Driver Backrest Question

Dunknd · 09-28-2013, 09:46 PM

I just bought a new Voyager. What are my options for a driver backrest without breaking the bank?

cactusjack · 09-28-2013, 10:15 PM

The best rider backrests are those that are integrated into the seat, like a Mustang. They are sturdy, adjustable and easily removable. I'm not sure if Grasshopper makes one for the Voyager or not. It would be less expensive, but they are not as sturdy and I don't believe they are adjustable.

Pitchinguy · 09-28-2013, 11:42 PM

I'm not sure what the best option is but I would not recommend the Kaw backrest. When I bought my Nomad I also bought the Kaw trunk kit & the Kaw driver backrest. The trunk kit is the same trunk & mount as on the Voyager, love it! The backrest is another matter. It bolts to the bottom of the passenger seat & is a PITA to put on/take off & if your passenger is an average size adult, that's what you'll be doing. When on, there is not enough room for any passenger larger than a small child. It also pushes the driver too far forward. I'm 5'8" & feel like I'm on top of the tank! Don't know how anyone 6' could use it! This winter, I'm going to cut mine, try to shift it back slightly & make it removable similar to a Mustang. Anybody else whacked on one yet??

Dunknd · 09-28-2013, 11:43 PM

It's only like $80 but I would like an opinion on it first. I had a mustang seat on my VTX and loved it! Just can't afford $600 for a new mustang seat for my new Voyager.

**taranis** · 09-28-2013, 11:45 PM

This is what my wife and I have used on our bikes for the last several years. $200 isn't a bad price.

http://www.utpr.com/vulcan1700voyager.html

Calflan · 09-29-2013, 01:46 AM

I just bought a Grasshopper. Mounting is easy, easy to install and remove the backrest for riding too. I had a Mustang seat on my 1600 prior to this bike, with driver backrest. The grasshopper does not feel as comfortable as the Mustang, the Mustang was more sturdy. The Grasshopper flexes back and forth a bit, but for the money, I'm happy. Like you, I was not interested in spending much more than $100 or so if possible. For the money, the Grasshopper is a good option. It does seem to push me a bit further forward than I'd prefer, but as mentioned, it also flexes back a bit. Have not yet taken a long range ride with it yet. My wife did not like it installed when she's on back, it dug into her thighs a bit. She also did not like the Mustang backrest installed when we rode together, if that helps at all.

**trip** · 09-29-2013, 12:45 PM

I have used the Utopia on several of the bikes I've owned. IMHO, you can't go wrong with it.

badboy194 · 09-29-2013, 12:51 PM

Grasshopper is good only if you like or need to be pushed forward an inch or two. I had one on my Vulcan Classic 1600 and took it off and got a Mustang seat and backrest. I bought another one for my Vaquero. As soon as I put it on I could see the same problem. I rode it a few miles and sold it. I was attracted by the $100 price which is really to much for what you get from them. I got one from Custom World International. Very expensive, but it works for me. If you ride 2up go Mustang.

Yellow Jacket · 09-29-2013, 01:57 PM

I had a Utopia on my 1600. In my opinion it would be very hard to find anything better.

Dunknd · 09-29-2013, 02:32 PM

I loved my Mustang seat on my VTX so I might just hold out until I can get a new mustang seat for my new Voyager

hammer · 09-29-2013, 03:16 PM

I have used Grasshopper and Mustang and both worked well enough for a while. But I needed something that fit better and and was more adjustable. I went with Utopia and I could not be happier.

Old Carp · 09-29-2013, 04:42 PM

Have a Grasshopper on my 1500 classic, its OK, but not great. Put a Utopia on the Voyager, much better, just wish I had mounted a little further back.

highwayman2011 · 09-29-2013, 06:18 PM

I have a Grasshopper on my Voyager. It works very well for me and is easy to install and slides right out to remove. At under $100 can't go wrong if you like the stock seat.

0vationdave · 09-30-2013, 11:29 AM

I just got my Vaquero about 4 weeks ago, and the grasshopper was a cheap backrest until I can get a better one, or make one myself. I will say, it bent pretty quickly. I "adjusted" (ahem....BENT) the seat where I wanted it, then put in a gusset on the mount (welded on) and it has been fine ever since. I went on a 625 mile ride and it worked great for a little cheaply added support.

Dunknd · 09-30-2013, 12:25 PM

that is the way I will go until I manage the courage to fork over $500 for a new mustang seat. My brother can weld anything so if it needs more support he is the man for the job.

09-28-2013, 09:46 PM	#1
Dunknd Jr. Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 28	Driver Backrest Question I just bought a new Voyager. What are my options for a driver backrest without breaking the bank? Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

09-28-2013, 10:15 PM	#2
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	The best rider backrests are those that are integrated into the seat, like a Mustang. They are sturdy, adjustable and easily removable. I'm not sure if Grasshopper makes one for the Voyager or not. It would be less expensive, but they are not as sturdy and I don't believe they are adjustable. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
	0

09-28-2013, 11:42 PM	#3
Pitchinguy Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Farmville, Va Posts: 424	I'm not sure what the best option is but I would not recommend the Kaw backrest. When I bought my Nomad I also bought the Kaw trunk kit & the Kaw driver backrest. The trunk kit is the same trunk & mount as on the Voyager, love it! The backrest is another matter. It bolts to the bottom of the passenger seat & is a PITA to put on/take off & if your passenger is an average size adult, that's what you'll be doing. When on, there is not enough room for any passenger larger than a small child. It also pushes the driver too far forward. I'm 5'8" & feel like I'm on top of the tank! Don't know how anyone 6' could use it! This winter, I'm going to cut mine, try to shift it back slightly & make it removable similar to a Mustang. Anybody else whacked on one yet?? __________________ *2011 Nomad* *VBA #01922*
	0

