Smooth Spyder Backrest

[Rob Rodriguez]

Does anyone have a Smooth Spyder backrest? How do you like it?

http://www.smoothspyder.com/SmoothSpyder.com/Backrest.html

I like the looks of this much better than the BRP version and the fact it can be used for passenger or driver is a huge plus.

 

[PistonBlown]

Yep I've got one and really like it. I think it looks much better than the BRP one. Can't personnally comment on how comfortable it is for the pillion though my 10 year old daughter liked it - she's the reason I had it fitted. I've tried it out in the forward mode on a couple of longer journeys (one 350 miles, one 550 miles) and found it comfortable and supportive.

Added bonus if you have the BRP rack is that you can still use it as a rack, with the BRP one the back rest fits to the rack - very weird bit of design.

Here's some photos I originally posted on the New Zealand Forum:


Fitting was slightly fiddly but quite straight forward and didn't take me very long. No mod's required to the Spyder to fit it either as it uses pre-existing holes etc to mount the brackets.

 

[quickster47]

I have one on my ST-S and it is awesome. Works great for the passenger and then myself if ryding solo.

Carl

 

[bscrive]

Doesn't look like it will work if you have Givi bags. Can someone confirm this? I would like to get one for my wife's RS but she has the Givi bags.

 

[quickster47]

Doesn't look like it will work if you have Givi bags. Can someone confirm this? I would like to get one for my wife's RS but she has the Givi bags.

I have the BRP/Givi bags on my ST-S and have had zero problems. There is plenty of room for the bags and the backrest.

I don't have any current pictures with them both installed but will try and get one or two later in the day, if it stops raining.

Carl

 

[Rob Rodriguez]

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated. Pictures look great on both bikes. I'm going to order one

 

[Hemet Spyder]

WE have had this backrest on our Spyder since June 2013. This is one of the best investments we have made . Works great in both modes.

 

[Guesswho]

Looks awesome, but yikes, that price for just a back rest??!! Why is everything so expensive to put on this spyder?!!!!:banghead:

 

[JJRider]

I am considering going back to an RS and really liked the BRP backrest but it was expensive. I thought this would be a great alternative but for the price, I think I would stick with a factory backrest. I actually prefer the looks of the BRP unit.

 

[PistonBlown]

I am considering going back to an RS and really liked the BRP backrest but it was expensive. I thought this would be a great alternative but for the price, I think I would stick with a factory backrest. I actually prefer the looks of the BRP unit.

Obviously prices are different over there. With the BRP unit you have to buy the backrest and the rack (though the rack can't be used when the backrest is fitted). Those two were going to cost me NZ$1400 (US$1160), the Smooth Spider one was less than half that.

 

[Whitetail]

Looks awesome, but yikes, that price for just a back rest??!! Why is everything so expensive to put on this spyder?!!!!:banghead:

Honestly i think most of it is because companies view it like a porsche. In the fact that its one of the most expensive bikes on the market, and if you can afford a spyder, you can afford the accessories to go with it. Like some of the floor boards that are a flat piece of cut steel, but cost nearly 500.00.

IF someone was to make a bunch of 200.00 or less accessories for the spyder, they'll make a bunch of money.

 

[Questions]

I too have just bought a new seat and backrest from Ultimate seats the backrest can be used for rider or passenger and has a 2" adjustment and really loving it.:spyder:

 

[qasamm]

How did I miss this backrest option? Found it on eBay and recognized Captain Jim so I did some history searching on SL.
Ordered right away from his website, had it in 2 days.

Installed it on my wife's bike and put in that triple play that's been sitting around since Christmas. Both took about an hour.

The backrest is cheaper and cleaner looking than the contraption from Canam. Looks much nicer too!

 

[CVRyder]

I have one that I just installed recently on my 12 RSS. Previously I had the factory backrest on my 09 GS. I much prefer this backrest compared to the factory version because of the option of using it for the "driver" as well as the passenger. It is very well made and fits solidly to the bike. It's easy to convert from passenger mode to driver mode and the backrest pad itself is also easily
adjustable. And, it's less expensive than the factory version. It's one of the most useful mods I've done to the bike.