Utopia backrest comfort?
Shyster
Posted 2009-05-17 10:58 AM (#34811)
Subject: Utopia backrest comfort?


Cruiser

Posts: 69

My back has always bothered me when I ride.  I was hoping the Vision would "cure" the problem but of course it's my back not the bike (mid back actually, not lumbar).  I'm doing some stretchs and plan on trying a chiropractor but I let a friend try out my Vision this weekend.  His 1100 Yamaha really felt small and cramped but his Mustang backrest felt great!  I should have had one on my VTX.

Those pics don't look bad (I noticed the comments about the looK).  How does it work?  It's very frustrating to have a bike capable of going coast to coast in style and comfort only to have the back start up after 50 miles.

~Shy 

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VaParadox
Posted 2009-05-17 11:12 AM (#34812 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Iron Butt

Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia
Hey Shy
While i personally dont like the "look" of the Utopia rest, if i had a back issue that prohibited me from riding, i would overlook the styling
and pursue enjoying the ride. As one who is in the medical field, and suffered back issues ever since sports in middle school, let me offer some personal/professional suggestions. If you can find someone who has a Vision with the Utopia, try it before you buy and install it. Often with mid back problems you need more horizontal support than you do centered spine vertical support. Translation, you may find that you need a backrest that is wide enough to reach your flanks for support . Id hate to see you go to the expense of the Utopia and slicing into your seat only to find that its not the support you need. Great hearing that you are working on strengthening your muscles and seeking chiropractic help. The key to a stong back has nothing to do with THE BACK, it has to do with the abs and stomach. Good luck bud.
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VisionTex
Posted 2009-05-17 11:29 AM (#34814 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: RE: Utopia backrest comfort?


Visionary

Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx.
Shyster - 2009-05-17 9:58 AM

My back has always bothered me when I ride.  I was hoping the Vision would "cure" the problem but of course it's my back not the bike (mid back actually, not lumbar).  I'm doing some stretchs and plan on trying a chiropractor but I let a friend try out my Vision this weekend.  His 1100 Yamaha really felt small and cramped but his Mustang backrest felt great!  I should have had one on my VTX.

Those pics don't look bad (I noticed the comments about the looK).  How does it work?  It's very frustrating to have a bike capable of going coast to coast in style and comfort only to have the back start up after 50 miles.

~Shy 


Shy, I've had the Utopia backrest for over a year now and find it a good addition to the bike's comfort. It is adjustable so you can tilt it forward or lean it back. I'm not real tall so mine is set all the way down, which puts support on my mid & lower back, but it can be raised up also. The fit is good, it is fairly easy to install, and the cost is reasonable.



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ScoreBo
Posted 2009-05-17 8:19 PM (#34836 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Iron Butt

Posts: 1117
Northeast Ohio
+1 for the back rest.
I couldn't think about riding ALL day without it.
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visionbob
Posted 2009-05-17 8:25 PM (#34837 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Cruiser

Posts: 141
Cumming, GA
Ditto! I did 9200 miles last summer with the Utopia. Could not have done the trip without it. This year will be around 15000 miles starting in late June through the end of September. Go for it.
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wrr1home
Posted 2009-05-17 8:59 PM (#34839 - in reply to #34837)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Cruiser

Posts: 196
Mine allows me to ride for 60 to 75 miles without a break! Before I installed it, I would be ready for a break about every 45 to 50 miles. It has made a world of difference for me on 8 to 10 hour days!

I HIGHLY recommend it if you have any type of back trouble. I wrecked my back over 25 years ago and with my old '99, I had the Corbin with dual back rests and loved it. Now with the SSG, I have the comfort of the Utopia!
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Road Runner
Posted 2009-05-18 12:12 AM (#34852 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: RE: Utopia backrest comfort?


Puddle Jumper

Posts: 40
Oppelo, Arkansas
I have the Utopia Backrest and I love it. I have had lower back surgery and still have some pain and the Backrest makes riding a lot more comfortable. For me, it's the best accessory I've added to the bike.
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amessen
Posted 2009-05-18 8:53 AM (#34866 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Cruiser

Posts: 271
Belding Michigan
I have a partial disability from the USAF for my back. I can not ride with out a backrest the Utopia was and is great. I am heavy and a big guy the stock seat broke down under me. I bought a
Corbin with backrest and did several 100 mile shots yesterday with no pain in back or butt, Love that ride. Archie
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clubford00
Posted 2009-05-18 9:01 AM (#34868 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Tourer

Posts: 301
Buffalo Grove,Ill
Last week i bought my Vision in Florida and rode it back to Chicago. It has the utopia and it was great ! I couldnt have ridden 620 miles the first day and 653 the second without it.
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clubford00
Posted 2009-05-18 9:02 AM (#34869 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Tourer

Posts: 301
Buffalo Grove,Ill
Last week i bought my Vision in Florida and rode it back to Chicago. It has the utopia and it was great ! I couldnt have ridden 620 miles the first day and 653 the second without it.
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clubford00
Posted 2009-05-18 9:03 AM (#34870 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Tourer

