Is an OEM backrest the best on a 2020 RT Limited

[Carjones]

Just pulled the pin-pending delivery on a 2020 RTL! It doesn't have a backrest, and I was looking on eBay. Does anyone have experience or suggestions on OEM vs. aftermarket?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Partzman23]

I had the OEM BRP backrest but found it uncomfortable. I then purchased the Utopia backrest from ValueAccessories.com , a aftermarket Spyder accessory dealer in Ohio..
I love this backrest for the adjustablity and ease of install and removal when needed.
Check it out, you wonʼt be sorry

Artie

 

[al0vely]

I have owned OEM, ShowChrome, and Utopia … Utopia was the very best for me.

 

[thoasag]

I had a Utopia on my 2011 Spyder until I sold it and purchased a 2023 Sea to Sky. There was no choice for me other than Utopia. It is simply the best.

 

[RealWing]

Utopia

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[crna59]

I wear an Air Bag and/or a jacket with a proper back protector. I could not get the OEM backrest adjusted far enough back to get comfortable.

 

[Dansy]

OEM on both bikes... Love them!

 

[Dusterdude]

BRP all the way on the backrest.

 

[Mikey]

I think you're going to find that back rests and seats are going to be like buckshot, all over the place!!! What works for me will not necessarily work for you! Good luck with the soul searching!

 

[Sagebrush]

I have the OEM backrest on my S2S because it came with it and I find it perfectly comfortable. I had the Utopia on my GL1100 Goldwing and it was perfectly fine.

If I were to buy one now, it would be the Utopia, because it presents a flat surface as opposed to a curved one. I had a friend who had a Corbin backrest on his Goldwing and the curve in the backrest was so severe that he couldn't use it. He even tried to straighten it with a hammer to no avail. He ended up not being able to use it.

I think most folks find the curve to be what causes the backrest to be uncomfortable for them.

 

[JayBros]

I think you're going to find that back rests and seats are going to be like buckshot, all over the place!!! What works for me will not necessarily work for you! Good luck with the soul searching!

Amen!!!

 

[Carjones]

I did find this on FB Marketplace-OEM (used) for 2020-up. The seller says an install kit will run about $50. Any ideas on this kit?

- -

 

[racoon]

I couldn't find a separate installation kit.
I did find the installation instructions

https://brp.my.salesforce-sites.com/ISPublicArticleInfo/apex/BWLightningViewerWithTranslate?#id=kA00c000000PUOiCAO&googtrans(en|en_US)

Which has a list of the parts:

ITEM DESCRIPTION Part number QTY
P1 Removable Driver Backrest Not available separately 1
P2 Slider 708001678 1
P3 Latch Rod 708003188 1
P4 M6 X 1 Panel Nut 250000048 1
P5 M6 X 20 Flanged Hex. Screw 210262050 1

So you'd need the Slider, Latch Rod, Panel Nut, and Flanged Hex. Screw. I did a quick parts search:

Slider - US $23.99
Latch Rod - US $19.49
Panel Nut - looks like the part number has been superseded by #250100198 - US $2.95
Flanged Hex. Screw - $2.95

That's a total of US $49.38, so yes, about $50, but not in a single "kit".

I used https://www.canampartshouse.com/ to look up the parts, but if you take the list to your local dealer they should be able to order the parts for you.

 

[Carjones]

Thanks!

 

[Peter Aawen]

I did find this on FB Marketplace-OEM (used) for 2020-up. The seller says an install kit will run about $50. Any ideas on this kit?

View attachment 252414 - View attachment 252415 - View attachment 252416

In the past, members here have had great difficulty sourcing the attachment parts/install kit (search is yoyr friend! )- and unless it's changed recently, BRP DO NOT sell them without the backrest.

So buying an OEM backrest alone, without the attachment components, is very risky, usually (always?) a waste of money! You'll likely end up with a useless wall ornament!

Go On, just buy the Damn OEM Backrest Kit! You know you want to!!