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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | Well... one thing is for sure. It's going to be a hell of a lot more difficult to swing a leg over it now; with the Utopia installed. Will have to resort to stepping up on the left floorboards and swinging my foot over (basically stepping into the bike). |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | does any one have the link to the post on here where someone figured out how to make a Cheap quick release for the utopia backrest? they used some type of chrome pin with a Loop on the end? |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 33
| willtill - 2012-02-08 1:00 PM
Well... one thing is for sure. It's going to be a hell of a lot more difficult to swing a leg over it now; with the Utopia installed. Will have to resort to stepping up on the left floorboards and swinging my foot over (basically stepping into the bike).
One thing I just noticed with the Victory backrest that I just put on my 8-Ball (it's incredible- very comfortable), if you have it pulled up so that there is a 1" gap between the seat and pad, you can fold it down to throw your leg over. Then fold it back up as you sit back. Don't know if the Utopia is like that but it probably is. This the first time I've used a backrest and it really makes you feel like you're a part of the bike, more attached so to speak. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | gilbertma - 2012-02-14 8:46 AM
willtill - 2012-02-08 1:00 PM
Well... one thing is for sure. It's going to be a hell of a lot more difficult to swing a leg over it now; with the Utopia installed. Will have to resort to stepping up on the left floorboards and swinging my foot over (basically stepping into the bike).
One thing I just noticed with the Victory backrest that I just put on my 8-Ball (it's incredible- very comfortable), if you have it pulled up so that there is a 1" gap between the seat and pad, you can fold it down to throw your leg over. Then fold it back up as you sit back. Don't know if the Utopia is like that but it probably is. This the first time I've used a backrest and it really makes you feel like you're a part of the bike, more attached so to speak.
Yes, the Utopia's mechanism has that ability, but I want to keep the backrest as low as possible.... so that it doesn't contact a higher region of my back; I like the support mid to low on my back.
I have resigned myself to stepping on the left passenger footrest with my left foot; and lifting my right foot over the seat and back down. Kind of like stepping up; and into the bike.... rather than swinging a leg way up high and over. Am a little concerned about the momentary strain on the side stand though. I need to practice doing it from the right side of the bike; since there's less strain on the side stand but the bike could start leaning over to the right if not careful.... |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | Arkainzeye - 2012-02-13 7:13 PM
does any one have the link to the post on here where someone figured out how to make a Cheap quick release for the utopia backrest? they used some type of chrome pin with a Loop on the end?
I know of the pin you are talking about. Like a safety pin lock. That is a great idea; it would work for the Utopia, I think Lowes carry's those pins in the specialty hardware cabinets; I must go look sometime later today.
An example:
http://www.amazon.com/Hitch-Pins-Safety-Tension-Lock-HITCH/dp/B000A...
Edited by willtill 2012-02-14 10:41 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
Raleigh NC | JIMBU - 2012-01-22 10:08 PM
YOU WILL LOVE IT, IF YOU RIDE SOLO!! INSTALLED MY OWN ON "09"PREM. TOUR
JUST TAKE YOUR TIME ON THE INSTALL.
MY WIFE DOSEN'T CARE FOR IT SHE SAYS "IT CROWDS ME TO MUCH DOWN THERE".
OFFERED HER A COUPLE OF WAYS TO TOUGHEN THINGS UP----BASIC PART OF CONVERSATION
AFTER THAT WAS TAKE A HIKE.
I have the same problem...... but the utopia that I used just a few times and is sitting on the shelf is a great addition. I have thought about taking the seat of and taking the lip off of the back of the seat, giving her more room. Has anyone tried that? |
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Tourer
Posts: 337
san antonio, tx | samsplace - 2012-02-17 4:16 AM
I have the same problem...... but the utopia that I used just a few times and is sitting on the shelf is a great addition. I have thought about taking the seat of and taking the lip off of the back of the seat, giving her more room. Has anyone tried that?
I did two things to increase the backseat comfort. Added the footrest extensions and cut the lip off the back of the seat. I still need to remove the backrest when riding two up, but no more complaints from the wife.
The removal was pretty simple, but you have to build it up and extend it further back with good quality foam or else you would end up with a rather large and unattractive gap between the back of the seat and the trunk.
The hardest part is reupholstering the back of the seat. I did it myself, but it would be a good idea to have a professional do it if you're not handy with a sewing machine. I separated the rear upholstery from the front and reused the front half. I used the rear upholstery as a starting point pattern and modified the new material to fit. I don't have any pics of the finished product, but it looks good and you really can't tell until you start really looking.
Here's some pics of the back seat lip removal.
Edited by cchristo 2012-02-17 6:37 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
Raleigh NC | Thanks for the info ccchristo, I may talk to someone later this year who is an upholster and maybe give it a shot.. |
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Never used this before... backrest... just ordered one
