Backrests - Which one?

[Magdave]

Hmm...

Has anyone here had a chance at a show or something to sit on a seat with the Utopia one and a seat with the Show Chrome Smart Mount that could share the differences of each?

Both are quality items but Utopia is bigger and adjusts forward and back. I need the added adjustment to be comfortable. If you have long arms Show Chrome is fine but Utopia bag comes off and can be taken with you as a shoulder bag.

From Utopia's sight.

[SIZE=+1]Our Built-In Driver Backrest[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=+1]A driver's backrest that becomes a part of your seat. No bars in the way of driver's hips and legs or passenger's legs. Folds forward to ease passenger getting on or off and adds to safety by getting out of the way in sudden stops. Includes up and down height adjustment, as well as driver seating position, back and forth, to help driver sit upright to avoid slouching--a big factor in driver fatigue.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Backrest is concaved and pivots at top of bar as you lean against it so no uncomfortable edges dig into your back. Well padded, but only 1 1/2" thick which takes up less seating room than most other backrests. All Top Bars are finished in a Beautiful Black Powder Coat. Comes with handy pouch with strap to convert to shoulder bag.[/SIZE]

 

[Bob Denman]

Thanks for that info; Dave... :thumbup:
I'm now "forced :shocked:" to take a wait and see stance...
time to sort the options out!

 

[RyderJCF]

Smart Mount Backrest

I put the SmartMount backrest on my 2012 RT Limited and love it - fortunately have a friend who's installed a couple for other folks - definitely helped having someone with experience assist with the install!

 

[Magdave]

One thing I forgot to mention about the Utopia is you can buy a bracket that makes it removable from the seat just slides in and out and has a snap on cover for when it is out. I chose to go with permanent mount ( you can still un bolt it) because it will not wiggle. The removable bracket has a little wiggle to it.

 

[stillriding]

I know the BRP 2014 plug in backrest is $450 and is not adjustable.

NOT adjustable? That's absurd.

 

[Magdave]

I know the BRP 2014 plug in backrest is $450 and is not adjustable.

NOT adjustable? That's absurd.

Yep that is BRP for ya :thumbup: Only thing it does is fold over for the passenger.

 

[Bob Denman]

I'm hoping that the aftermarket will offer a plug-in alternative that IS adjustable... :thumbup:

 

[Magdave]

I'm hoping that the aftermarket will offer a plug-in alternative that IS adjustable... :thumbup:

I am sure Utopia will be looking at one ASAP ( I hope)

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree:

 

[Diggerdog]

Consider another option

I do not like the idea of anyone making holes in my seat to install any backrest product. I chose a new seat from Ultimate Seats because the backrest hardware is built into the seat. You must buy a backrest from them that fits into the slot provided on the seat....it has worked great for me, and even improved my overall sitting position as well, because the seat is bigger, deeper, and more comfortable than the BRP comfort seat which is standard on the Spyder..IF you get the ultimate seat with the gray stitches, then it will match the stitching on the OEM BRP backrest....it looks like a perfect set...

 

[ARtraveler]

First rule of thumb: do NOTHING until you've know exactly what the story is! :shocked:
Have you logged enough miles yet to decide that a backrest is an absolute "Must-Have"?
Are you happy with the OEM seat?
After all; another option might be an Ultimate or Corbion seat with their own propietary backrests...
You've got some research and shopping to do...Have fun! :thumbup:

Good advice above. Log some miles first. I have back issues so a back rest is a necessity for me. I started with the OEM seat on my 2010 but had a Utopia installed before I drove it off the lot. I kept the OEM seat on for less than 500 miles--it was way to soft for me. Went to a Corbin seat with the Corbin backrest. That combo has been on the 2010 for 35,000 miles. Also had the same set up on my 2008 GS--for 23,500 miles before trading in.

The new 2014's come with a factory backrest option and I am going to go with that from the git go. If needed, I will change to a comfort seat. The new seats have a nice sculpted back for the rider--so that may also be a plus.

 

[JonahAshk]

just ordered the the Smart Mount™ Driver's Backrest , its looks great , smaller a bit but give me exactly what i need because the rt seats already comes big and comfortable , am very excited cant wait to instal it my self :yes:

 

[ThreeWheels]

I'm hoping that the aftermarket will offer a plug-in alternative that IS adjustable... :thumbup:

Utopia offers a plug in design. I have the standard design.

I think the Smart Mount back rest came out after the Utopia.
I got the Utopia one for my Spyder.
It seems much bigger than the Smart Mount and I think it looks better since the upholstery matches the the existing passenger back rest.

That's my opinion, but I could be wrong.