So I have had a backrest on my last 2 bikes. If I am riding solo it is on. Period. For those of you that haven't tried one, you don't know what you're missing. Now it doesn't compare to a nice set of tatas to lean back into but we do what we can.

This one came with the bike and it was ugly. Had the two button pillow design. Yuck. So my cousin's wife has an upholstery shop. I asked her about recovering it and adding some foam to give it more padding. She took it apart and informed me the plastic plate was cracked. So I picked it up and it was cracked like a spider web. So I used some industrial epoxy and glued it.
Worked great till Saturday. I felt it break again.

Took it apart and sure enough all the epoxy let go and it was broken in the same place. Well, I am firm believer in re-engineering something better than stock. Also that steel is better than plastic. So I beefed it up.

Don't think it will be giving me any more trouble now.

 

I agree....rider backrest makes a world of difference. I ride 180 miles round trip 4 days a week.

I had to modify the one I have....it’s older style and was non-adjustable. I modified it and it’s adjustable now. Before, it was useless!!





Drilled and tapped....put a thumbscrew there. Screw in and the backrest is leaned in towards the rider. I’ve had this backrest for 10 years....should’ve done this years ago🤔

 

Mine was the same one when I started. Better now. Ditch those buttons and got it recovered.

 

Copperhead.....what's the secret to getting the cover off without destroying it?? I want to get mine off to replace springs and can't quite seem to see how.... I know it goes on, but to come off..... Just don't want to ruin it. Any hints or tips are appreciated!
And kudos on the repair.... I always feel good when I can fix something rather than replace.

 

You can pop a few inches of stitches from the bottom to get at the spring then stitch it back up. I had a new cover made that has a zipper up one side so it is easy to get on and off.

 

thanks.... next step is to grab a beer, grab the backrest, and sit down and study it and see about ripping the stitches.

 

Got to have the backrest. I have the stock adjustable HD one and really like it.

 

my recover cost me like $30. Not much to it really. I'll get ya some pics