an ultimate low rider, not lowboy, sorry my mistake and use a different manufactures back rest with it?

[joker]

LOW RIDER not low boy.  I have that same seat and the built in backrest it provides is all I have needed.

I broke my back a few years ago and I find I need a good strap on back supporter for heavy lifting but while riding the Valkyrie using a backrest actually weakens back and abdominal muscles. On long trips I like to let go with one hand, that makes me have to use abdominals way more. When I feel the burn then I go back to two hands on and my back never gets sore.

Low Boy not low rider. Ultimate sells three seats for the 1500 Kalkyrie. Low Boy, Big Boy, and King. I have had and ridden on all three. I have also sold and installed a lot of seats for Ultimate over the years. It is my opinion that unless you really need the extra reach to get to the ground, that the Low Boy offers, you will be much happier with the Big Boy. This is especially true if you have a big butt or wide hips. The Low Boy is dished out to get you closer to the ground. Not nearly as much of a problem for smaller framed riders. Larger frams seem to get wedged down into the Low Boy and get to much pressure from the rise in the front of the seat. The good news is that Ultimate offers you a free 14 day trial. There may be folks near you that would let you sit on there's so that you can get an idea of where to start. Call and talk to Des or Dave. Customer service at Ultimate seats is first rate.  :

 That is good information to know. I was thinking about the Lowrider because I always felt too top-heavy, or tall,  on top of the Valk. I just don't feel like I sat with a low center of gravity the way I do  when on a Harley.
And God bless our 72-year-old brother who thinks he's old too soon. Keep riding man, keep riding.

[Willow]

I have no use for a backrest on a motorcycle.  My wife doesn't ride without one and I wouldn't drive a cage without one.  I ride on an Ultimate Lowrider.  I'm sixty-eight inches tall and I weigh one hundred ninety-five pounds but I'm only sixty-five years of age.  Maybe there will come a time.

I have no problem with riders who need the back support.  We must each decide for ourselves what makes us comfortable and of what we are physically capable. 

[Jess from VA]

So let me get this straight, I can buy an ultimate low rider, not lowboy, sorry my mistake and use a different manufactures back rest with it?

A Mustang wide vintage driver's backrest will fit the ultimate drivers slotted seats to a T (low boy and big boy, I think the Ultimate King boy puts the rest in the passenger pillion and that's a different rig entirely).  Look at the pictures I posted above; the backrest stab bars are identical (except maybe the swivel mechanism that attaches to to the pad on top), I'm just talking about the flat bars that fit down in the seat slots.  I cannot speak to any other mfgr's backrests, except no Corbin backrest will fit an Ultimate seat, period.

I have a new Ultimate backrest, but swap out my Mustang backrest to whatever bike I am riding, either the Ultimate low boy or big boy.  I don't want to sell my Ultimate backrest, in case someone steals my Mustang (all these backrests can just be pulled out and run off with) (I did have a Corbin seat and backrest, and on that one, there was a keeper screw to the backrest, so you had to pull the seat to take the backrest off; but that was not for a Valk).  I already gave my other (brand new) ultimate backrest away to someone in need.

[Chrisj CMA]

LOW RIDER not low boy.  I have that same seat and the built in backrest it provides is all I have needed.

I broke my back a few years ago and I find I need a good strap on back supporter for heavy lifting but while riding the Valkyrie using a backrest actually weakens back and abdominal muscles. On long trips I like to let go with one hand, that makes me have to use abdominals way more. When I feel the burn then I go back to two hands on and my back never gets sore.

Low Boy not low rider. Ultimate sells three seats for the 1500 Kalkyrie. Low Boy, Big Boy, and King. I have had and ridden on all three. I have also sold and installed a lot of seats for Ultimate over the years. It is my opinion that unless you really need the extra reach to get to the ground, that the Low Boy offers, you will be much happier with the Big Boy. This is especially true if you have a big butt or wide hips. The Low Boy is dished out to get you closer to the ground. Not nearly as much of a problem for smaller framed riders. Larger frams seem to get wedged down into the Low Boy and get to much pressure from the rise in the front of the seat. The good news is that Ultimate offers you a free 14 day trial. There may be folks near you that would let you sit on there's so that you can get an idea of where to start. Call and talk to Des or Dave. Customer service at Ultimate seats is first rate.  

LOL...Yes you can put a low boy on your Kalkyrie which would be equivalent to installing a Lowrider from Ultimate seats on your Honda Valkyrie. 

[BF]

Once you have one, you'll hate yourself for not getting one sooner.

[MarkT]

Yeah that bothers me that the backrests have no security.  I sometimes put mine in the luggage so it's out of sight.  I've looked at putting some type of lock on it.  Would cost me plenty to replace it as it's a Russell with custom embroidery.  That said, I really like it as it's very configurable as far as position & angle. At least mine is.  I modified the mount some.  The bar protrudes hotizontally underneath the pillion instead of vertically into the back of the main seat. So mine is adjustable horizontally, vertically, and the angle of the pad as well.  The wifal unit doesn't want it there when she's on the back - while I'm so used to the support I don't care to ride w/o it.  I changed the mount of the pillion - moved it back 30mm or so.  Added a 27mm spacer in the backrest mount to move it fwd and tipped the L-bracket and repositioned the sliding shims so the rest can drop to the seatback.  Don't know how heavyweight co-riders could use a Russell w/ driver backrest unless they leave the rest too high for me.  I like the support low, in the lombar region.

