Recommendations for Driver back rest?

[joe in calif]

I just lift my leg over the drivers part of the set when I get on and off the bike so the back rest is not in the way for me. I have had them on all my Gold Wings ( 6 of them) and really miss it on my shadow but I think Santa is going to bring me one for Christmas from http://www.protac.net/

[joe in calif]

Santa put in the order for my back rest yesterday, should get it by Christmas, I will post pictures when I get it.

[Kitulu]

How much do those run?

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[rjtmac]

Originally Posted by MikeB

Check out Utopia for backrests. On one-piece seats you have to work up your courage sufficiently to make a hole in the seat fabric to accept the post, but if you can tolerate that the Utopia is a good product. I put one on a Goldwing 1500 and really, really liked it. I did not regret slitting the seat cover at all once I leaned back on that thing La-Z-Boy style. It's a quality product for sure and not very expensive.

The Utopia seats are very nice. They are a little pricey - just over $200.00. I really do like the almost infinite adjustment options. It is a quality made product for sure.

[MikeB]

It appears they have raised their prices since I put one on the Goldwing 10-12 years ago. Who would'a thunk!

[tgelphman]

They don't look like installation is for the squeamish as it appears you have to do some cutting on your seat and possibly drilling. It is hard to tell exactly from their installation videos. Can anyone speak to what it took to install?

[rjtmac]

Originally Posted by tgelphman

They don't look like installation is for the squeamish as it appears you have to do some cutting on your seat and possibly drilling. It is hard to tell exactly from their installation videos. Can anyone speak to what it took to install?

The install is not difficult. The most difficult part is the mental leap it takes to cut the seat. It is really no big deal. Following the instructions gets you exactly to where you need to be.

It was certainly easier than the install of the Engine Guard or the Chrome Radiator cover on the Spirit.

[1996shadow]

I always thought that part of the reason so many guys have their women on the back was for backrests. Seems to me a nice soft female would be a lot better than an upholstered and padded piece of metal.

[joe in calif]

I have installed the Utopia backrest on my Gold Wing, not hard at all once you get over cutting your seat. My shadow has a Mustang seat and I don't think the Utopia would work with the added height of the passenger seat. I ordered one from Protact Driver Backrest - Home
and it is about $130 + shipping

[lazyboy]

Thanks to dgraves49 for the backrest pad and some manufacturing of my own,I almost have a driver backrest for under $20! If I still had my welder I would be done! just needs a 2 minute welding job and some paint!