bullant12
New member
I just placed my non-racheting hand on the plastic that holds the nut... but the towel idea sounds a lot easier!:thumbup:
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The Utopia backrest
- Thread starter Questions
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I just placed my non-racheting hand on the plastic that holds the nut... but the towel idea sounds a lot easier!:thumbup:
stillriding
happy old fart
After installing my Utopia backrest twice (first time on original seat, then on warranty replacement seat) I think it would be extremely difficult to do. Two holes have to be drilled in the bottom of the seat, then it can be frustrating to align the holes with the ones in the bar that goes through the seat and then fastening them together.
ulflyer
Active member
Stillriding is right about trying to get the bolts and holes lined up. Instructions call for "picking out the foam". Ha, easier said than done. I never got the second bolt in; just couldnt get it to bite, and finally gave it up. So far, its holding fine with just the one. My suggestion is, pull the seat off, mark the holes, drill, then cut the plastic between the two holes in order to have more room to "pick out the foam". Also, I think with the larger hole underneath you will be able to feel it with the tip of your knife as you punch it down thru the seat.
Then your last problem is getting the seat bolts back
in! :yikes:
Then your last problem is getting the seat bolts back
in! :yikes:
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ThreeWheels
Active member
You too ??
I did the install twice for exactly the same reason. I agree, installing it without removing the seat would be difficult, but removing and replacing the seat can be made fairly easy by jamming the nuts for the pivot in place using something like cardboard, or even chewing gum. Next use something to hold the spacers in place, such as a thick grease.
I did the install in less than an hour each time, and that included removing the seat, installing the backrest, and reinstalling the seat.
For those who have trouble lining up the holes in the seatpan with the holes in support bar, try this: Use a smaller Phillips head screwdriver to spear one of the holes in the bar. You can use this to monkey the bar around inside the seat until the threads line up with the second hole and you can insert the bolt. Tighten down the bolt in the second hole and then you should be able to remove the screwdriver and install the second bolt.
This technique worked for me. I hope this is helpful
I just got the Utopia Backrest for my RT today and have looked at the instructions, also searched for videos or better pictures. I have old eyes and can't really make out a few of the details.
I won't be doing the install for another week as I am gong out of town, but I sure would like to see some pix of the install.
Any help will be appreciated. I don't like the idea of cutting the seat. I especially don't like the idea of screwing it up!
best,
Joe
I won't be doing the install for another week as I am gong out of town, but I sure would like to see some pix of the install.
Any help will be appreciated. I don't like the idea of cutting the seat. I especially don't like the idea of screwing it up!
best,
Joe
Phil
Mod Monster
Joe- I wrote this about my install....
WE HAVE UTOPIA!!!
I saw so many Utopia mods at SpyderFest, talked to happy owners and sat on a couple. I was sold. It came in yesterday an I'm riding on it today ( took the day off to mount it).
Like everyone said, the most scary part is taking a knife to the seat! YIKES!! But after you measure 3 times ya suck it up and cut.
The HARDEST part was aligning the threaded holes from the inside the seat bar with the holes in the external piece to get the bolts in. With help from a lunchtime visitor- GLRANGE (who is a member here but has yet to get his Spyder), we got the bolts in. 5 minutes later we were done!!
Taaaa Daaaaaa.....
This last pic shows the under seat bracket. You may need to flip it over for it to make sense
Sent from my iPhone7 using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone7 using Tapatalk
Phil
Mod Monster
I love them. I saw them on a Spyder while at SpyderFest last year. Mine are lamb + gel. I'll have to research since I can't remember where I got them
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Phil
Mod Monster
Got the covers here---
http://www.amspecialtiesusa.com/gelpad.htm
I got the largest pad. Fun & comfy
Sent from my iPhone7 using Tapatalk
http://www.amspecialtiesusa.com/gelpad.htm
I got the largest pad. Fun & comfy
Sent from my iPhone7 using Tapatalk
Radthorne
New member
Thank you! :thumbup:
Phil- Thank for the pictures. The last one is especially helpful.
