Utopia Back Rest for RT

[BMF_RACING]

I've read alot about them and looked at many pictures and all looks good. I'm looking into getting one ordered soon but was just wondering what you guys out there, that have them on their RTs, think of them.

Anything about the backrest you don't care for?

How easy was it to install?

Also I'm a bigger guy, how strong/sturdy is the seat & brackets?

Did anyone opt for the quick out option, if so how do you like it?



Thank you all in advance for your comments,

Brad

[Phil]

Hey Brad-

I'm 6'1", 270lb. I LOVE mine. One of the top 3 mods I've done. I lean back into it a lot, hard, and it shows NO signs of movement.

I detailed the install here:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...4&postcount=58
-and-
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...4&postcount=72

I have not done the quick release. So far no need.

[NancysToy]

I couldn't get the Utopia backrest I tried to adjust to suit my needs, but that's just me. They seem to be well made, and they compliment the stock Spyder seat, looking jyust like a factory piece. If you like using a backrest, this seems to be a good one. If I was shaped differently, I'd have one.

[RetiredCGRider]

I couldn't get the Uptopia backrest I tried to adjust to suit my needs, but that's just me. They seem to be well made, and they compliment the stock Spyder seat, looking jyust like a factory piece. If you like using a backrest, this seems to be a good one. If I was shaped differently, I'd have one.

Why does it have to be shaped different, do you have a different back from the rest of us??

[ThreeWheels]

I'm very happy with mine, very happy indeed.
As to the install, it's far harder to get the dam* seat off and on than it is to install the Utopia.

Make sure you put some duct tape over the holes in the back so you don't lose any of the nuts, bolts, or spacers when you remove the seat.

[BikerDoc]

I love my Utopia Backrest. I have ridden approx 12000 miles with it, and since having it , there is no distance I would be afraid to ride... Before the backrest I would get stiff or achy from 400 miles in a day, now 600 to 700 is no problem.

[Chick]

I'm very happy with mine, very happy indeed.
As to the install, it's far harder to get the dam* seat off and on than it is to install the Utopia.

Make sure you put some duct tape over the holes in the back so you don't lose any of the nuts, bolts, or spacers when you remove the seat.

It is a GREAT additiioon. Installation can be an issue as stated above, also aligning the holes was interesting. But I would do it again in a minute!!!

[redlightron]

I just complete a 4000 mile trip in 7 days with the back rest and had no problems with it. I did however, cut about 1 1/2 inches of foam out of the seat to make it more of a dish (bowl)feeling (like my HD) and again no sore issues to deal with. They at the time did not have a 2011 model so I used a 2010 and it bolted right in. Life is good

[NancysToy]

Why does it have to be shaped different, do you have a different back from the rest of us??

I have scoliosis and a deepy curved lumbar region. I also tend to tilt quite far forward at the hip. There is only a small region of my lumbar that feels comfortable with anything touching it, as a result. A much smaller backrest, with more downward and forward adjustment would be be necessary to not cause me discomfort or pain. To put it in fewer words, Nancy says I'm not normal!

[Tonga]

I have had my Utopia backrest for a year now and love it. So nice to have that back support and it is still a solid fit. I must admit that it was a tongue twister getting the 2 bolts in under the seat into the bracket. Cutting through the seat was a bit disturbing, hoping I did not do it wrong, but that was then and now I love it.

[dshogman]

Will take delivdery on my Spyder week after next - currently use a backrest on my BMW and really like it. Will it work with the Spyder comfort seat on a RS? Looks like most of the folks whio have posted are RT owners.
Thanks.

[MarkLawson]

I qualify as a "big guy" and have no questions concerning the sturdiness of the backrest and the bracket. My RT has the first Utopia backrest built for the RT and therefore has had it installed longer than any other. (The black RT and yellow GS/RS on his website are mine. The closeups of the Utopia backrest and passenger backrest are mine) I have found no negative aspects to the backrest. I also ride standing with my feet on lower highway pegs and lean against the backrest with no problems.

