Russell Day Long saddles for '20+ RT's - they don't make a driver backrest!

[FROGMAN]

RDL does not build driver backrest for 2020+ RT's, I sent an email asking the reason why. This was their response:

"On the 2020+ Spyder RT's, Can Am altered the seats to where our backrest hardware won't work. There's a mechanism inside the seat that, when pressed, adds power to the braking system. It tells the bike that a passenger or extra weight is on the bike and more power is required to stop. Our backrest hardware interferes with that, so we don't feel it's safe to install it on that particular bike."

They said they would work with me if I had a Spyder backrest. :bowdown:

 

[RayBJ]

I may be missing something here but the pre-20 RTs had a 1-piece seat whereas the 20+ seat is 2-pieces -driver/passenger. The backrest post goes thru the passenger seat (not part of the driver's seat). Also the backrest has NO effect on the passenger seat sensor.

 

[Peteoz]

RDL does not build driver backrest for 2020+ RT's, I sent an email asking the reason why. This was their response:

"On the 2020+ Spyder RT's, Can Am altered the seats to where our backrest hardware won't work. There's a mechanism inside the seat that, when pressed, adds power to the braking system. It tells the bike that a passenger or extra weight is on the bike and more power is required to stop. Our backrest hardware interferes with that, so we don't feel it's safe to install it on that particular bike."

They said they would work with me if I had a Spyder backrest. :bowdown:

I’m not sure what the issue is based on your post, Frogman. What exactly did you want Daylong to do with a backrest?

Daylong simply cover your existing backrest, the same as they do with your seat. They don’t “make” a backrest per se.

Do you mean that Daylong can’t lengthen your driver seat because they have to use the stock backrest mounting holes and that precludes lengthening?
I wanted my ‘21 seat lengthened, but they couldn’t do it because they couldn’t use their mounting bracket due to the setup of the passenger “button” under the rear seat on that model, so they gave me a little more height in the seat, which served the same purpose.

Pete

 

[BamaJohn]

Here's the backrest on my 2020 RT from Utopia. slides in and out as needed and adjustable . Even has a zippered pouch on the back.

 

[Mikey]

I thought they had a puck back there that sensed the rider off the frame. :dontknow: I looked at the parts break down and don't see any wire coming out of the passenger seat unless it's a heated seat.

 

[FROGMAN]

They will not build their backrest for 20+ RT's, they will recover existing Spyder backrest.

 

[Peteoz]

I thought they had a puck back there that sensed the rider off the frame. :dontknow: I looked at the parts break down and don't see any wire coming out of the passenger seat unless it's a heated seat.

The RDL backrest is not a backrest as we know it, Mikey. It is simply a high lip at the front of the rear seat, that requires the rear seat to be raised to accommodate it. It looks like the extra height of the rear seat required for the RDL backrest prevents the effective operation of the rear seat weight detector puck on the ‘20+ RT models for some reason. It is not a great option anyway, as it is not in any way adjustable for the driver.


Pete

 

[FROGMAN]

Bottomline, they do not build their backrest for 20+ RT's. I'm working through my work sheet to have my 2024 RTL built. It will require me buying a SPYDER backrest and sending it with my saddles. The positive from this, RDL backrest are horizontal inserted and Spider are vertical. Less passenger seat is removed and there is not a 2"x2"x4" block removed. Their saddle is that good, it's worth the money to build a RDL.

 

[Peteoz]

Bottomline, they do not build their backrest for 20+ RT's. I'm working through my work sheet to have my 2024 RTL built. It will require me buying a SPYDER backrest and sending it with my saddles. The positive from this, RDL backrest are horizontal inserted and Spider are vertical. Less passenger seat is removed and there is not a 2"x2"x4" block removed. Their saddle is that good, it's worth the money to build a RDL.

If you want to save a bit of money, just buy the OEM backrest and don’t bother with recovering, FROGMAN. If you are getting a vinyl seat, it blends quite well. I didn’t get my OEM backrest covered and it is hardly noticeable, even though I have Sunbrella tops on my seats.

Pete

 

[troop]

If you want to save a bit of money, just buy the OEM backrest and don’t bother with recovering, FROGMAN. If you are getting a vinyl seat, it blends quite well. I didn’t get my OEM backrest covered and it is hardly noticeable, even though I have Sunbrella tops on my seats

Pete

Pete,
I am bewildered that you actually use a backrest at all? I'm 6'3" and find that the backrest keeps me too far forward. I hardly ever use it anymore.

 

[Peteoz]

Pete,
I am bewildered that you actually use a backrest at all? I'm 6'3" and find that the backrest keeps me too far forward. I hardly ever use it anymore.

Daylong lifted me a couple of inches and got me an extra inch in seat length (despite the backrest mount limitations), which means I don’t contact the tank and gives me plenty of leg room, and Helibars, with a slight hole enlargement, allow me to get the bars well forward, Troop. Without being able to push back against a backrest, my back gets pretty sore after an hour or so.

Pete

 

[FROGMAN]

Peteoz - I'm looking at the Utopia backrest, same cost as 3rd party backrest. I'm really debating just having the driver saddle done my RDL and leaving it vinyl. I ride the BMW and only use the RTL when two up. So, you did vinyl with Sunbrella inserts?

 

[K80Shooter]

Peteoz - I'm looking at the Utopia backrest, same cost as 3rd party backrest. I'm really debating just having the driver saddle done my RDL and leaving it vinyl. I ride the BMW and only use the RTL when two up. So, you did vinyl with Sunbrella inserts?

Using a backrest while riding two up can be a challenge unless the passenger is on the smaller size. Otherwise, you'll have to remove it.

 

[Peteoz]

Peteoz - I'm looking at the Utopia backrest, same cost as 3rd party backrest. I'm really debating just having the driver saddle done my RDL and leaving it vinyl. I ride the BMW and only use the RTL when two up. So, you did vinyl with Sunbrella inserts?

Yes, Frogman. That was Daylong’s suggestion. The Sunbrella is not the most beautiful material, but it keeps the seat a bit warmer in winter, and a lot cooler in summer. It also doesn’t fade. It works well for me, but we all have different drivers.
All the reports on the Ultimate vs OEM backrest have the Ultimate well in front... good choice. :thumbup:

Using a backrest while riding two up can be a challenge unless the passenger is on the smaller size. Otherwise, you'll have to remove it.

Yes, that’s a good point, K80. Mind you, when I’m up front, there is only room for Gollum behind me, even WITHOUT a backrest. :roflblack:

Pete

 

[FROGMAN]

Bought the Utopia backrest, now waiting for delivery. Will send just my saddle to RDL for custom, just leaving it vinyl.

 

[troop]

My build date is Dec.30th My Spyder will be well in storage by then here in WI. I'm going black vinyl sides/black leather seating insert. Still on the fence between half moon or rectangles, but will likely go half moon for less stitching.

 

[FROGMAN]

I have half moon on my BMW 1600, it sets very well. Best accessory I bought for the BMW, I run 250-350 day rides with noises. Ran to Texas-Calif back to Idaho and had no issues. I have bad back and shoulders, great saddle!

 

[Peteoz]

“Day rides with noises”, Frogman? You’ll have to stop eating so much Chilli before you head out :roflblack:

Pete