2020-21 RTL pass arm rests - any a/mkt or mods to swing them open?

[pidjones]

Is anyone developing an aftermarket set yet? Or, has anyone looked into a modification that permits them to swing open wider for mounting? The BRP video shows a 120 lb 20-something popping into the seat happily. Doesn't look like real women (or men) will be able to do the same. Does BRP realize who their market is?

 

[mhan]

Could not find any aftermarket armrests for my 2021 S2S. Bought the OEM set and will be installing them today. The wife is not "slim" if you know what I mean! Will get them installed and report the result here.

 

[mhan]

Ok, just finished installing the BRP armrests and it was fairly easy. The frame was all set up for this from the factory. Remove an access plate on each side, under the rear seat and replace with 2 from the kit. The armrest hooks over a 3/4" anchor pin at the back, then drops down to the anchor bolt in the frt. Excellent fit & finish.
I am impressed by the quality of hardware. The side mounts are a heavy metal and are anchored directly to the frame. Wouldn't think twice about sitting on top of one. The entire arm portion is padded like the armrest on a luxury car. Each arm has a quality, easy open latch which unlocks and allows the arm to swing out to match the angle of the handgrips.

The wife is 74 and normally mounts the front seat then slides back into the rear. She has decided that she would rather not swing the arm out but leave it in the closed position to help her slide back.
She is extremely happy that the arms lock in place, which make her feel more secure, as she can't slide off. She is a little larger around the middle and has plenty of room side to side. She also likes the upturn at the ends of the arms.

I am happy that there is nothing to tighten - or have to keep tight like other brands. This factory armrest kit fits the bill for us. Can't say enough about the high quality and craftsmanship. Feel very good about the purchase even though its priced too high.

 

[pidjones]

Thanks! We will wait until our RT Limited is delivered (expecting it in a couple weeks) to make a final judgement on purchase, but this is very helpful.

 

[bikerbillone]

The wife would be more happy if they swung wider, but that is not happening. Why BRP did not design to swing up, but that's history. If you have a back rest there is no mounting the driver's seat and scoot back. Of course, remove the driver back rest is always an option, not a good one however.

 

[pidjones]

I'll probably use a back rest when solo, but remove it for two-up. That's what we always did on the GoldWing.

 

[bikerbillone]

Good idea for the short rides, I'll probably give that a try, but for a FL to TN two up, won't work. As you've probably experienced, if the wife is on board, a few 'rest stops'. :>)

 

[K80Shooter]

The main reason I have not gotten one is that they don't swing up, that coupled with the price makes me wait for a better option.

 

[Wmoater]

I actually ride 2 up 75 percent of the time. (2017 RTL) My wife is not interested in the F3 or new RT versions because of the armrests. I have the “fold/ hinge up” BRP version. She enters from the side. She’s not as wide, that’s not the problem, but hates sitting on drivers seat, folding backrest down and sliding backwards into her seat. My opinion is, putting a ton of weight pushing down on the arm rests as they slide back will eventually break them. I personally wish they’d bring back the hinge up armrests. She had a hard time getting off the bike too. Sliding up and over backrest because her foot pegs are so far back. She didn’t like the new setup in the showroom.

 

[bikerbillone]

Good plan Shooter. I thought about tearing into the swing out of the arm arm rests to see of the stops could be removed or something, but I'm reluctant to do that. Seems that would be the best option. Maybe Lamonster will take the hint.