Posts: 301
Buffalo Grove,Ill
Last week i bought my Vision in Florida and rode it back to Chicago. It has the utopia and it was great ! I couldnt have ridden 620 miles the first day and 653 the second without it.
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clubford00
Posted 2009-05-18 9:03 AM (#34871 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Tourer

Posts: 301
Buffalo Grove,Ill
Last week i bought my Vision in Florida and rode it back to Chicago. It has the utopia and it was great ! I couldnt have ridden 620 miles the first day and 653 the second without it.
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Shyster
Posted 2009-05-18 10:24 AM (#34875 - in reply to #34871)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Cruiser

Posts: 69
O.K., I'm convinced.  Placed my order this a.m.  Thanks for all the feedback.
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Mudge
Posted 2009-05-18 11:09 AM (#34876 - in reply to #34875)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Tourer

Posts: 354
20 miles west of Chicago.
They build these one at a time as ordered. and are very good to deal with. If you need some special shaping as to width or height they may ( I say may because I wouldn't presume to speak for them...) be able to help you out in that respect. It sure wouldn't hurt to call and talk to them.
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Joker
Posted 2009-05-18 12:02 PM (#34878 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: RE: Utopia backrest comfort?


Cruiser

Posts: 194
Buford, GA United States
If you want the quick release you need to order it now so you only have to install the bracket one time. Just speaking from experience...
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Wizard523
Posted 2009-05-18 12:32 PM (#34879 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Tourer

Posts: 506
Woodland Hills, CA
I agree about the quick release; you should order it, even if you think you never want to take the back off the seat, you will at least have the option. I ordered it with mine, and while I always ride with the back rest in place, I am glad to have the option.
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Shyster
Posted 2009-05-18 4:02 PM (#34893 - in reply to #34878)
Subject: RE: Utopia backrest comfort?


Cruiser

Posts: 69

I did order the quick release.  When you're in the hole for a Vision, what's another $65.00?  Thanks to all.

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Shyster
Posted 2009-05-18 4:13 PM (#34896 - in reply to #34878)
Subject: RE: Utopia backrest comfort?


Cruiser

Posts: 69

I did order the quick release.  When you're in the hole for a Vision, what's another $65.00?  Thanks to all.

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radioteacher
Posted 2009-05-18 4:25 PM (#34897 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Visionary

Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX
Shyster,

I am ordering mine today with the quick release. I am not in the hole with my Vision; I am on top of the mountain!

Ride Safe
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Easttexasrider
Posted 2009-05-19 9:27 AM (#34965 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Cruiser

Posts: 244
Lindale, TX
I'm concerned the quick release changes the feel and look of the backrest. Can anyone comment on the difference between the hard mount and quick release?
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clubford00
Posted 2009-05-19 11:01 AM (#34974 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Tourer

Posts: 301
Buffalo Grove,Ill
Just ordered my Quick out for my Vision. The lady on the phone says it doesnt change anything except the way it comes out.
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Joker
Posted 2009-05-19 12:11 PM (#34980 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Cruiser

Posts: 194
Buford, GA United States
The biggest difference is the quick release made my wife happy! We talked it over and I am very happy now too...
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pollolittle
Posted 2009-05-19 1:45 PM (#34987 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Visionary

Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN
Shyster, please give a review of it when you get it installed, especially for your back. I have mid back pain but only when I lean against the back of the chair, a small lumbar area would be great.

VaParadox have you ever heard of someone with pain only when they lean against the back of a chair, but no other pain, while standing or moving. The MRI and other tests say nothing wrong, kinda like my Vision.
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Easttexasrider
Posted 2009-05-26 12:09 PM (#35400 - in reply to #34987)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Cruiser

Posts: 244
Lindale, TX
pollolittle - 2009-05-19 1:45 PM

Shyster, please give a review of it when you get it installed, especially for your back. I have mid back pain but only when I lean against the back of the chair, a small lumbar area would be great.

VaParadox have you ever heard of someone with pain only when they lean against the back of a chair, but no other pain, while standing or moving. The MRI and other tests say nothing wrong, kinda like my Vision.


Shyster,

I would appreciate a review of your backrest. How was instillation? Does the removeable bracket take up more passenger seat space?

Pics Please
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Shyster
Posted 2009-05-26 1:23 PM (#35405 - in reply to #35400)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest comfort?


Cruiser

Posts: 69
It's due to be built and shipped between 6/1 and 6/3.  I'm going to have a friend help me put it on as I'm mechanically challenged so it will be done at his convenience.  I'll post a review and try to remember to take some pics of the install.
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Easttexasrider
Posted 2009-05-26 4:40 PM (#35413 - in reply to #34811)
Subject: RE: Utopia backrest comfort?


Cruiser

Posts: 244
Lindale, TX
Thanks Shyster
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