[Firefighter]

Guess it depends on your back. I don't ride without mine. It slides in and out, folds down to swing your leg over, and one simple thumb screw adjusts it. Depending on which riding jacket I wear sometimes I do adjust it some. Enough room for the wife behind the back rest and it even has a small pocket that can hold a few things. I have the ultimate which was expensive for me. I also use the airhawk air cusion on the seat and while riding I can brace against the back rest and raise my butt off the seat to adjust the airhawk which really helps. The only downside I can think of is its usually a few hundred degrees here where I ride and I can feel that heat against my back sometimes makes me sweat at my lower back, but that and the price is nothing compaired to the comfort it brings me.

[joker]

And what's the deal with the rain covers?

[baldo]

I have a Utopia backrest on an OEM seat on my Standard. It folds down easily for on and off. I love it.

I'll be getting a Russell this spring and will probably get their backrest.

Mark, does your backrest fold down?

Bob

[Misfit]

And what's the deal with the rain covers?

These seats have stitching in them that will allow water in. Simply slip the cover on if you are going to ride in the rain or wash your bike. They are made out of material similar to the Frog Togs rain gear. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I have a Utopia backrest on an OEM seat on my Standard. It folds down easily for on and off. I love it.

I'll be getting a Russell this spring and will probably get their backrest.

Mark, does your backrest fold down?

Bob

Bob, if it was me I'd stick with the utopia. You will have to send it with the seat to have it done correctly though. The Russell does fold down, but I think the utopia is better.

[DirtyDan]

Utopia + 1

[hubcapsc]

Russell and Utopia... I don't know why anyone who already
had a Utopia would want to change, even for a Russell, though
I don't have a Russell. I guess getting a Russell would make the
stitching patterns match and the cover color match.



-Mike

[The emperor has no clothes]

Russell and Utopia... I don't know why anyone who already
had a Utopia would want to change, even for a Russell, though
I don't have a Russell. I guess getting a Russell would make the
stitching patterns match and the cover color match.



-Mike

If it was important they will recover the Utopia for a fee.

[MarkT]

I had a Utopia years ago - I sold it and have had several makes since then - Mustang, Ultimate and Russell.  I like both the Ultimate (still have on Deerslayer) and the Russell better than the Utopia.  I got support in the lombar from the Ultimate and the Russell but not the Utopia.  Don't recall if I could have modified it to sit lower but I didn't. Also all 3 of the later ones have more stitching for good looking patterns, compared to the Utopia. I think the latter was cheaper though. I don't recall if the Mustang had a pocket in back. The Russell doesn't - but I didn't use it anyway. Yeah they all fold down IIRC - but I never do that.  Step thru if it's just me, and remove the backrest if I have a back seater for short jaunts.  Never have a co-rider on long rides anymore - she rides her own. On trips I often put a T-bag on the back seat and lean on that.  Then I can haul more luggage on the rear rack - as well as the hard bags and trailer if we need lotsa stuff.

[baldo]

Russell and Utopia... I don't know why anyone who already
had a Utopia would want to change, even for a Russell, though
I don't have a Russell. I guess getting a Russell would make the
stitching patterns match and the cover color match.



-Mike

That seat looks great, Mike. Is it leather or vinyl? 

Thanks for the picture with the Utopia. I'll probably do as MH suggested, sending it in for them to match....

Bob

[baldo]

I have no problem with riders who need the back support. 
 

Whew.....thank goodness.....

[The emperor has no clothes]

I have no problem with riders who need the back support. 
 

Whew.....thank goodness.....

[hubcapsc]

I got leather on my Russell, the guy was real happy
about this shipment of leather, it came from a
new supplier... I don't know how to compare, but
I like it.

I got vinyl on my 1500's Ultimate, I like that fine, too...

-Mike

[Harryc]

This is not a backrest related question, but it is related and I couldn't find the answer after a forum search. I figure if anyone would know it's you guys. I have an Ultimate King seat and Ultimate King backrest. I surprised me that with the backrest installed there is no way the stock OEM Honda passenger seat will go on the bike. The King backrest blocks it from going forward enough. Anyway so now I am looking for a passenger seat. One of the options might be a Mustang Passenger seat. Does anyone know if a Mustang passenger seat will fit directly onto a Tourer with an Ultimate King seat and drivers backrest? The second part of the question is ... is there any difference in the Mustang passenger seat for a Tourer/Standard vs an Interstate? Keep in mind before you reply that the King Drivers backrest is not slot mounted like the lowrider or bigboy seats. So you'd have to have knowledge of this exact setup. King seat, King backrest, mustang passenger for a Tourer.  Yeah if I had 200 bucks to blow right now I'd get an Ultimate Passenger seat.

[vtx2valk]

I have a utopia installed on a stock interstate seat. Is there a bracket that I could use to mount it with my ultimate king seat set? Thanks!