The Utopia backrest

[harleyRick]

hyea: I got mine yesterday installed it in about an hour looks like it came on the bike from the factory ! :firstplace:

 

[FrankPa]

Looks comfortable, but...

I don't think I could lift my leg high enough to get over it with the backrest up!

 

[jgwoods]

I don't think I could lift my leg high enough to get over it with the backrest up!

The back rest folds down.

 

[dshogman]

On their website, Utopia refers to the Custom Backrest Bar Installation. What's with this? I don't see anyone talking about a Bar installation under the seat (I think) that requires taking off the seat material. Will somone please explain if you know.
Thanks.

 

[SpydherLuv]

Finally had time to install my Utopia backrest tonight and it sure looks awesome! :yes: My only question to those who have had one for awhile is how do you keep rain/water from going down into the seat? I'm thinking about gluing a piece of black vinyl around the bottom of the bar that goes thru the seat.

 

[ThreeWheels]

Finally had time to install my Utopia backrest tonight and it sure looks awesome! :yes: My only question to those who have had one for awhile is how do you keep rain/water from going down into the seat? I'm thinking about gluing a piece of black vinyl around the bottom of the bar that goes thru the seat.

Did you install the black plastic grommet around the hole for the bar ?

Here is a pic I snagged from Utopia's website that shows the grommet. I'm pretty sure you would have installed this.

If you did, you should find that the fit for the bar is close enough to prevent water infiltration. Especially after all the other hardware is mounted to the support bar that acts like a rainhood.
I've been through many rainstorms and haven't had a problem yet.

Still, your idea can only make the installation even better.

 

[MarkLawson]

On their website, Utopia refers to the Custom Backrest Bar Installation. What's with this? I don't see anyone talking about a Bar installation under the seat (I think) that requires taking off the seat material. Will somone please explain if you know.
Thanks.

From your avatar I see that you're riding an RS/GS. You are correct. The passenger portion of the saddle has to be uncovered. There is a bar that goes on top of the saddle. That provides the support for when you lean back into the backrest. The foam padding isn't glued on, so it's not difficult mounting the bar. The toughest part is really stapling the cover down. I never got mine looking right. Bob, of Utopia, contacted me and asked if there was some sideways motion to the backrest. I told him that there was & he asked me to send my saddle to him because he had a fix for it. I did & he stapled the cover down right.

 

[SpydherLuv]

Did you install the black plastic grommet around the hole for the bar ?

Here is a pic I snagged from Utopia's website that shows the grommet. I'm pretty sure you would have installed this.

If you did, you should find that the fit for the bar is close enough to prevent water infiltration. Especially after all the other hardware is mounted to the support bar that acts like a rainhood.
I've been through many rainstorms and haven't had a problem yet.

Still, your idea can only make the installation even better.

Yes, I have the grommet installed, but it's not a tight fit with the bracket and I'm concerned about water getting into the seat.

 

[NorthStar]

Yes, I have the grommet installed, but it's not a tight fit with the bracket and I'm concerned about water getting into the seat.

I do not not fret about water leaking into the seat from this area. I have been in countless rain storms and washed the RT many times without problem. Prior to having a Utopia for the RT I ran one on a Goldwing with zero issues. The backrest pouch shields this area, but even when I removed the backrest and ran in the rain I never experienced any signs of water seepage through the area covered by the Utopia grommet.

However, if you have a concern about water seepage you could caulk this area with flexible, waterproof silicone or maybe place a rubber grommet/gasket over your bar for extra insurance. Whatever alleviates your concern is the best thing to do.

 

[budro]

quick release

has anyone installed a utopia back rest with the quick release connector ? is so please post your experience & opinion---Thanks Budro

I have installed 3 of these already and the hardest thing to do is get over the fact that you have to cut into the seat, and also getting the seat back on without loosing any parts down the hole behind the seat.
Just follow the instructions that are provided and call if you need me to walk you through it.
You will like it and your back will thank you for it.
Have fun abd ryde safe. C-YA RL

 

[Dustybell]

budroquick release
has anyone installed a utopia back rest with the quick release connector ? is so please post your experience & opinion---Thanks Budro

My friend and I ordered the the utopia backrest with the quick out option. We got them on December 5th. My hubby installed mine in about 2 hours and 30 minutes of that was me saying..."are you sure that is where you need to cut?"

The next day he installed my friends.

One of the differences is that with the quick out, you do not get a "boot" to stick down as a guide to cut the seat with. We just used silver tape and made sure our measurements were right and put down the tape as a "boot" to cut between. This worked great.

