Drivers backrest

[lmadsen]

How many different driver backrest are out there for my 2014 RT-S. The two I read about a lot are the Utopia and BRP. I have also read that some are a real pain to install. Utopia seems to come up the most. Sounds like installation,cost,and ability to adjust as well as quality has many people recommending the Utopoa.

[Bob Denman]

They're about half the price of BRP's backrest...
But they don't lock into place!
How much do you value security?

BRP's installation process is almost painfully easy; better than any of the aftermarket pieces!

[Spider-man]

How many different driver backrest are out there for my 2014 RT-S. The two I read about a lot are the Utopia and BRP. I have also read that some are a real pain to install. Utopia seems to come up the most. Sounds like installation,cost,and ability to adjust as well as quality has many people recommending the Utopoa.

I have the Show Chrome backrest. Easy to install following the YouTube video, and a fraction of the cost of BRP.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Arion]

I have the Show Chrome backrest. Easy to install following the YouTube video, and a fraction of the cost of BRP.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'll second that. Looked at the BRP version and decided I wasn't overly excited about spending that much. I bought the same item as Spider-man and find that it functions very well - at least in San Antonio! I opted for the small backrest and it's perfectly good but if I were to do it again, I'd choose the large backrest.

It really is easy to install; however, there are a couple of cautions - and they apply no matter which backrest you settle on. The single largest "ham-fisted" risk is losing either of both of the saddle retention nuts down into the dark recesses of the bodywork. Take special care to keep fingers on them. Also be careful about the two metal sleeves through which the saddle retention bolts fit. I lost one when lifting the saddle off because it was a loose fit and it took forever to locate it. My only "it's not in the instructions" (as I recall) suggestion is that when cutting the slot in the foam, use an electric knife because it makes the job much easier. Oh, and don't tell your wife what you used it for.

[Bob Denman]

BRP's backrest can be installed with the seat still hooked to the bike...
No removal is necessary.

It's just four bolts...

backrest mounting bracket.jpg

[Stick]

No contest here IMHO. Utopia backrest is the best - EZ install, very adjustable, half the cost of BRP and color matched to the seat, unlike BRP. Family owned and very good people! Ask for Linda.

[Mr. White]

I have a BRP backrest on Mr. Cognac and an Ultimate on my Motor Trike. Ultimate is much better, adjustable and cheaper. Just sayin'.

[bill51]

I have the utopia very easy install. I like it. on 2014 you don't have to take off the seat.

[EAGLE27]

How many different driver backrest are out there for my 2014 RT-S. The two I read about a lot are the Utopia and BRP. I have also read that some are a real pain to install. Utopia seems to come up the most. Sounds like installation,cost,and ability to adjust as well as quality has many people recommending the Utopoa.

I have an Ultimate back rest. Easy to install, even for a girl. Lamonster sells them.

[lmadsen]

I have the utopia very easy install. I like it. on 2014 you don't have to take off the seat.

You are actually the first person to state that removing the seat to install the Utopia is not necessary. Is there a video showing the installation.

[fratzba]

I have the Utopia back rest, and it's great.

No need to remove the seat to install, and it's very, very easy.

-Fratz

[Av8er]

I have the Utopia back rest, and it's great.

No need to remove the seat to install, and it's very, very easy.

-Fratz

What he said!!!

[cognaccruiser]

I had 2 Utopia backrests on 2 different bikes prior to getting a Spyder. They were excellent. I have an Ultimate seat on the Spyder and their backrest is virtually identical to the Utopia in design and I love it too. I would get a Utopia if that was my other option. Good to deal with too or at least when I last dealt with them.

Gary

[bill51]

You are actually the first person to state that removing the seat to install the Utopia is not necessary. Is there a video showing the installation.

the 2012 had to remove the seat. 2014 I took off the plug on the seat and followed the direction about a 20min job.

[Bob Denman]

the 2012 had to remove the seat. 2014 I took off the plug on the seat and followed the direction about a 20min job.

That's about my experience with adding the backrest to my 2014... and I'm a complete ham-fisted Klutz!

[irvin48]

if youre worried about theft on the utopia, just pull it out and
throw it in one of the many trunks. i dont lock mine down.

[lmadsen]

the 2012 had to remove the seat. 2014 I took off the plug on the seat and followed the direction about a 20min job.

I have looked at the plug in my seat and can not determine for sure if I have to cut it out or if it simply pops out. If it needs to be cut out it seems to me that removing the back rest, for what ever reasons, leaves a huge hole in your seat.

[Bob Denman]

It just pops out...
Take the tiniest screwdriver (or even a knife blade!), and just sort of "feel around" near the corners...
You'll find the edges of the tabs that hold it in place, and then it's just a matter of a bit of pinching and pulling, and moving things around.
If you use a knife: DON'T cut anything with it!

[Bob Denman]

I went down, and got mine: here are some pictures of it.
The tabs have raised lips on them. You need to push down on the tab a bit, and pull up on the seat...

Seat Plug 001.jpgSeat Plug 002.jpg

[bill51]

I agree

It just pops out...
Take the tiniest screwdriver (or even a knife blade!), and just sort of "feel around" near the corners...
You'll find the edges of the tabs that hold it in place, and then it's just a matter of a bit of pinching and pulling, and moving things around.
If you use a knife: DON'T cut anything with it!

[lmadsen]

I agree

Thanks to all of you for the information that you have provided me. Because of the information I have decided to order my Utopia backrest. Thank you again.

[BernieB627]

Does anyone make a backrest for an RS without having to change the seat?