2014 Can Am RT Ltd backrest

[Ken613834]

Well...I finally got around to negotiating a deal on a new 2014 Can Am RT Ltd with the dealer..what a struggle that was. Oh well..its done! Should have it in a few weeks..can't ride until April anyhow due to the snow. In May I am leaving on my 40,000KM 4 month circumnavigation of most of North America and up to the Alaskan border...should be fun. From what I have been told the rear tire on these babies suck, so guess I am going to have to replace it around 12-15,000Km....such is life.

I wanted to add a backrest to the bike and the dealer offered me one of the Can Am ones. The price is crazy at $520 Cdn- 35% or about $340 for the Can Am model. I found another from Show Chrome for about $200 but I think I prefer the Can Am model since the seat I ordered is brown and the backrest matches. The only thing I don't like is that it is not adjustable forward and back....but I can live with that for the time being I guess.

Question: Apparently it is pretty easy to install per the dealer...there may be a link somewhere in the forum showing how to install this but I cannot find it anywhere. I am sure it comes with installation instructions but being bored on a Sunday morning I was looking for something to read....:shocked: Any suggestions from anyone where I might track this down?

I have ridden motorcycles for MANY MANY years so changing my riding style for this machine will take some getting used to, but change can be good from time to time.

Thanks everyone...now...if this snow would just go away I would be a happier camper.

 

[tip]

Congratulations on your new Can Am!!

I hope it serves you well on your upcoming trip.
I installed the Show Chrome backrest on my '14 RT. It is nice looking - but for myself it is not the best available.
Enjoy and be safe,
Tip

 

[cognaccruiser]

Utopia

Utopia makes a great back rest and can match existing seat colours. They also adjust forward and back. Less expensive than BRP (although our exchange rate sucks right now). I had one on my 05 Yamaha Venture and on my 12 Wing. Have gone to an Ultimate Seat now on our 14 RTS, which has a back rest almost exactly like the Utopia.
Congrats on your deal and pending adventure.

Gary

 

[Chupaca]

Little checking..!!

my understanding is brp had two backrest and one was adjustable but way more expensive..:dontknow: congratulations on getting close to what you wanted for your new ryde..:2thumbs: check with dealer what production tire is on the rear because they have changed the compound back or have them install a pre 14 tire so as to get a longer first leg on a great trip. Enjoy your trip..be safe...:thumbup:

 

[cognaccruiser]

If you are getting a 15 RT Ltd it should have the older longer lasting rear tire. They apparently changed back to that in May of 14. Still won't get you through your trip but should be a little better.

Gary

 

[Dragonrider]

No, BRP only has one for the RT, and it's claim to fame is that, after the initial installation, it pops on/off in seconds. While I really like backrests on a bike (had a Corbin on my 2010), cutting into a perfectly good seat to add an aftermarket backrest, is akin to jumping out of a perfectly good airplane... while i've done both, I would rather not do it again...

 

[Ken613834]

Thanks to all of you for your speedy reply. Greatly appreciated.

Ken

 

[Big F]

Well...I finally got around to negotiating a deal on a new 2014 Can Am RT Ltd with the dealer..what a struggle that was. Oh well..its done! Should have it in a few weeks..can't ride until April anyhow due to the snow. In May I am leaving on my 40,000KM 4 month circumnavigation of most of North America and up to the Alaskan border...should be fun. From what I have been told the rear tire on these babies suck, so guess I am going to have to replace it around 12-15,000Km....such is life.

I wanted to add a backrest to the bike and the dealer offered me one of the Can Am ones. The price is crazy at $520 Cdn- 35% or about $340 for the Can Am model. I found another from Show Chrome for about $200 but I think I prefer the Can Am model since the seat I ordered is brown and the backrest matches. The only thing I don't like is that it is not adjustable forward and back....but I can live with that for the time being I guess.

Question: Apparently it is pretty easy to install per the dealer...there may be a link somewhere in the forum showing how to install this but I cannot find it anywhere. I am sure it comes with installation instructions but being bored on a Sunday morning I was looking for something to read....:shocked: Any suggestions from anyone where I might track this down?

I have ridden motorcycles for MANY MANY years so changing my riding style for this machine will take some getting used to, but change can be good from time to time.

Thanks everyone...now...if this snow would just go away I would be a happier camper.

Just an FYI. I got the BRP backrest with my 2014RT Limited and did not like it for a couple of reasons. One: I apparently am not tall enough to even reach it. Two: It is totally uncomfortable for the rider.. too confining. test drive with and without one before the investment. the BRP one does install fairly easy. I made my dealer take it off and refund me the money. Just our take on it.
THE BIG F

 

[Cruzr Joe]

I have the BRP backrest on my 2014 RTS and love it, you do not have to cut the seat, the opening is already there, you can adjust it slightly with spacers between the bracket and the seat foundation, for my money, it was well worth it. Had a utopia on previous Spyders and they were ok, but the BRP one is far superior


Cruzr Joe

 

[Purple Guy]

With the BRP backrest you're either going to love it or you're not.
I bought one for my 14 RT and never felt comfortable with it.
If possible try it out before you buy, for $500+ that's a good chunk of change you could use towards an upgraded seat that comes with a backrest...

