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Utopia backrest install
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Shyster
Posted 2009-06-05 6:48 PM (#36115)
Subject: Utopia backrest install


Cruiser

Posts: 69

First, my apologies for not getting any pictures.  The friend who helped me had something else to do and I didn't want to ask him to "pose" at every step. 

The process is simple and straightforward.  Remove the plastic cover in front of the seat (it pops out, just be sure to open the left and right tank compartments).  Two screws and the seat's off.  Then we installed the T bar which is designed so there's only one way it can really fit underneath the seat.  Only small concern is keep it straight and centered.  You're drilling into plastic here so it doesn't take much. 

The scary part is cutting into the seat.  We made a line per the instructions, measured to make sure it was centered, then used the quick release patch to outline where the cut goes.  Had to use a longer bladed knife to cut down through the seat padding.  Then we just shoved the bar into the hole and were able to line up the holes in it to the T bar with no problem.

The whole process didn't take 30 minutes.  The rest comes adjusted to it's lowest point.  I'm a little over 6' 2" w/a 32" inseam and I don't see myself raising it.  The bottom hits me about 3-4 inches above my waist and the top feels like it's around the bottom of my shoulder blades.  I was able to easily adjjust the tilt on the ride home (I took 30 miles to get there and 70 to get back). 

So far I'm very happy w/the Utopia.  I leaned it back and rode w/my feet comfortably on the front tip overs and also moved it forward until I was in a "Goldwing" position.  I've got rides planned for Saturday and Sunday and will report back on how three days of riding do but of course everyone's back is different.  Sometimes I've riden 250 miles w/o it acting up and sometimes 30 miles will get it aching.

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radioteacher
Posted 2009-06-05 9:07 PM (#36125 - in reply to #36115)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest install


Visionary

Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX
Shyster,

I did mine tonight as well. I shot some video of the install that I might put together next week. I am riding tomorrow as well, it will be nice to compare notes.

Ride Safe!
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Easttexasrider
Posted 2009-06-06 11:19 PM (#36176 - in reply to #36115)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest install


Cruiser

Posts: 244
Lindale, TX
thanks guys
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Easttexasrider
Posted 2009-06-08 1:46 PM (#36279 - in reply to #36115)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest install


Cruiser

Posts: 244
Lindale, TX
Gentlemen,

Thanks for the information. I ordered my Utopia backrest with quickout option today. I rode 550 miles this past Saturday and I'm now convinced I will greatly appreciate the back support. I was pretty tired Saturday night, but the seat itself work pretty well for an OEM seat. The way I look at it is that if the Utopia backrest works, it is a lot cheaper comfort option then either a new Corbin or Russell seat.



Jon


Edited by Easttexasrider 2009-06-08 1:47 PM
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internet_red
Posted 2009-06-08 9:51 PM (#36300 - in reply to #36115)
Subject: RE: Utopia backrest install


Puddle Jumper

Posts: 26
minnesota
How has the backrest been working? I am going on a couple of week-long trips this summer and was wondering how effective this backrest was.
Thanks.
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Shyster
Posted 2009-06-12 2:33 PM (#36548 - in reply to #36300)
Subject: RE: Utopia backrest install


Cruiser

Posts: 69

Sorry I haven't posted a review yet but I need to ride a few long days.  Last weekend I put on about 500 miles Friday to Sunday but no more than 70 miles between stops.

So far I'd rate it 4 on a 5 point scale.  It's very easy to adjust--simply take your weight off it, reach around and turn the screw.  The range of adjustment is fine--I can tilt it back and ride w/my feet on the tipovers if I want to slouch for awhile. 

Lots of support--it's a big pad.  I do wish the bottom was a little lower.  There's only about 3/4ths of an inch between the bottom of the pad and the seat so there's not much room for adjustment in that direction.  No problems getting on and off--it already feels like part of the bike to me.  I'm going to have to take it off for a couple of days and remember how she feels without it.

The only negative I've found is that unless I sit in a "Goldwing" position the backrest seems to force what excuse I have for a backside forward, leaving my scrawny rear on a narrower portion of the seat.  Appearance wise I'm fine w/it.  Looks like it came with the bike.  The "purse" on the back may be a bit much but it's handy and you can take if off if you don't like it.

~Shy 

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wjoel
Posted 2009-06-12 4:23 PM (#36550 - in reply to #36115)
Subject: RE: Utopia backrest install


Tourer

Posts: 447
Northeastern Penna.
Thanks for the additional info on this seat. It would be nice to see pics or a short video as mentioned.
Has anyone rode with a passenger, if so, does it take away much room on the passenger part of the seat. Is the passenger hindered putting their leg over the seat with backrest on ? I would imagine, the quick release one would be the best route to go.
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VisionTex
Posted 2009-06-12 4:27 PM (#36551 - in reply to #36548)
Subject: RE: Utopia backrest install


Visionary

Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx.
Thanks for the review it is a good one. I too have the backrest installed, but I'm a half a foot shorter that you. So for those that are like me the prepective is I can ride tank fulls with the backrest. I don't think I could do that without it. Mine is set all the way down on top of the seat and the top hits me just below the shoulder blades. For Interstate hiway travel I adjust it so it pushes my back forward so I'm sitting with a slight lean back, which to me is comfortable. I can put my feet out on the pegs and settle in for the long ride, lock the cruise on, and turn up the tunes. A couple of weeks ago I ran from the east side of Houston to San Antonio which is ~200 miles without stopping, no problems. When I know I'm going to run the back roads, I'll crank the adjustment screw so the backrest pushes me more forward, which lets me sit more straight up off the back of my ass and more on the back of my legs, bring my feet more back on the boards and this too is very comfortable, for me, and let the curves begin. The Utopia backrest has been one of the better additions to my bike.
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Shyster
Posted 2009-06-12 5:41 PM (#36554 - in reply to #36550)
Subject: RE: Utopia backrest install


Cruiser

Posts: 69

My wife had surgery a couple of weeks ago so I haven't riden 2 up yet.  The friend who helped me w/the install took it w/his lady for 5 or 10 miles and she said it wasn't in her way riding but she had a bit of a problem swinging a leg over it.

This may be a stupid question but does anyone know if you can use the Saddleman backrest bag with the Utopia installed?  If I had to guess I'd say no but can't tell for sure.  That bag looks like a lot of storage, located in a good area of the bike for a decent price.

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ebayjoe
Posted 2009-06-13 12:07 AM (#36572 - in reply to #36115)
Subject: Re: Utopia backrest install


Cruiser

Posts: 113
East Ohio
I have had the Utopia backrest for some time now and ride 2 up most of the time, as far as swinging a leg over, if I'm not on it it pushes forward and down, not in the way at all, I also believe it was one of the better upgrades I did on the bike
Go Super Steel
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