The backrest looks like it came with the bike. New years eve was the first time I got to do more than a 30 minute ride with it. It made a huge difference to comfort. Best mod I've done.

Like the quick out, as when I drive and hubby is passenger...lets just say he needs more room than what is available with the backrest there.

We just pull the rest out, put it in the side bag and away we go. Absolutely love it.

Hope this helps.
Leslie

 

[bullant12]

My friend and I ordered the the utopia backrest with the quick out option. We got them on December 5th. My hubby installed mine in about 2 hours and 30 minutes of that was me saying..."are you sure that is where you need to cut?"

The next day he installed my friends.

One of the differences is that with the quick out, you do not get a "boot" to stick down as a guide to cut the seat with. We just used silver tape and made sure our measurements were right and put down the tape as a "boot" to cut between. This worked great.

The backrest looks like it came with the bike. New years eve was the first time I got to do more than a 30 minute ride with it. It made a huge difference to comfort. Best mod I've done.

Like the quick out, as when I drive and hubby is passenger...lets just say he needs more room than what is available with the backrest there.

We just pull the rest out, put it in the side bag and away we go. Absolutely love it.

Hope this helps.
Leslie

When we went last November up to Searcy/North Little Rock/Heber Springs with the rest of the AR Spyderlovers, we meet with many interested ryders asking about the backrest since mine had it. Where you in that group?

 

[budro]

thanks

thanks for the info----Budro

My friend and I ordered the the utopia backrest with the quick out option. We got them on December 5th. My hubby installed mine in about 2 hours and 30 minutes of that was me saying..."are you sure that is where you need to cut?"

The next day he installed my friends.

One of the differences is that with the quick out, you do not get a "boot" to stick down as a guide to cut the seat with. We just used silver tape and made sure our measurements were right and put down the tape as a "boot" to cut between. This worked great.

The backrest looks like it came with the bike. New years eve was the first time I got to do more than a 30 minute ride with it. It made a huge difference to comfort. Best mod I've done.

Like the quick out, as when I drive and hubby is passenger...lets just say he needs more room than what is available with the backrest there.

We just pull the rest out, put it in the side bag and away we go. Absolutely love it.

Hope this helps.
Leslie

 

[SpydherLuv]

I do not not fret about water leaking into the seat from this area. I have been in countless rain storms and washed the RT many times without problem. Prior to having a Utopia for the RT I ran one on a Goldwing with zero issues. The backrest pouch shields this area, but even when I removed the backrest and ran in the rain I never experienced any signs of water seepage through the area covered by the Utopia grommet.

However, if you have a concern about water seepage you could caulk this area with flexible, waterproof silicone or maybe place a rubber grommet/gasket over your bar for extra insurance. Whatever alleviates your concern is the best thing to do.

Good to know, thanks NorthStar! :thumbup:

 

[MMcc]

Utopia backrest

Because of all the good reviews I ordered mine yesterday. Delivery scheduled for Jan 23. :yes:

 

[Dustybell]

When we went last November up to Searcy/North Little Rock/Heber Springs with the rest of the AR Spyderlovers, we meet with many interested ryders asking about the backrest since mine had it. Where you in that group?

Yes. I was with the group that met up with you all at Quitman. I had the Blue RT-S and my husband rode the orange street glide.

It was really nice meeting you and thanks for answering our questions on your highway pegs and backrest. It helped to be able to see one and how great they look. We ordered ours the next day.

Leslie

 

[bullant12]

Yes. I was with the group that met up with you all at Quitman. I had the Blue RT-S and my husband rode the orange street glide.

It was really nice meeting you and thanks for answering our questions on your highway pegs and backrest. It helped to be able to see one and how great they look. We ordered ours the next day.

Leslie

Always glad to help a fellow Spyderlover!:thumbup:

 

[Tin Can]

Ordered mine today, thanks to reading everyones post on how well made they are and how easy it is to install.
This is a great site everyone helps everyone and you can fine anything about your spyder on here...

 

[Boots]

BACK REST

Bump... I'm in the same boat. Another member actually sent me a video on how to disassemble the seat.:clap:

I recieved my utopia back rest today for my 2008 RS.Can"t figure out how to install.Thanks,Boots

 

[Araña805]

Moving spider!

I love your moving spider, thought it was on my screen and kept on chasing it.....:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

I've had both and I don't believe it will fit the Corbin. There is a 5/8" ID square tube vertically in the Corbin where the Utopia must go.

.