Grsshopper Backrest and Kawanow

[jastearns]

I've got the back rest also. I've only got a few miles on it as it is still winter here, if you don't count the flooding. I replaced a very expensive back rest, not sure of brand as it is hanging in the rafters of the garage, that was very uncomfortable.

Welcome to the forum. I can't do a lot of mechanical things on the bike but I can type like a bat out of hades. I'm getting more confident with the bike though.

[ndbigfish]

I bought a Grasshopper too and I'm still tailoring it to my liking. I put a rubber bumper between the seat bracket and the fender to control the spring in the bracket. I also put a stop on the backrest bracket that controls the position of the backrest when installed in the seat bracket. I also changed the angle of the backrest bracket to provide more firm contact with my back. Then after a footpeg adjustment it is a pretty comfortable set-up. Comfort and economy..........ah the life!

[fish]

I also have the grasshopper backrest and I can type 70 letters an hour and have every letter speled correctly

[gghost]

Love the backrest. Took the bike into the dealer for maintenance (I do like my dealer - had to go to another town to find one I liked). People in the shop commented on the backrest and said how much they liked it.

[waterman]

Just got mine today. Installed in less than 5 minutes. Looks nice and can't wait to take it out for a test spin.

[Todd]

Waterman, you'll love it!

[Cajunrider]

Welcome from Louisiana, John. I type with 8 fingers and the left thumb for the spacebar. Not very speedy but I can get my point across if I have enough time. Good luck. Who is Lonnie??? I must have missed that thread. He's the guy to get the grasshopper backrest from?

[waterman]

Originally Posted by Cajunrider

Welcome from Louisiana, John. I type with 8 fingers and the left thumb for the spacebar. Not very speedy but I can get my point across if I have enough time. Good luck. Who is Lonnie??? I must have missed that thread. He's the guy to get the grasshopper backrest from?

Lonnie owns grasshopper limited.

[waterman]

Originally Posted by todd (Nomadis Custodis)

Waterman, you'll love it!

Thanks Todd. I may have to go home now and give it a try. After looking at the weather forecast, it doesn't look promising to get out on the bike for the next week +. A major snowstorm/blizzard is moving in tonight thru Friday and 2 chances of snow next week.

[badnomad08]

I haven't had a chance to post about it yet, but I just got my new grasshopper backrest in the Monday before last. I have only got to ride about 5 hrs or so with it and so far I really like it. I ordered the taller version just for the looks of it. The normal version sits just below the top of the passenger seat. The one I have is one inch taller and sits just above the edge of the passenger seat, which I like better. My backrest probably has a little more "give" than the normal one does, but that is the only thing I would change. When riding you just get used to it and it does support my back. If I put a cloth or something between the bar and the passenger seat, it would probably make it firmer. I would like to get more information from you "ndbigfish" on what you did to improve yours. All-in-All, it is the best bang for your buck!!! This product is wonderful and looks great.

[waterman]

Took a quick spin last night with the backrest. Only change right now is I may bend the bracket to push it forward more. Other than that, it is very, very, nice.

[barrynfla]

Does anyone have a good, safe way to bend the bracket a little forward without the use of a vise? I'm very surprised at how many of my friends and neighbors do NOT have a vise!

Thanks.

[ndbigfish]

Use a couple of adjustable wrenches (Cresent type) to bend the backrest bracket a little. Support the back of the backrest bracket where it attachs to the backrest cushion. I got the best movement forward by installing a bumper that I made from the rubber from the stock grips. I cut piece about 3/8" width and the length that the seat bracket is wide. When I applied double sided carpet tape to the rubber. Then I pulled the seat bracket forward and inserted the bumper between the bracket and the fender. The rubber had taken a hard set to the radius of the grip and has started to peel from the tape a little. So I need to find another adhesive to attach the rubber. The bumper keeps the bracket forward and dampens the movement to the rear during use. I'm not good with a camera but I will try for some pics.

This is the bumper and stop to control depth into bracket.

This is the "new" position of the backrest relative to the saddle.

This is a picture of the back of the stop/backstop bracket showing the staking of the fasteners to eliminate vibrating loose.

[ndbigfish]

Bump

Badnomad08,
Look at the pictures that I attached.

[gregg877]

Sounds interesting, can somebody post a link so I can check it out? Please?

Thanks, Gregg