Utopia Back Rest for RT

[ulflyer]

I'm repeating a question I've asked before but didn't get a lot of answers so I'm tossing it in here since so many of you have the Utopia. From what I'm reading above, it seems that the backrest has little or no back/forward give.....is this correct? If so, then it won't work for me as I had one on a previous 2 wheeler with absolutely no "give" and it seemed to scrub my back when going over bumps and I took it off. I have back issues that are relieved by a softer movement. Right now I'm using a stuffed leather bag which works pretty well but doesnt look so good. However, I do have a Utopia on a Helix scooter that does have a fair amount of 'give" and I love it.

Edited to add: went back up and read Phil's addition of the innertube for more lower back support and that sounds like something I can use if I do install the backrest.

I have a Utopia on the way but am uncertain about installing it. Wish I could find someone with one installed on an RT.

 

[MarkLawson]

I'm repeating a question I've asked before but didn't get a lot of answers so I'm tossing it in here since so many of you have the Utopia. From what I'm reading above, it seems that the backrest has little or no back/forward give.....is this correct? If so, then it won't work for me as I had one on a previous 2 wheeler with absolutely no "give" and it seemed to scrub my back when going over bumps and I took it off. I have back issues that are relieved by a softer movement. Right now I'm using a stuffed leather bag which works pretty well but doesnt look so good. However, I do have a Utopia on a Helix scooter that does have a fair amount of 'give" and I love it.

I have a Utopia on the way but am uncertain about installing it. Wish I could find someone with one installed on an RT.

The backrest on your Helix is likely only using the seat-pan for support, so there is likely some flex. Our Silverwing scooter was like that. The backrest on the RT uses the spine of the RT for support, so it is rock solid.

 

[MarkLawson]

After having mine installed so far this season, I've observed one small issue.

The hardware has a tendency to loosen up with use. Specifically, the adjustment screw at the base.

This is the screw that sets the amount of lean of the backrest, forward or back.

A little blue Loctite and I'm good to go.

Hmm, after reading this, I had to go look at mine & found it as you say, except I've never had mine budge. Sounds like a good solution you've suggested.

My Goldwing Utopia backrest has a set-nut that tightens to keep the adjustment in place. I bought that Utopia in 2002, so they've apparently made changes...

 

[ARtraveler]

The Utopia was the first mod I had installed. It was put on my RTS during set up. I liked the Utopia and the way it matched up to the original seat.

It turned out to be a big mistake for me--because within 500 miles, I decided I did not like the stock seat. I ended up purchasing a Corbin and backrest.

I have a brand new RTS stock seat with the PE # embroidered on it, and the Utopia attached.

I am not going to sell this part separate--as the special seat should go with the bike when I decide to trade or sell.

 

[stevedfive]

We both have back issues and my wife has had surgery. Since I installed the backrest we have not had backaches. Would never ride without one again.

 

[Bootie]

Backrest

I have a Corbin Seat:yes: and removable backrest. When I first started using the backrest I did not like it very much. Later, I fiddled the forward lean (like Scotty I lean forward a bit) and now I love the backrest and wouldn't like to travel without it. I think you absolutely need to be able to adjust the forward/backward lean angle.
My $0.02

 

[stevedfive]

Also, Utopia makes this extension bracket that pushes back the seat if it is too close to the rider.

 

[fispyder]

I install one before Maggie Valley event Made a wolrd of differance in riding. BRP could do a better job on their stock seats. I would be welling to pay extra if their seats was more b_tt friendly. Come on this is a touring bike I ride with a air hawk pad also.

 

[MarkLawson]

I was having problems staying in the saddle more than 45 minutes. I installed some KewlMetal highway brackets with Kury ISO Wings and located the pegs as close to straight down as possible, using only the short link supplied. This allows me to place my feet on them and stand, lifting my butt about an inch off the saddle to allow blood and air to flow. My inseam is about 30", so you might need a different setup if your legs are longer or shorter. Because my knees are straight & I am leaning against the backrest, I am comfortable and able to ride for miles, steering with either one or two hands. I can even move from sitting to standing while steering with one hand because there is no effort required from the arms to do it. I found that this allows me to ride from tank to tank. Ran 4004.7 miles last April in 10 days, including about 1100 in the last two. I was ready for the 11th day, but was already at home.

