Utopia Backrest and rain

[2manycars]

I have a Utopia back rest that I love, however a friend posed the following question.

What happens in a heavy rain, since the seat now has a slot in it? I wonder whether the foam will get soaked, and eventually rot as the water works its way into the seat.

Any one have problems, or a way to seal the slot you need to make to install the back rest?

 

[MarkLawson]

I've had a Utopia on my Goldwing since 2002, plus on 3 other bikes, including 2 Spyders. I have never had any sign of wear on any of the saddles in any way due to the backrest.

 

[Dragonrider]

Why in the world would anyone ride in heavy rain?? :dontknow: They make garages for that kind of weather…..

In 40 years of riding, I've only gotten caught on the open road in that kind of rain twice. Both times my seat and backrest (Corbin) was more than adequately protected by my fat A$$…. again, I'm the guy who cleans his bikes with cleaner/polish & NEVER uses water on a bike…...

 

[NancysToy]

I ride in rain, even heavy rain, but I duck for cover for hail or lightning. Hard to go cross-country without riding in the rain. I don't have the Utopia, but remember that you body will protect the slot from a lot of the rain, plus it is installed on a higher portion of the seat, which would divert puddles. I doubt it would be any problem while moving...maybe when parked. A custom-made seat/backrest rain cover would take care of the problem.

 

[NorthStar]

My experience

I have a Utopia back rest that I love, however a friend posed the following question.

What happens in a heavy rain, since the seat now has a slot in it? I wonder whether the foam will get soaked, and eventually rot as the water works its way into the seat.

Any one have problems, or a way to seal the slot you need to make to install the back rest?

I installed a Utopia backrest on my RT in 2010. The backrest has been subjected to quite a few significant downpours, with and without my butt in the seat. There is absolutely no indication that water has seeped into the foam of the seat through the slit that houses the mounting bar.

Prior to having this backrest on my Spyder I had one on my Goldwing for several years with nary an indication of water seepage.

If you still have concerns about water ruining your seat after installing the Utopia backrest you could seal the opening with some type of waterproofing silicone or other waterproofing membrane. Just a thought.

 

[BikerDoc]

I have the Utopia Backrest and have been caught (unintentionally) in some brutal Florida thunderstorms on several occasions.. I have never found a trace of moisture in the area of connection to the seat.

 

[IWN2RYD]

Why in the world would anyone ride in heavy rain?? :dontknow: They make garages for that kind of weather…..

In 40 years of riding, I've only gotten caught on the open road in that kind of rain twice. Both times my seat and backrest (Corbin) was more than adequately protected by my fat A$$…. again, I'm the guy who cleans his bikes with cleaner/polish & NEVER uses water on a bike…...

I do. Washington State is not called the Evergreen State for nothing... These trees need LOTS of water :roflblack:

We ryde our Spyder as a daily commuter as well as a weekend vacationer. Anything but snow, we ryde...:2thumbs::spyder2::chat: