Custom World International Driver Backrest

[jon]

I recall at least one member of this board saying they liked this driver's backrest. Cruisercustomizing has these on sale and I am considering adding this item to my bike. I have heard these backrests are well built and look good, but also read a negative review that said they "cover the air shock valves" and may make the passenger uncomfortable.

I would like to to hear any pros or cons from you all, and also any pics of this backrest on a Nomad would be great.

Jon

[dogdoc]

JON: i too am considering this same backrest for Xmas. The rider is Dano that has one and he said he liked it alot in a previous thread. he didn't say any cons but that would be good to know before we shell out $240. let me know what you find out.

[dragon57]

In my humble opinion; that style is not practical. As you said, it interferes with air shock valve, and also puts something else out there for the passenger to straddle/rud against.
I got the utopia for mine, and love it; easy to install, several adjustments, folds over for passenger to get on/off, has storage pouch on backside(removeable).
For my money, it's the best.
http://www.utpr.com/

[mikesth]

I got the utopia for mine, and love it;
http://www.utpr.com/

Glad to hear this - already have one on order. Are there mounting instructions online somewhere? Reason I ask is that I've seen the instructions on Utopia's website, but think I need to go through the passenger seat and the driver seat to get this mounted right. Has anyone successfully mounted the Utopia correctly on the two piece seat and how did you do it?

[dragon57]

Mike; just take off both pieces(front and rear seats), carry the rear section in the house, sit down in front of tv. open beer, sip, then flip over rear seat, start removing all the staples holding cover on, with a small screwdriver, or penknife. remove cover, sit back, sip beer, then lay the bracket assembly on the plastic seat pan and mark it for holes(follow instructions in package to get located right). sip beer. next, drill holes, and install enclosed hardware per instructions. sip beer. next, measure, and VERY CAREFULLY cut slice in cover for bracket, and slide cover over bracket, and re-staple(ordinary hand staple gun is ok). sip beer. go put back on bike, then install raintight adhesive seal, and backrest.sip beer. You're done; sit on it, and adjust to your liking, and sip beer. ride tomorrow(you've been drinking!)

[dkdixie]

Hey Dragon57......I would really like to meet you and see your bike. Give me a holler one day when you are riding north. Be glad to meet you in Cleveland, Helen or where ever.
There's always some of those sipping cans in my garage fridge though!!

[Top Cat]

Hey Dragon57, The reason I didn't go with the utopia is I think it takes a lot of room from the passenger from looking at the installed pics I have seen.
The Custom World looks like it would press on the inside of the passengers legs. So I didn't go there either.
I bought a Bakup rest. I like it. It mounts between the seats.
jon, check it out and if it its something you might be interested in get a hold of Kawgirl on this site. She bought one and the last I knew she didn't like it to well. Maybe you could buy it from her and save a little money. Only thing is they sell for $350 new But ,like I said, I like mine.
Dragon, that is a really nice looking bike :)

[dragon57]

Topcat;
Yes, I know what you mean about taking up room for passenger. I honestly don't think it takes more than an inch more than yours, but, that can be an issue for some.
I am lucky enough to be married to a petite woman, so, it's not an issue for us.
thanks for the compliment on the bike; yours looks nice, too!

[dogdoc]

Well now Im really confused on which brand to buy. Good thing I have time to research them. Topcat I like the idea yours goes between the seats. How was the install? Do you have to do upholstery work like with the Utopia?? i liked the CWI because it just bolts on, what does it really bolt TO??? Anybody have anymore brands, info, Dano??? Thanks gents.

[Top Cat]

Doc,mine just has one hole and it fastens to the bolt that holds the drivers seat on.
Kawgirl said hers fastens to the passenger seat bolts (2) I don't know why the difference, they are the same backrest as far as I know.

[dip]

purchased bak up too. it's ok, but it seems to lack stability in the lower back area, probably cause it's adjustable up & down. i think it's meant to be flexible with your movements, but i don't like my seat to move just because i do. it also takes away from driver space when getting on and off back - maybe cause i have bars/risers coming back so far towards me. anyway install was easy, one bolt under passenger seat. don't like bar either. in hindsight should have went with utopia, but it costs -- so i've learned to be satisfied. :-/

[wanderer]

I have the SWI backrest, but, I don't do passengers so I can't help there. It installs in about 5 minutes. Uses the shock bolts and the upper rear crashbar bolts. No changing of bolts, just remove shock nuts, loosen crashbar bolt, install backrest, tighten crashbar bolts and replace shock nuts.

[Top Cat]

OOOPPS, I guess it was Dip who had one she wasn't to impressed with not Kawgirl.
Sorry ladies, I'll try to pay more attention :-[

[jon]

Thanks for the update. I'm a big guy at 6'8" and 280 pounds. I need a solid backrest and the flexible Bak Up backrest worries me. Also, I had my seats redone by American Soft Seats and Temporpedic foam and gel pads were inserted. I cringe at the thought of taking my rear seat apart. I'm leaning towards CWI unless someone tells me it's cheap, weak, and eliminates my ability to check my air shocks.

Question: If I install the CWI backrest, does it inter fear with normal seat removal? I usually remove my seats to adjust/check my air shocks.

[jon]

With a gel pad inserted in the passenger pad, I am worried that when I take the cover off the seat the gel pad will interfere with the Utopia mounting bracket. I'd hate to puncture the damn thing.

Again, rather then getting my seats redone for $200 and then paying another $270 for a backrest, I should have just purchased a Mustang seat with a drivers backrest.

The lesson learned is saving money will cost you sometimes in the long run.