Utopia Backrest

[eagleman]

I would like to know how difficult it is to install the Utopia Backrest. I have very little mechanical skills and need to know how I would get the backrest installed if I bought one. As I understand it you have to take the passenger seat off the bike and install the backrest stand in it and cut a hole in the passenger seat. If you have done this would you please share your experience and any problems you may have had. What I have read about the back rest seems very positive I am just not sure if I am up to the install. Thanks.

Eagleman

[dabull]

i wouldn't think it be much different than this vtx install



good luck....

[taranis]

Ann did the install on her VN900. You don't need to be a mechanical genius to do it - she barely knows which end of the screwdriver to hit the nail with.. Just read the instructions carefully, watch the youtube videos then get to it.

[trip]

I've done the Utopia install on two bikes. My first was on a 1998 Honda Magna and I installed one on my 2005 Nomad 4 years ago.

While it probably is a little more "involved" to install than any other brand backrest, it certainly doesn't take a mechanical genius to get it done properly.

Tools you will need:
- Flathead Screwdriver, for pulling out staples
- Exacto knife, to cut a slit into the top/front of the seat
- Staple Gun and Staples for putting the cover back on the seat
- Drill and drill bit to drill holes into plastic of seat

Take the back seat off your Nomad and do what the instructions say to the letter and you'll do just fine. And don't worry, if you mess the seat up beyond repair, you can always buy a stock set of seats for the Nomad for about 50-75 bucks.

Trip

[brote]

I just completed this addition to my 08' Nomad. It probably took 30 minutes to do and the directions are "right on". The most difficult thing is cutting the foam to allow the mount to protrude through. The long blade (serrated) knife made this easy.

So give it a try and you will be surprised how quickly it can be installed and may I add that it really is so comfortable when driving.

Hank

[Dave]

When I did mine, I took the seat to an upholstery shop around the corner and had them re staple the cover with their air gun. $5.00 The hand stapler I had was not strong enough to shoot the staples into the seat pan.

[eagleman]

"When I did mine, I took the seat to an upholstery shop around the corner and had them re staple the cover with their air gun. $5.00 The hand stapler I had was not strong enough to shoot the staples into the seat pan."

Did you have the hole already cut in the cover of the passenger seat when you took it to the upholestry shop? I think that is the part I am most nervous about.

[eagleman]

Do any of you have some close up pictures of the finished product on your bike?

Eagleman

[trip]

Eagleman,
You can go to my website at http://www.hilliard.ws/kawasaki.htm and look at the pics I have of my bike. There should be a few in there of my Utopia.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Eagleman

"When I did mine, I took the seat to an upholstery shop around the corner and had them re staple the cover with their air gun. $5.00 The hand stapler I had was not strong enough to shoot the staples into the seat pan."

Did you have the hole already cut in the cover of the passenger seat when you took it to the upholstery shop? I think that is the part I am most nervous about.

I did everything myself. It's very simple. I only had the shop do the stapling cause the plastic seat pan is too hard for a simple spring loaded staple gun. Also, one thing I did, not sure if anyone else did, I sprayed adhesive on top of the form before putting the seat cover back on. When I took it off, it felt like it was originally glued on.

Cutting the hole is not that hard. I've put a Utopia on my Goldwing and my Nomad. Both times I had to cut the seat.