Right Side View

Right Side Above

Yes, my foot is in the hot air zone, but with jeans and boots, I really don't feel too much heat at highway speeds.

 

[ulflyer]

Mark, you're absolutely right about the Helix....the Utopia is attached to the pan only. Don't see why this coulldn't have been done on the Can Am. Oh well..........

 

[MarkLawson]

Mark, you're absolutely right about the Helix....the Utopia is attached to the pan only. Don't see why this coulldn't have been done on the Can Am. Oh well..........

I would think the much more solid design of the Spyder (& Goldwing) backrest would generally be considered more preferable by customers. You also have less fagtigue issues of the seat pan is the stress is directed to the bike frame. Anyway, as you look at the installed Utopia, you can see there is very little clearance to allow a softer install. I know because I measured that clearance for Bob (Utopia) when he was designing the bracket for the Spyder. He would send me pics of the bottom of my saddle and mark them up to show me what he needed measurements of. I would then go to the dealer and take the measurements off a display model. I desided to use playdough wrapped in plastic wrap to be able to squeeze it between the saddle and bike when I closed the saddle and sat on it. Then I'd take pics and measurements and send them to him. He was amazed with how easy that made it, having never thought of doing it that way after making backrests for several decades now.

One of the pics from Bob:

My Reply (2 pics):

Plus I gave him measurements of the thickness of the clay. We exchanged some 40 emails as we worked on it. I was very pleased with the final product!

 

[Phil]

I was having problems staying in the saddle more than 45 minutes. I installed some KewlMetal highway brackets with Kury ISO Wings and located the pegs as close to straight down as possible, using only the short link supplied. .

I testify that Mark's way of doing this WORKS! I sat on it in MV and 'stood up', pushing back on the Utopia. Wow! So...... I copied my brother's design and I love it.


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[Hawk]

Their expected build and ship date is currently Aug 29th. Thats over a month!! Better not want it yesterday I guess. Really thinking of it. Yol, did you get yours installed yet??

 

[Yol Bolsun]

Their expected build and ship date is currently Aug 29th. Thats over a month!! Better not want it yesterday I guess. Really thinking of it. Yol, did you get yours installed yet??

Sez "out for delivery". Waiting patiently while adding turn signal LEDs to mirrors. :2thumbs:


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[Yol Bolsun]

Sitting on table when i got home from work. Fun day tomorrow. Errr, later today.


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[ulflyer]

Mine came yesterday also. Now I understand what Mark said about it resting on the backbone. Couldn't figure out how that could work until I actually looked at the underneath piece. Won't be able to get to it till the weekend so let me know if you encounter any issues I should be aware of.
Looks pretty straight forward and I have installed a couple on diff bikes before.

 

[Yol Bolsun]

Installed mine this morning. Need to go ryding and see how it feels.

 

[Hawk]

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::2thumbs:

Thanks to a mix up, I get mine this weekend!! Thanks Keith!!!

 

[Yol Bolsun]

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::2thumbs:

Thanks to a mix up, I get mine this weekend!! Thanks Keith!!!

No problem. Glad I could help you spend your $$$.

 

[Yol Bolsun]

Mine came yesterday also. Now I understand what Mark said about it resting on the backbone. Couldn't figure out how that could work until I actually looked at the underneath piece. Won't be able to get to it till the weekend so let me know if you encounter any issues I should be aware of.
Looks pretty straight forward and I have installed a couple on diff bikes before.

ulflyer: worst part for me was getting bolt to grab. About two hours. Finally (and I wish I could tell you exactly what I did) one bolt took a hold and then the other. No magic, just perseverance. Hang in there. Hopefully not as long as I did.