GL1800 (Any Year): Installing a Utopia backrest

[Cruiseman]

For those of you wanting to install a Utopia backrest, here is a short video:

[Elwood]

Great video, made it a breeze to install my Utopia backrest. Wife wasn't crazy about seeing one of her best knives sticking out of the seat though

[Captain Roadsmith]

I've installed three Utopia backrests over the past 10 years. The hardest part is making that first cut in the seat...after that, the rest is easy! Thanks for posting the video.

[Papa smurf2]

Indeed, the pucker factor increases when you first pick up the knife, but after that its a breeze.

[Elwood]

Has anyone cut the seat while it was mounted to the bike? I'm thinking it would be less difficult since the seat is more stable.

[Cruiseman]

Has anyone cut the seat while it was mounted to the bike? I'm thinking it would be less difficult since the seat is more stable.

Have not done that, but when I did mine, it helped to be able to see through the semi-opaque seat pan to guide the knife to the seat pan. But, you should be able to do it.

[2012_Blue_Lvl3]

Just returned from a week long trip all over Colorado and I can say that without a doubt the Utopia backrest I installed before I left was worth every dollar spent!!!

[Ghostman]

Had the Khromeworks and Kuryakyn and as far as Im concerned the Utopia is the best. No extraneous hardware hanging on the sides of the bike like the other brands and its comfortable and makes long trips a breeze.

[CaptLen]

Just returned from 2200 mile trip- have not installed a backrest yet; bit after using my tent and sleeping bag for a backrest I'm convinced. I've watched Cruiseman's installation video and have started pitting stuff in a cart at Cyclemax. Has anyone used the $65 kit they offer to make the backrest removable? Worthwhile in your opinions or just mount it and leave it on? Thanks in advance

[530ktm]

Just returned from 2200 mile trip- have not installed a backrest yet; bit after using my tent and sleeping bag for a backrest I'm convinced. I've watched Cruiseman's installation video and have started pitting stuff in a cart at Cyclemax. Has anyone used the $65 kit they offer to make the backrest removable? Worthwhile in your opinions or just mount it and leave it on? Thanks in advance

I got the easy out feature just because I wanted to be able to remove the back rest. When it is out the little flap does a nice job of covering the hole and it is a pretty nice set up. However, I am not sure I will ever have a reason to remove the back rest. It took a little getting used to but I could not ride with out it now, especially on long rides.

[CaptLen]

Thanks, Dave- it's probably worth the extra few bucks tomhave the option. I know what you mean- I went for a ride after I unloaded and miss the sleeping bag already!

[2012_Blue_Lvl3]

Just returned from 2200 mile trip- have not installed a backrest yet; bit after using my tent and sleeping bag for a backrest I'm convinced. I've watched Cruiseman's installation video and have started pitting stuff in a cart at Cyclemax. Has anyone used the $65 kit they offer to make the backrest removable? Worthwhile in your opinions or just mount it and leave it on? Thanks in advance

I waffled back and forth on ordering that option when I purchased my Utopia backrest. Ended up taking the wait and see approach. Once I installed it I realized there is just 1 bolt that goes through the lower pivot point that needs to be removed in order to take the backrest off for shorter trips. The little bit that is still exposed is only about a 1/4 inch above the seat so it not a problem to me.

[CaptLen]

Just installed mine-could not get quick-release bar to seat all the way-'will call them tomorrow. Most time consuming part was getting foam out. Thanks to Cruiseman again

[Old Legend]

I installed my Utopia backrest after watching a video online about 20 times. It was nerve racking to take a knife to the seat, but I did it. Only advice my wife gave me was "Don't screw up"

[orangecrate]

Just installed mine-could not get quick-release bar to seat all the way-'will call them tomorrow. Most time consuming part was getting foam out. Thanks to Cruiseman again

If you mounted it exactly where the instructions say, there is an adjustment on that. I do not remember how much, but it is there. It's a cool feature.

[CaptLen]

I called Utopia and they said the quick-releasebar would make it without tearing the seat. They are correct, but it's very hard to get it in there. I did leeave off the velcro and little top pad-I may try to get it back on later. Loking forward to a ride- CT United Ride this Sunday- biggest charity ride isn CT (according to the organizers)