This is my 4th bike with the Utopia, one of which has had it for 9 years. No problems with the backrest or the saddle.

[CyncySpyder]

Brad,

Teddy has it on his new Viper REDSpYderFest EdDition RT-S & we love it. Let me know when your free & we'll stop by and you can take it for a spin yourself & make your own decision

[Hobstopper]

All I can add is make sure that you are comfortable on the factory seat before putting money into the backrest.
I have one and love it!, but the factory seat makes me feel, as another member put it one time, as if I am sitting on top of the Spyder rather than sitting in it. I have thought about getting a used Corbin (sit in it feel and the gas door) or keeping my seat with the money already spent on the backrest and cut some out of the seat to give me the sit in not sit on feeling that I am pretty sure I want.
If you are comfortable on the factory seat and you are looking for that lean back crusing comfort, then the utopia is an excellent choice and it looks OEM which is a plus as well.
Good luck on your up coming choice

[Mr. White]

I qualify as a "big guy" and have no questions concerning the sturdiness of the backrest and the bracket. My RT has the first Utopia backrest built for the RT and therefore has had it installed longer than any other. (The black RT and yellow GS/RS on his website are mine. The closeups of the Utopia backrest and passenger backrest are mine) I have found no negative aspects to the backrest. I also ride standing with my feet on lower highway pegs and lean against the backrest with no problems.

This is my 4th bike with the Utopia, one of which has had it for 9 years. No problems with the backrest or the saddle.

After some input from Mark Lawson, I ordered a backrest and had it shipped to my dealer to install when BR1 arrived....3 weeks later. I am 6'4", 215...I love the backrest. Thanks, Mark.

[Yol Bolsun]

Mine is due to arrive tomorrow! Ye-haw. Should be doing install Wednesday.


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[Phil]

I was having problems staying in the saddle more than 45 minutes. I installed some KewlMetal highway brackets with Kury ISO Wings and located the pegs as close to straight down as possible, using only the short link supplied. .

I testify that Mark's way of doing this WORKS! I sat on it in MV and 'stood up', pushing back on the Utopia. Wow! So...... I copied my brother's design and I love it.


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[Hawk]

Their expected build and ship date is currently Aug 29th. Thats over a month!! Better not want it yesterday I guess. Really thinking of it. Yol, did you get yours installed yet??

[Yol Bolsun]

Their expected build and ship date is currently Aug 29th. Thats over a month!! Better not want it yesterday I guess. Really thinking of it. Yol, did you get yours installed yet??

Sez "out for delivery". Waiting patiently while adding turn signal LEDs to mirrors.


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[Yol Bolsun]

Sitting on table when i got home from work. Fun day tomorrow. Errr, later today.


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[ulflyer]

Mine came yesterday also. Now I understand what Mark said about it resting on the backbone. Couldn't figure out how that could work until I actually looked at the underneath piece. Won't be able to get to it till the weekend so let me know if you encounter any issues I should be aware of.
Looks pretty straight forward and I have installed a couple on diff bikes before.

[Yol Bolsun]

Installed mine this morning. Need to go ryding and see how it feels.

[Hawk]

Thanks to a mix up, I get mine this weekend!! Thanks Keith!!!

[Yol Bolsun]

Thanks to a mix up, I get mine this weekend!! Thanks Keith!!!

No problem. Glad I could help you spend your $$$.

[Yol Bolsun]

Mine came yesterday also. Now I understand what Mark said about it resting on the backbone. Couldn't figure out how that could work until I actually looked at the underneath piece. Won't be able to get to it till the weekend so let me know if you encounter any issues I should be aware of.
Looks pretty straight forward and I have installed a couple on diff bikes before.

ulflyer: worst part for me was getting bolt to grab. About two hours. Finally (and I wish I could tell you exactly what I did) one bolt took a hold and then the other. No magic, just perseverance. Hang in there. Hopefully not as long as I did.