 

[Orange Spyder Man]

I have to agree... BRP backrest is the way to go... it is over priced .. but go to EBAY .. some dealers are discounting them... bought mine for $399.. and its the chocolate color... for my 2014 RT limited..

find an ad that has other colors... and ask if they have the chocolate color..

osm

 

[MikeT]

Well...I finally got around to negotiating a deal on a new 2014 Can Am RT Ltd with the dealer..what a struggle that was. Congratulations Ken on finally nailing down a deal. I know exactly what you mean by "what a struggle that was". I'm still out there negotiating.
I wanted to add a backrest to the bike and the dealer offered me one of the Can Am ones. The price is crazy for the Can Am model
I never ceases to amaze me just how expensive BRP accessories are. This is coming from a guy who's owned 3 H-D touring bikes and 2-GL1800 trikes.
Have a safe trip. I might suggest you download Spyder Codes onto your phone in the event you may need to find the nearest Spyder dealer along your route.
Mike

 

[jimnsusie]

I was amazed at how much the back rest was but got it anyway and love it. Also put on some of the foot pegs. Very comfortable. Sure miss a hand brake tho

 

[SpyderAnn01]

The BRP backrest along with the TriAxis Handlebars are a perfect combination. I have the Comfort Seat (2" deeper) and without the TriAxis I wouldn't be touching the backrest. With the bars pulled back it is perfect. Happy legs and happy shoulders for me.

 

[3 Wheel Rider]

As previously stated the Tri Axis Handlebar and BRP Backrest is a perfect combination. A little expensive... "Yes, hence it is called a FARKLE." I have the BRP drivers backrest and love it. Installation was easy... raise the seat, screw in four bolts, lower seat, remove the seat plug and pop in the backrest. Note to self... Please make sure you double-check and triple-check that the one being ordered is the correct model for the type of seat that is installed on your 2014 RT Limited. Explanation... BRP makes one for the "Production" seat and one the "Comfort" seat. While the backrests themselves are exactly the same, the brackets are a little different to account for the locations of the seat plug (e.g. the lumbar support of the comfort seat is pushed back 2". You guessed it, even after asking the dealer to double-check that the "production seat backrest" was being ordered, the part number recorded on the paperwork somehow reflected the "comfort seat backrest". Of course this wasn't discovered until after it arrived. :banghead:

 

[MyEleanor]

Comfort Backrest Bracket

I apologize in advance if I am hijacking this thread a little. I was searching the site for info on the subject of the BRP backrest and bracket. Currently I have the stock seat with the BRP backrest and bracket. I am thinking about changing to the comfort seat. While I am not particularly uncomfortable, I would appreciate a bit more legroom and to be back a bit more from the handlebars. My question is this: Can I order the backrest bracket for the comfort seat WITHOUT ordering the entire backrest? Essentially I want to reuse the same backrest but realize I need a different bracket for the comfort seat. I couldn't find the answer to this particular question in my search. Thanks in advance.

 

[Ken613834]

Just an FYI. I got the BRP backrest with my 2014RT Limited and did not like it for a couple of reasons. One: I apparently am not tall enough to even reach it. Two: It is totally uncomfortable for the rider.. too confining. test drive with and without one before the investment. the BRP one does install fairly easy. I made my dealer take it off and refund me the money. Just our take on it.
THE BIG F

Thanks....I will give it a try and if I don't like it the dealer said he would gladly (or maybe not gladly per se ) take it back.

 

[gerard]

..... In May I am leaving on my 40,000KM 4 month circumnavigation.....

Well...I finally got around to negotiating a deal on a new 2014 Can Am RT Ltd with the dealer..what a struggle that was. Oh well..its done! Should have it in a few weeks..can't ride until April anyhow due to the snow. In May I am leaving on my 40,000KM 4 month circumnavigation of most of North America and up to the Alaskan border...should be fun. From what I have been told the
rear tire on these babies suck, so guess I am going to have to replace it around 12-15,000Km....such is life.
I wanted to add a backrest to the bike and the dealer offered me one of the Can Am ones. The price is crazy at $520 Cdn- 35% or about $340 for the Can Am model. I found another from Show Chrome for about $200 but I think I prefer the Can Am model since the seat I ordered is brown and the backrest matches. The only thing I don't like is that it is not adjustable forward and back....but I can live with that for the time being I guess.

Question: Apparently it is pretty easy to install per the dealer...there may be a link somewhere in the forum showing how to install this but I cannot find it anywhere. I am sure it comes with installation instructions but being bored on a Sunday morning I was looking for something to read....:shocked: Any suggestions from anyone where I might track this down?

I have ridden motorcycles for MANY MANY years so changing my riding style for this machine will take some getting used to, but change can be good from time to time.

Thanks everyone...now...if this snow would just go away I would be a happier camper.

Wow, this should be a fantastic trip. I too am planning a trip in Australia, but it's only about 6000 - 7000 kilometers and pales into insignificance to yours.
Hope you enjoy your adventure.:spyder2:

Gerard (from Australia)

 

[Mango Man]

I hope it serves you well on your upcoming trip.
I installed the Show Chrome backrest on my '14 RT. It is nice looking - but for myself it is not the best available.
Enjoy and be safe,
Tip

Tip:
I ran across this thread today.
I purchased a Show Chrome Smart Mount backrest also.
I have a 2014 RT-S. I'm getting ready to do the install.
I noticed I have a plastic piece inside the pre-existing opening.
Did you cut that out as part of the install? Show Chrome's directions are a little vague.
Any pointers are appreciated.

Mango Man

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[Bob Denman]

You actually just "pop" that out with a small, thin screwdriver. I believe that the tabs holding it in place are at the corners.