A question - does your pillion feel crowded by the riders backrest?

[oldguyinTX]

For those of you who use a rider's backrest - on an RT specifically - does your spouse/significant other feel crowded by it? I'm considering getting one, but the wife has concerns about her comfort and ability to mount/dismount. I know that most if not all of them fold down for just that reason, but she still has reservations. Any thoughts?

[UtahPete]

My wife has no issues with it, but she's 5'1" 135#

[oldguyinTX]

My wife has no issues with it, but she's 5'1" 135#

Well, that disqualifies my bride. No comment on height/weight. I want to live a little longer.

[blacklightning]

I have been thinking about getting one for my 2021 RTL and have the same concern. I know on my 2014 RT I had the drivers backrest and she had no issues. But when we rode 2 up on the 2016 F3L, she sometimes needed more room. I simply slip the backrest off when she is riding, and put it back on when riding solo.

[SLICE]

I removed the back rest and when my wife gets on and is seated I just ram it home again.

[Valkrocket]

My wife has no issues with it, but she's 5'1" 135#

i cannot reply the same, pleading the fifth based on the grounds that it may incriminate me.

[EdMat]

For those of you who use a rider's backrest - on an RT specifically - does your spouse/significant other feel crowded by it? I'm considering getting one, but the wife has concerns about her comfort and ability to mount/dismount. I know that most if not all of them fold down for just that reason, but she still has reservations. Any thoughts?

Not sure about the aftermarket backrest for your model but the BRP version is easy to remove and install using a spring lever under the seat. Since you will be starting from home anyway just slip it off when she is going to ride.

[askitee]

Nice knowing you UtahPete. We will remember you for posting without fear

My co-pilot feels it fine, but it has cut a hole in her new wet weather gear around her lady-bits - (dear wife - if you are reading this please note it is NOT a reflection on your weight/size)

[ARtraveler]

Back in the day...

I had a back rest on my 2010. Before Linda lost weight, it crowded my bad back. I solved the problem though. I bought Linda her own Spyder. She lost weight anyway. Guess I am okay for now.

[K80Shooter]

Like others have stated, just pull it up and off when she rides and put it back on when you're solo.
Thats what I have to do for the same reasons mentioned above.

[Peteoz]

I remove my backrest when my wife gets on, but she is still crowded for space……. Can’t understand why

Pete

[chipveres]

Well, that disqualifies my bride. No comment on height/weight. I want to live a little longer.

There comes a point where you *are* the driver's backrest. For example my wife at 350# driving and me at 250# riding pillion. Yes the rear suspension has been upgraded.

[UtahPete]

I removed the back rest and when my wife gets on and is seated I just ram it home again.

That conjures up a really weird visual for me...

[Mikey]

Behave!!!

[blacklightning]

To be honest, I kinda like when the wife rides with me and I have to remove the backrest. She gives me something to lean back onto. Kinda sets the mood for later in the evening. She's not a big woman, but I do love to lean back onto her.

[GFrog]

I returned the backrest that I had purchased because I needed the space for a third passenger.

3-up Spyder Riding.jpg

[Gwolf]

The pillion on my Spyder is about twice as large as the pillion on some of the Sport Bikes I have owned.

[FrogmanDave]

No problem at all for any of my passengers but none of them are overweight.

[Northofthesix]

My Mrs is 5-0 and 128 so, no problem with the backrest crowding her.

[sgerksinwi]

Had one on my 18RT. Wife didn't like it at all. No, she's not fat. Now on the 21 RT, if I need support for my back, I lean back on her.

[javajaws]

Neither me or my wife have issues with the backrest when riding in back. I'm the larger of the 2 at 190lb and 5'9".