Has anyone modified the utopia backrest?
justcruisin
Posted 2012-07-15 9:52 PM (#119532)
Subject: Has anyone modified the utopia backrest?


Puddle Jumper

Posts: 7
I have an 09, so the only option was the utopia. It is very large and does not leave alot of room for passenger. I was considering taking it apart and shaving about 1-2 inches on all sides. The only problem i see is re fitting the vinyl back on so it looks nice. Has anyone ever done this?
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willtill
Posted 2012-07-16 5:53 AM (#119539 - in reply to #119532)
Subject: Re: Has anyone modified the utopia backrest?


Visionary

Posts: 1365
Central Maryland
I think you would be the first; that I've seen on this forum. My old lady says there's not enough "room" back there either when I use my Utopia... so I just unbolt and remove it when I take her out for a ride.
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V92SC
Posted 2012-07-16 7:02 AM (#119542 - in reply to #119532)
Subject: Re: Has anyone modified the utopia backrest?


Tourer

Posts: 324
New Orleans, La,
I would contact the company owner and run the idea/concern pass him. From what I've been told he is a stand up guy and willing to work with a customer to get them satisfied, within reason. The most it would cost you is the shipping both ways after all you already paid full price for the product. Just saying.
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mkultra
Posted 2012-07-16 8:42 AM (#119544 - in reply to #119532)
Subject: Re: Has anyone modified the utopia backrest?


Tourer

Posts: 374
Tucson, AZ
I was going to until I found the backing was made of metal. I just dont have the tools to correctly cut it. I was planning on just cutting rounded inside radius, but that danged metal. So I take it off when riding with a passenger.

mike
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jimtom
Posted 2012-07-16 10:34 AM (#119550 - in reply to #119544)
Subject: Re: Has anyone modified the utopia backrest?


Visionary

Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States
my wife also says it gets in the way. It didn't exactly work for me anyway. I'm short so snuggling up against the backrest meant the bars were a little too far away . I took the bracket off the pad , put the pad down against the step up for the backseat. used velcro to keep it in place. I'm pretty happy with this. It supports my lower back and my reach to the bars is about right.
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ingle51
Posted 2012-07-16 2:43 PM (#119574 - in reply to #119532)
Subject: RE: Has anyone modified the utopia backrest?


Cruiser

Posts: 123
NE Florida Jacksonville
When I installed the backrest on my 2010 Vision the bolt was replaced by a bail-pin to make it a quick change. There isn't enough room for two fluffy riders with the backrest in place. When my back-warmer rides with me I pull the pin so she is more comfortable.



(Seat Back pin released resize.jpg)



(Seat Front resize.jpg)



(Seat pin resize.jpg)



Attachments
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Attachments Seat Back pin released resize.jpg (52KB - 0 downloads)
Attachments Seat Front resize.jpg (53KB - 0 downloads)
Attachments Seat pin resize.jpg (51KB - 0 downloads)
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ByteN2it
Posted 2012-07-16 2:46 PM (#119575 - in reply to #119532)
Subject: Re: Has anyone modified the utopia backrest?


Tourer

Posts: 482
Beer Collins, Colorado (there is no fort)
I put the Victory bracket & rider backrest on my '09 TP. It did take some modification and although I was told the bracket was a drop in part it was not-anyway, total cost was $180 about the same as the Utopia,it's removable, has a little storage pouch for sunscreen, etc. & I believe it matches the bike a lot better that the Utopia + no complaints from the navigator. Is yours removable? Maybe an upholstery shop could fix you up?
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justcruisin
Posted 2012-07-16 3:17 PM (#119579 - in reply to #119532)
Subject: Re: Has anyone modified the utopia backrest?


Puddle Jumper

Posts: 7
thanks for the ideas. we have a good upholstery shop around that does alot of business for boats. I`m sure they could figure out something for the cover. When i do, i can post a few pics of the modifications.
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