Your Reason For Getting A Backrest?

[newbert]

I have low-to-mid back pain from arthritis and am considering adding a driver backrest to my F3-T. On the plus side, it might provide the support my back needs, but on the minus side, I think that it would make mounting and dis-mounting my Spyder more difficult. So, that's my dilemma.

I'd really like to hear your reasons for getting a driver backrest, and how it's worked out for you.

Thanks!

 

[ARtraveler]

I currently do not have a driver backrest installed. My rigs have been RT's mostly. Never owned a F3.

I had folding Corbin on my GS. Had the Utopia on the RT. Both gave me back support that was lacking for my sometimes fidgety back issues. When the hip stuff hit me, it became difficult to mount/dismount because the backrest got in the way. I would have to get up on the foot board and carefully move the leg over the "front" of the seat. Then I would sit and get adjusted for the ride.

I now have BRP Comfort seats on both RT's. The lumbar part of the seat gives enough support these days that I do not feel the need for a backrest.

Have not tried any of the F3 seating so cannot give good advice there.

 

[Bob Denman]

Slinging a leg up over the backrest isn't all that difficult: you'll adapt to it in short order! :thumbup:

 

[SpyderNeil]

I have low-to-mid back pain from arthritis and am considering adding a driver backrest to my F3-T. On the plus side, it might provide the support my back needs, but on the minus side, I think that it would make mounting and dis-mounting my Spyder more difficult. So, that's my dilemma.

I'd really like to hear your reasons for getting a driver backrest, and how it's worked out for you.

Thanks!

Back pain is the reason that I use a BRP backrest, and it eliminates the problem. I step onto the passenger foot peg and then sit on my F3, that makes mounting easy.

Neil

 

[loisk]

Love my f3s utopia drivers backrest.
Too hard for me to lift leg over it and over saddlebags and dog bag - tho it can easily fold forward.
I am not tall and find it easiest to just mount with leg in front of backrest, over the seat so to speak.
Definitely helps lower back, especially when I "accidentally" take off a little too fast lol

 

[MNBK]

I have

The BRP drivers backrest and it really helps. I broke my back in 5 places in January 1987 at work. I face the seat and lift my leg over the driver portion and then turn forward and sit down. The back rest works really well for me.

 

[Purple Guy]

I have Ultimate seat with their backrest. Not sure about the BRP backrest but the Ultimate folds down into the riders portion of the seat.
Makes for easy mounting and getting off the Spyder.
Can beat the added comfort of having a backrest!

 

[Don'tPanic]

backpack

I'm not getting the backrest because I often ride with a backpack. Backrest will make it impossible.
If you worry about mounting/dismounting - get one that folds down.

 

[HIspyder]

I normally don't use a back rest since my rydes are usually very short. I live on a remote island, so how far can I really go? LOL

I purchased the BRP backrest for the ryde from LA to Valcourt last year and I'm glad I did. Being 6'4", it wasn't a problem lifting my leg over. Mostly it saved my butt from burning on those long rydes (719 miles was the longest leg) I lifted off the seat and wedged my butt against the backrest, almost standing until the pain was gone, then I could sit comfortably for another couple hundred miles. And yes, the back support is wonderful on those long hauls too.

 

[IGETAROUND]

reason for getting a back rest

Might want to take a look @ Smooth spyders offerings, very versatile back rest, just doesn't work with seats with edge wings on them. :yes::clap:hyea:

 

[crw]

Backrest

I gave up two wheel riding for a spyder because of my back best thing i ever did love it

i fold the backrest forward and step up on the passenger foot rest i have short legs
swing over the seat fold the rest up and set down

 

[Cavman]

Instead of a back rest, I opted for a Saddlemen bag that sits on the passenger seat. I can lean against it and it also carries a lot of stuff. It has a built in rain cover in one of the top pockets. The attachment harness goes under the seat so I don’t have to remove it when refueling.

 

[newbert]

I gave up two wheel riding for a spyder because of my back best thing i ever did love it

i fold the backrest forward and step up on the passenger foot rest i have short legs
swing over the seat fold the rest up and set down

OP here.