I noticed in the instructions it says to "peel the backing off the boot and stick it in place" then cut.
I got the set up that allows for quick removal of the backrest and the "boot" doesn't have any backing, or sticky parts. it seems to attach by Velcro to the rectangle tube that goes into the seat and does not seem to secure to the seat itself. It really doesn't look like it will work and needs to be stuck to the seat- I may have to glue it.
Has anyone done an install with the quick disconnect option?
I see a phone number on the instructions and I will be calling them for some guidance on this. I suspect things will be a lot clearer to me when I have the seat off.
many thanks for the pix.
Joe.
I noticed in the instructions it says to "peel the backing off the boot and stick it in place" then cut.
I got the set up that allows for quick removal of the backrest and the "boot" doesn't have any backing, or sticky parts. it seems to attach by Velcro to the rectangle tube that goes into the seat and does not seem to secure to the seat itself. It really doesn't look like it will work and needs to be stuck to the seat- I may have to glue it.
Has anyone done an install with the quick disconnect option?
I see a phone number on the instructions and I will be calling them for some guidance on this. I suspect things will be a lot clearer to me when I have the seat off.
many thanks for the pix.
Joe.
Rando
New member
I also ordered the quick removal one. Please keep us posted on what you find out about the install.
Eraser
New member
I just finished this install this afternoon.It took me 3-4 hours and I was doggin'.Couple of tips:
-Filleting knife cuts the whole deal like butter
-drill out the holes on the bracket about 1/16",will give you a little forgiveness in aligning the bolts.
-slide the strip down the shaft around 1/2",it seems to work well.
Level of difficulty: 1 cut!! (out of 5):roflblack:
Attachments
Rando
New member
Can you explain this one, thanks.
Eraser
New member
The top "strip" with the snap cover attached to it is held in place by two strips of velcro that go down the shaft.As you push the shaft into the seat it compresses the top "strip" into the seat giving it a nice tight fit to the seat.There is no adhesive used to keep this in place(the one for the RS has an adhesive on the top "Strip" that holds it in place),the pressure of pushing the shaft into the seat holds it in place.It does travel upwards slightly when you insert the shaft so allowing about a 1/2" space allows it to travel upwards and still remain just about flush to the seat.Sounds more confusing than it is,but it is important that strip is placed properly on the shaft.Trial and error might be a bit of a hassle,try a 1/2" and I think you'll be fine.
Check out the pic with the back rest tilted forward and note the height of the shaft that comes out of the seat.Happy to talk with you on it if you want to call me.
*Actually the close-up pic shows the "Strip" and the shaft and how much it can compress.
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Eraser
New member
Rain predicted for the next 3 days. I just finished the install. I have yet to put the seat back on but I got the surgery done and everything bolted tight. Mine is the removable kind. Eraser your pictures were a huge help.
The hardest part was starting the 2 bolts under the seat where the 2 supplied brackets meet. I uses my drill with it's 9/32 bit on it and went in and out of the 2 holes I drilled about 200 times, each time I drew a little more white foam up the bit until I had a fairly clear area to work in. Other than that is was just that nervous moment with knife in hand about to cut the very expensive seat.
Now I really appreciate surgeons.
Many thanks to previous posters and thier helpful hints. I lined everything up with a tapered punch.
Can't wait for a good day to ride
The hardest part was starting the 2 bolts under the seat where the 2 supplied brackets meet. I uses my drill with it's 9/32 bit on it and went in and out of the 2 holes I drilled about 200 times, each time I drew a little more white foam up the bit until I had a fairly clear area to work in. Other than that is was just that nervous moment with knife in hand about to cut the very expensive seat.
Now I really appreciate surgeons.
Many thanks to previous posters and thier helpful hints. I lined everything up with a tapered punch.
Can't wait for a good day to ride
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