Make-a-backrest

[RBMann]

If you want to make your own backrest here is one idea how it can be done.

It just mounts on the four rear saddle bag rail bolts. The rack or extended plate has rubber pads on the bottom and rests on the black stock plastic tail section.

I made the backrest so I could take my kids on camping trips. The whole thing is strong enough to carry a duffel bag and clothes strapped to the rack while doing a wheelie with my son leaning against the backrest. He is 5'11" @ 185 LBS. and shouted at me for the wheelie. I guess he was not expecting it.

It is made from 1/4" aluminum plate. There are two loops bolted together for height and to help mount the pad. The four mounting bolts give it good strength front to back. There is no adjustment for the pad and both kids complain that it is not as comfortable as the old R90/6. I plan to add extensions on the sides some day to rise it higher.

The backrest was a labor of love so the kids would be comfortable. I cannot imagine doing another one for $. Someone would end up unhappy. Either I would spend too much time making it or it would cost too much. Just the pad alone cost $100 for the leather covering and padding. I the pad was done at the same time as the seat. I had the plate laying around from a trip to Boeing surplus. I used a saber saw, belt sander and drill press. I don't remember what I clamped in the vise to bent the pieces over when making the curved loops.

Good luck, RB

[Nitro]

good job! I would not even know how to begin!

[718Rider]

That's fantastic. I'd love to have one of those!

What kind of seat is that on your bike? Is it a re-covered version of the stock? Can you post a photo?

[RBMann]

Rich's in Seattle recovered my stock seat, kind of a double bucket for the kids. Still not as comfortable as my R90/6 use to be. If it was just me I think I would massage the stock seat to change the shape a little. There was a post on this once but I don't remember who did it.

RB