I also have short legs and get on the Spyder as you describe. I reverse the procedure to get off the Spyder. So - just to be clear - you have enough room to fold the backrest forward (or up) while you're in the seat? (Really?) That's my concern in a nutshell - I didn't think that would be possible.

Thanks.

 

[Flamewinger]

My theory for a backrest is to make it easier to push on the handlebars which will greatly help my right shoulder. My current ST requires some strain to maneuver the bike and can become painful on a long ride. I both punch and pull to turn and the backrest will make it easier to just push.

 

[Peteoz]

OP here.

I also have short legs and get on the Spyder as you describe. I reverse the procedure to get off the Spyder. So - just to be clear - you have enough room to fold the backrest forward (or up) while you're in the seat? (Really?) That's my concern in a nutshell - I didn't think that would be possible.

Thanks.

Newbert, I have just had a hip replacement and have to be very careful mounting and dismounting. I have a Daylong custom seat with a backrest that folds forward. I fold the backrest forward onto the rider’s seat, mount with my feet on the ground, and while I am standing, lift the backrest back into position. I do the reverse when dismounting. It works a treat. My legs are longer than yours, but my Daylong is two inches taller than stock, plus you are mounting from footboard height rather than from the ground, so the clearance probably evens out. I don’t want to put words in CRW’s mouth, and I could be totally wrong, but I would imagine that he would still be standing when he pushes the folded down backrest back up into position. It’s quite easy.

Pete

 

[newbert]

Newbert, I have just had a hip replacement and have to be very careful mounting and dismounting. I have a Daylong custom seat with a backrest that folds forward. I fold the backrest forward onto the rider’s seat, mount with my feet on the ground, and while I am standing, lift the backrest back into position. I do the reverse when dismounting. It works a treat. My legs are longer than yours, but my Daylong is two inches taller than stock, plus you are mounting from footboard height rather than from the ground, so the clearance probably evens out. I don’t want to put words in CRW’s mouth, and I could be totally wrong, but I would imagine that he would still be standing when he pushes the folded down backrest back up into position. It’s quite easy.

Pete

Thanks for the detailed explanation, Pete! I'm getting a Daylong seat as well, but without backrest. It's on order, and will be manufactured in the next few days. (I'm considering adding a backrest later. Russel have told me that the BRP backrest is compatible with their seat.)

Good to hear that there's plenty of room for the backrest to fold down while the driver stands on the pegs. I guess that's what I wasn't sure about.

Do you find that having a backrest helps ease your hip problems?

 

[Peteoz]

Thanks for the detailed explanation, Pete! I'm getting a Daylong seat as well, but without backrest. It's on order, and will be manufactured in the next few days. (I'm considering adding a backrest later. Russel have told me that the BRP backrest is compatible with their seat.)

Good to hear that there's plenty of room for the backrest to fold down while the driver stands on the pegs. I guess that's what I wasn't sure about.

Do you find that having a backrest helps ease your hip problems?

Not specifically for my hip, Bert, as I have had backrests on my bikes for the last 15 years. I have degenerating L4/L5 in my lower back, so I started using backrests just in case. I have not had back pain since, but that may simply be due to the chiropractor I started seeing around the same time. A couple of times I have left the backrest off, and I do find I get a soreness in my back and feel less comfortable after an hour in the saddle. It may be the better posture that leaning against a backrest gives you, but that would be a pure guess. Sure, the Spyder looks better without a rider’s backrest, but I’m past caring about that. I’d rather be comfortable.:thumbup:

Pete

 

[Jambo Creek]

Driver’s back rest

I put a Lamonster driver’s backrest on my F-3 Limited and found two problems. The cockpit was already crowded for two-up riding, so the wide backrest made the situation worse. The Spyder also requires more driver’s body movement than a motorcycle because it doesn’t lean. The wide backrest inhibits free movement.

My my solution was to keep the Lamonster hardware and throw away the pad. I replaced it with one measuring about 6”x9”, bought online. That fixed both problems and still provides improved support.

 

[Pirate looks at --]

I find it very easy to mount the F3 L as it is much lower than our RT. The back rest just really adds more support, and some leverage in the corners. It is great for the short rydes like this last weekends 250 miler, and really essential for the longer rydes like the Iron Butt we did in April. :yes: