Poor man's backrest

[Doodah]

Had an oddball idea the other day for a way to give my back some support without modifying the seat. Instead of a backrest, I created strap that wraps around the top of the handle bar hub and then around my back.

I had a couple of 2" wide, adjustable utility belts lying around. They have a plastic snap-together clasp that I could use to hook them together to create one long strap. I threaded the strap around the top of the hub of the handle bars, under the handle bars, and around my back. I finally connected the clasp and adjusted the strap length. After a short ride with it, I decided it didn't interfere with the steering and was ready for a long-distance ride.

I had an over-night trip planned last weekend that was about 3 hours each way -- a perfect test. I'm here to report that it worked exactly as I had hoped. It's not perfect, but I thought I'd share it with the forum and see if someone more creative than I might see a way to improve on it.

Pros
- Simple. Easily installed and requires no permanent modifications. Also easily removed and stored.
- Cheap. I haven't actually shopped for the materials, but I suspect they can be found inexpensively at a fabric or hardware store.
- Comfortable. It definitely provided the back support I was needing. At its worst, it tended to squeeze in at my sides when I put a lot of pressure on it. I'm thinking about wrapping the back with something softer -- maybe sheepskin.
- Doesn't interfere with the passenger.
- Adaptable. I usually preferred it up around my lower ribs, but liked the fact that I could slide it up and down to different parts of my back.
- Doesn't interfere with steering. In fact, I felt more stable on harder turns.

Cons
- Safety? Not sure I want to be strapped to the bike if I were to roll it.
- Dorky. Definitely isn't attractive (especially when the straps are emblazoned with a repeating company logo.)

[Bob Denman]

I think that we'd all really like to see a picture of this rig in action.
If you continue to use it; please keep us in the loop with reports as to how it works out.
Good Luck!

[ARtraveler]

Interesting concept. I would also like to see some pictures.

[DynamoBT]

IMHO not a good idea as it ties you to the Spyder. In case of an accident, I think I'd want to fall free from the Spyder instead of ending tied to it upside down. Not saying the strap doesn't provide support. I'm sure it did. I just wouldn't want to be tied to the Spyder with anything.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I bought a Utopia for $105 delivered on-line and put it on my 08 G/S ....I guess I could have just gone with a rope for a lot less.....What ever works is the Best thing..........Mike......I do like the way you think tho.

[Doodah]

Here's a couple of pictures.

IMG_0038.jpgIMG_0041.jpg

[spyryder]

Could likely design a breakaway system using Velcro or something similar in case of an accident.

[Sarge707]

Here's a couple of pictures.

IMG_0038.jpgIMG_0041.jpg

I think if it makes your ride more enjoyable and gives you the needed suppport its a Winner!!!!

Now for me Just sitting on the RT would be a Big improvement BUT I won,t sacrifice the GS/RS type ride.

[bullant12]

IMHO not a good idea as it ties you to the Spyder. In case of an accident, I think I'd want to fall free from the Spyder instead of ending tied to it upside down. Not saying the strap doesn't provide support. I'm sure it did. I just wouldn't want to be tied to the Spyder with anything.

[Bob Denman]

As long as it doesn't get bound up or twisted with you as you turn the bars, it sure looks like a viable option.
Thanks for the pics too!

[Dragonrider]

I have a friend who uses a tour bag on the passenger seat, as a back rest - works well for him. That said, he's single & never has a passenger on his RT.

[Illinois Boy]

I, also, would be concerned about it if you were in an accident... and we all know that can happen in an instant.

Also, concerned about any interference with the steering.

I would check into a larger back-brace instead if it were me. I have major back problems. I use a brace, and it works fine.

Good luck on your creative idea though!