Driver's Backrest for stock seat - Utopia vs Smart Mount

[TailGunner]

This question is for the passenger seat, I just got my smart mount and really? Just two screw hold the pad, has anyone had a problem with that?

[Travelor]

I have the Utopia, but have not been overly impressed with the quality. For one thing, the bolts that secure it to the seat pan are only 1/4". After a trip up to Lake Superior last fall, I noticed that the seat seemed to be loose. Inspection revealed that the bolts had both sheared off, probably from bumpy roads. After removing the broken off portions, I drilled and tapped the mount for 5/16" high strength bolts and all seems to be good. The second issue is that the mount on the pad itself was off center, and no way to move it. I had to make a wider bracket and use washers on one side to move the pad back to a centered position.

So a little re-engineering and it works well, wouldn't ride without it.

[Stone Laker]

The pad only needs two screws because it has a steel pan inside the pad that they fasten through.

[flat6bagger]

Any long time users of the smart mount that dont feel cramped?
I was going to install a Utopia,but cant get past the looks.
Seems only two options for rider backrests.

Doug

[Donncat]

I just put the Utopia on and am "satisfied" with it. I agree with others that it might be a little big. I came from a Mustang seat on an older Valkyrie that I liked alot. I also agree I would like it a little lower so I plan to see about a little mod to lower it a little. I am getting used to it but still want to try it lower. I think it looks good with my show chrome rear backrest
I woould add a PIC but I'm not smart enough to do it

[Spewey Griffin]

I also installed the Smart Mount and have since taken it off due to being cramped and the backrest irritating my back. When I look at myself in shop windows (as you do ) I look like I'm sitting too far forward. I'm 6' and had it mounted to it's furtherest 'back' position. I'm thinking of a way to mount it to my MP3 Rear Rack as a pillion rest. I was happy with the quality and match for the materials to the Stock seat.

[flat6bagger]

I decided to not install any backrest.
I can not bring myself to slicing a seat.
I also think either in rain,washing?etc. it would be impossible to totally keep water out of the foam.


Doug

[Dirtstiff's F6B]

Any long time users of the smart mount that dont feel cramped?
I was going to install a Utopia,but cant get past the looks.
Seems only two options for rider backrests.

Doug

Absolutely,
The pics I see of other's mounted, look to be much forward than the back of the driver seat
I can almost lay a straight edge at the angle of the back of the driver seat and match my backrest pad angle
I'm extremely happy with the comfort of mine. It allows me to lean back not pushing me forward.
Perhaps my mounting attack angle is different, but just right.
Can't post a pick by phone but hit the link below for pics if you like.
Jim

[Dirtstiff's F6B]

Absolutely,
The pics I see of other's mounted, look to be much forward than the back of the driver seat
I can almost lay a straight edge at the angle of the back of the driver seat and match my backrest pad angle
I'm extremely happy with the comfort of mine. It allows me to lean back not pushing me forward.
Perhaps my mounting attack angle is different, but just right.
Can't post a pick by phone but hit the link below for pics if you like.
Jim

20150613_112040 (1).jpg


Also, the kit comes with an adhesive grommet to cover the hole in the seat where a slit has been made. It doesn't take on any moisture.
Jim

[Santa]

Installed my new Show Chrome drivers backrest on Thursday, great improvement
For my "old Guy Back". Now have used both, installation about the same, back relief
About the same, don't. See much difference in either.