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

[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.

[dickiedeals]

Ok,still no one has answered my question.
How do you keep water from seeping past the backrest and not soaking the seat foam?

Utopia provides a thick vinyl plastic gasket with adheasive and velcro. When the backrest is removed the cover snaps over the hole and seals it as well.. Hard to explain and I can't find any photos on file. Actually keeps it dry...............Dickie

[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

[dickiedeals]

Backrest 003.jpgBackrest 005.jpgBackrest 002.jpg

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

With my back problems I have to have a back rest...Lol. The slicing is the easy part.. I cut into my Mustang seat and converted a Utopia to fit......................Dickie

[flat6bagger]

You would think some company would come up with a backrest that does not have to have the seat sliced to install it.

Doug

[dickiedeals]

You would think some company would come up with a backrest that does not have to have the seat sliced to install it.

Doug

Doug I forgot to say I sealed around the post with Black 3m sealant Adhesive, though the Mustang leaks through the seams when it rains. Mustang say's thats the nature of the beast.......Dickie