I've changed my opinion of backrests for Spyder Riding - anyone else?

[rugercharger]

Just putting this out there - having been on 2 wheelers for a long time before transitioning to my Spyder F3 Limited, I never saw a need for a back rest. In fact, I purchased my F3 in 2019 brand new. I did purchase a back rest 3 years ago and never installed it. I decided to install it last week. After a test ride with it on, I did not like it, I did not like the contact against my back. So I took it off.

Well, I told myself to give it some miles before making my mind up. So I did. After putting in some miles, a mix of sweeping curves and highway riding, I pulled over and took it off. Then I took off riding again. Something odd happened, I felt like I had more control and less fatigue with the backrest than without it. So I put it back on.

Now, here is my thought about this - maybe it is just me, but due to the logistics of riding this Can Am vs a motorcycle, with no leaning and the upright seating position of the Can Am, taking curves with the Can Am lends itself to using a backrest more than on a motorcycle.

Anybody else have this same change of mindset to a backrest when moving from a 2 wheel motorcycle to a Spyder?

 

[jdgretz]

Not really the same for me as my Goldwing had a backrest. I added the Show Chrome backrest to my 2024 RT-L and it took a couple of tries before I got it positioned correctly for me and my posture. Now that it's dialed in, I can ride all day without that annoying ache in my shoulder blades. As originally installed, it felt awkward and not all that comfortable. I added a backrest (foam with some elastic to keep it in place) and that helped, but it still wasn't right, and that added backrest was more of an annoyance than help. I played with the height and angle adjustments and finally found the right position for me. Now, it's a delight.

jdg

 

[Dusterdude]

Love my backrest

 

[Dasmoetorhead]

Liked the BRP backrest from the the get go. Don't ride without it.

 

[Snoking1127]

I have had one NON BRP HOPNEL backrest and two BRP backrests between the three 2018 Spyder RTs I have owned and like the OEM ones much better with their slight curve shape.

 

[kbirdsong]

I have had one NON BRP HOPNEL backrest and two BRP backrests between the three 2018 Spyder RTs I have owned and like the OEM ones much better with their slight curve shape.

I have the Utopia backrest on my 2022 RTL. I tried the BRP and the original Hopnel one, neither fit my short butt very well. They hit me too far up the back. The Utopia one I have the two parts mounted in reverse order to get it in the comfort zone, I would still like it lower and I saw a post where someone had cut the notch deeper and shortened the tangs, so I might try that if it will still fold forward so my bride can get on, which is rarely, but still.

 

[Snoking1127]

I have the Utopia backrest on my 2022 RTL. I tried the BRP and the original Hopnel one, neither fit my short butt very well. They hit me too far up the back. The Utopia one I have the two parts mounted in reverse order to get it in the comfort zone, I would still like it lower and I saw a post where someone had cut the notch deeper and shortened the tangs, so I might try that if it will still fold forward so my bride can get on, which is rarely, but still.

I used to be 6'4' and I am down to 6'2' as I age out. So the BRP one is great for my size.

 

[blacklightning]

I have gotten spoiled and like having a backrest for my 2 wheeler and both spyders. I don't have one for the RTL yet, but I mainly ride it when the wife is with me. That allows her to act as my backrest and I like that a lot

 

[JayBros]

I rode my Spyder for 3 & 1/2 yrs w/o a backrest, until my bride gave me one (BRP) for my birthday. The thing I appreciate most about it is that on long touring days, 400+, I am much fresher at the end of the day than I was touring w/o one - and I've also packed on eight more trips around the sun during that time, which adds to the end of the day safety factor.