Utopia Driver's Backrest

Well, I talked myself into it and order the Utopia backrest. I sure hope I am not disappointed when it arrives and I get it installed. Has anyone been disappointed with these?

I was very happy with mine.

Take your time when fitting it.

Good luck and enjoy it.

BatesMark wrote:

Well, I talked myself into it and order the Utopia backrest.  I sure hope I am not disappointed when it arrives and I get it installed.  Has anyone been disappointed with these?

Shouldn't you have asked that question before ordering it?

I like mine and it does exactly what I need it to do so I am happy with my decision. I'm about 6'1" so having the seat permanently in the farthest position is no issue.

However, if someone shorter wants to ride it ... it's not adjustable. Could be an issue ... especially on resale. However, I plan to keep this scoot for a while.

while Utopia is fine back rest---probably best on market....if you actually need backrest...as leaning forward, even slightly is best way to ride bike/scooter....not leaning back.

Utopia is heavy, paint mixing stick is best seat prop I know of. Luggage space on rear seat is reduced. Can interfere with passenger.

I have had several, when I actually didn't need then. Ruff roads they can jab you in back.

Good luck with it.

john grinsel wrote:

... snipped ... while Utopia is fine back rest ... leaning forward, even slightly is best way to ride bike/scooter ... not leaning back.

Luggage space on rear seat is reduced.  Can interfere with passenger.

I have had several, when I actually didn't need then. Ruff roads they can jab you in back.

Agree the Utopia is a well made, functional product at a fair price. Disagree with the leaning forward is the best riding position comment. An individual's "best" riding position is dictated by the design and ergonomics of the bike and how you've set things up, what is comfortable for you, and sometimes, the specific riding technique you are employing given the riding situation i.e. thrashing technical switchbacks vs. "riding" superslabs for thousands of mind & butt numbing miles.

Before I installed larger windscreens (on both Burgy's GIVI with Snap Vents and now my SWing with AF 214), the back pressure would feel like someone was gently pushing my back forward ... not only was this uncomfortable, it caused me sharp back pain within a few minutes. With better windscreens minimizing the back pressure and the Utopia, I gently touch/rest my back against it ... with absolutely no discomfort or back pain now.

Since I usually ride solo, pillion space is not a concern and I've never had any back rest (and I've had several different ones - Jac Vinson, Three Brothers & homemade) jab me on any kind of road.

BatesMark, don't be afraid to fiddle with the adjustments until you get your new Utopia backrest fitting just right for you! I hope you'll grow to love it ... like most of us do ours.

sonuvabug wrote:

john grinsel wrote:

 ... snipped ... while Utopia is fine back rest ... leaning forward, even slightly is best way to ride bike/scooter ... not leaning back.

Luggage space on rear seat is reduced.  Can interfere with passenger.

I have had several, when I actually didn't need then. Ruff roads they can jab you in back.

Agree the Utopia is a well made, functional product at a fair price.  Disagree with the leaning forward is the best riding position comment.  An individual's "best" riding position is dictated by the design and ergonomics of the bike and how you've set things up, what is comfortable for you, and sometimes, the specific riding technique you are employing given the riding situation i.e. thrashing technical switchbacks vs. "riding" superslabs for thousands of mind & butt numbing miles.  

Before I installed larger windscreens (on both Burgy's GIVI with Snap Vents and now my SWing with AF 214), the back pressure would feel like someone was gently pushing my back forward ... not only was this uncomfortable, it caused me sharp back pain within a few minutes.  With better windscreens minimizing the back pressure and the Utopia, I gently touch/rest my back against it ... with absolutely no discomfort or back pain now.

Since I usually ride solo, pillion space is not a concern and I've never had any back rest (and I've had several different ones - Jac Vinson, Three Brothers & homemade) jab me on any kind of road.

BatesMark, don't be afraid to fiddle with the adjustments until you get your new Utopia backrest fitting just right for you!  I hope you'll grow to love it ... like most of us do ours.

Sonuvabug, thanks for all of the feedback.  I had researched all of the posts that I could find about the Utopia before I decided to make the purchase.  I really didn't find much at all that was negative.  My post was meant to see if there were any issues that I could address during the installation (bolts were too long, too short, needs a washer here or there, etc.)  

I have the AF 214 too and I do find myself wanting to lean slightly back and feet slightly forward.  

Thanks again for your thoughts.

I've had Utopia back rests on two of my Goldwings. Very comfortable and they are fine people to work with. When I ordered my first one on line, one that plugged into the seat, they contacted me to verify I wanted the more expensive removable one instead of the cheaper bolt in version.
I've been planning on ordering a matching Corbin backrest for the Corbin seat I have on my GT. I have a bad back than those things help a lot.