09-28-2013, 11:43 PM	#4
Dunknd Jr. Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 28	I saw a grasshopper It's only like $80 but I would like an opinion on it first. I had a mustang seat on my VTX and loved it! Just can't afford $600 for a new mustang seat for my new Voyager.
	0

09-28-2013, 11:45 PM	#5
taranis Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Grand Prairie, TX Posts: 802	This is what my wife and I have used on our bikes for the last several years. $200 isn't a bad price. http://www.utpr.com/vulcan1700voyager.html __________________ _______________________ "Taranis" and the Lovely Ann KawaNOW Oldschool #885 His: 2006 Nomad Hers: 2008 VN900 Classic LT Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

09-29-2013, 01:46 AM	#6
Calflan Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Heath, Tx. Posts: 85	I just bought a Grasshopper. Mounting is easy, easy to install and remove the backrest for riding too. I had a Mustang seat on my 1600 prior to this bike, with driver backrest. The grasshopper does not feel as comfortable as the Mustang, the Mustang was more sturdy. The Grasshopper flexes back and forth a bit, but for the money, I'm happy. Like you, I was not interested in spending much more than $100 or so if possible. For the money, the Grasshopper is a good option. It does seem to push me a bit further forward than I'd prefer, but as mentioned, it also flexes back a bit. Have not yet taken a long range ride with it yet. My wife did not like it installed when she's on back, it dug into her thighs a bit. She also did not like the Mustang backrest installed when we rode together, if that helps at all. __________________ *2010 Voyager* - Wrapped pipes; Ivan ECU Flash; Engine Ice; Debaffled stock exhaust; Thunder Intake; Ray's throttle mod on Kuryakan grips; Pax floorboard extensions; cutdown windshield; VStar trunk rack; iPod adapter. Former 2003 1600 Classic. Vulcan guy for life !!
	0

09-29-2013, 12:45 PM	#7
trip VBA Founder Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lindale, Texas Posts: 6,846	I have used the Utopia on several of the bikes I've owned. IMHO, you can't go wrong with it. __________________ Robert "Trip" Hilliard VBA/KawaNOW - Founder/Past President VBA # 00001 Trip's Website Custer 09, 18 / Maggie Valley 11 / Eureka Springs 09, 17 / Antlers 09, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 Texas Hill Country / Deals Gap / Colorado / Wyoming / Montana / Utah / More trips for Trip
	0

09-29-2013, 12:51 PM	#8
badboy194 Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Houston Posts: 82	Grasshopper is good only if you like or need to be pushed forward an inch or two. I had one on my Vulcan Classic 1600 and took it off and got a Mustang seat and backrest. I bought another one for my Vaquero. As soon as I put it on I could see the same problem. I rode it a few miles and sold it. I was attracted by the $100 price which is really to much for what you get from them. I got one from Custom World International. Very expensive, but it works for me. If you ride 2up go Mustang.
	0

09-29-2013, 01:57 PM	#9
Yellow Jacket Top Contributor Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fayetteville, Georgia Posts: 5,792	I had a Utopia on my 1600. In my opinion it would be very hard to find anything better. __________________ Bob KawaNOW/VBA 210 Green/Silver 2006 Patriot Guard Riders 2009
	0

09-29-2013, 02:32 PM	#10
Dunknd Jr. Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 28	Well.... I loved my Mustang seat on my VTX so I might just hold out until I can get a new mustang seat for my new Voyager
	0

09-29-2013, 03:16 PM	#11
hammer Sr. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,329	I have used Grasshopper and Mustang and both worked well enough for a while. But I needed something that fit better and and was more adjustable. I went with Utopia and I could not be happier. __________________ Hammer aka CrocHammer KawaNow#00988, VROC#26389, VR#2202 Abbotsford, BC, Canada 2006 Black Nomad
	0

09-29-2013, 04:42 PM	#12
Old Carp Jr. Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: manhattan, KS Posts: 23	Have a Grasshopper on my 1500 classic, its OK, but not great. Put a Utopia on the Voyager, much better, just wish I had mounted a little further back.
	0

09-29-2013, 06:18 PM	#13
highwayman2011 Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: N Las Vegas, NV Posts: 364	I have a Grasshopper on my Voyager. It works very well for me and is easy to install and slides right out to remove. At under $100 can't go wrong if you like the stock seat. __________________ 2010 Vulcan Voyager
	0

09-30-2013, 11:29 AM	#14
0vationdave Advanced Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Linden, Mi. Posts: 509	I just got my Vaquero about 4 weeks ago, and the grasshopper was a cheap backrest until I can get a better one, or make one myself. I will say, it bent pretty quickly. I "adjusted" (ahem....BENT) the seat where I wanted it, then put in a gusset on the mount (welded on) and it has been fine ever since. I went on a 625 mile ride and it worked great for a little cheaply added support.
	0

09-30-2013, 12:25 PM	#15
Dunknd Jr. Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 28	I think... that is the way I will go until I manage the courage to fork over $500 for a new mustang seat. My brother can weld anything so if it needs more support he is the man for the job.
	0