I'm thinking about fabricating a drivers backrest

[shameless]

Does anyone think this would work?

I plan on bending some tubing in the shape of my old sissy bar, making a sturdy pad for it, and threading the ends of the tubing.

then making a steel support plate for under the seat, with pilot holes for the threaded ends.

to attach, simply mount the support plate to the top of the frame / under the seat.

then slide the threaded ends through the pilot holes, and twist on some wing nuts.

 

[shameless]

something like this?

 

[shameless]

I'm curious, how strong would these hinges have to be? someone said in another forum that there would be a lot of stress on that point.

 

[Steve]

I can't tell from your pictures where any 'hinge' is located or which way it would pivot.

A couple of things to consider, based on personal experience:
1. Don't go too high with the back rest. Anything higher than lumbar support just gets in the way. Many here will tell you that the pocket on your existing seat gets in the way, but that is strictly their opinion. Personally, I like a comfortable seat and have found one for my 850. Just curious what seat you have there, as it looks good, too.
2. Consider your passenger, if you ever plan on carrying one. The side-mounted supports might encroach on leg room rather uncomfortably.

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[Guest]

There was a company that made a luggage rack-backrest, that had a backrest that had long side pieces (round tubing) that allowed it to slide back and forth, back for passenger and forward for the operator to use when solo.

 

[Buffalo Bill]

I can't imagine leaning back while riding a GS.
Maybe you should consider buying a v-twin chopper with long pull back bars.

 

[shameless]

I can't imagine leaning back while riding a GS.
Maybe you should consider buying a v-twin chopper with long pull back bars.

compared to my old Katana, this things like a recliner.

There was a company that made a luggage rack-backrest, that had a backrest that had long side pieces (round tubing) that allowed it to slide back and forth, back for passenger and forward for the operator to use when solo.

I wish I knew what company that was. I'll get to looking.

 

[Darkspeed]

The rack you want with the sliding backrest was on a gs1000 I just picked up. No markings except for "6572" pm your email and I'll send pics.

 

[DimitriT]

You don't need a backrest. These bikes are designed to be ridden with either a slight forward or fully upright stance (the sit-up and beg stance). A backrest would only be there to hit you when you try to get on/off.

 

[Steve]

You don't need a backrest. These bikes are designed to be ridden with either a slight forward or fully upright stance (the sit-up and beg stance).

The backrest is not used to recline while riding. I have one on my Wing. Had to change it from the one that is shown in my sig pic, though. That one is simply too large and hits me in the wrong place to be comfortable, so I made my own smaller unit. Mine is adjusted for lumbar support, it only extends just a bit above my beltline. There are times that I miss in on my 850, but the back of the bucket seat helps just enough that I don't miss it for long.

A backrest would only be there to hit you when you try to get on/off.

Yes, you definitely have to change the way you get on and off. Instead of bending over the tank and kicking your leg over the passenger seat, you have to stand next to the bike, facing it, then kick your leg in front of you, over the seat, then slide on over to get on. Makes it a bit awkward the first few (dozen) times, but the comfort factor on a longer ride is worth it (to me).

Yes, some of you use your bikes as 'toys' for weekend entertainment, so every mile you are on it is for pure adrenaline-producing fun, but some of us use our bikes for general transportation, too. I have not had the GS out for more than about 300 miles in a single day, but the Wing has done MULTIPLE 700+ mile days, so comfort is critical.

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