All Backrest are NOT created equal

[DaveDragon]

Hi all,

I first purchased a backrest when the DragonFly was fresh from the crate.
It was a GG brand. I installed it on the stock seat and the world was in order :) until I discovered how bad the stock seat was on my posterior.

So I purchased a Corbin Saddle with backrest.

The Saddle was a completely different riding experience and the backrest seemed to help.
After a year and a half and a major blood clot in my right leg just above and behind my right knee; my Doctor help me decide to try another seat.

I sent my stock seat to Rick Mayer and he did a bang up job on it and I love it.
Again I installed the GG backrest and it has been serving me as well as can be expected. I Thought.

Tom Martin (tommartin) sold me his Backup Backrest and shipped it to the SunShine State. I received it last evening and installed it immediately which took all of 10 minutes; most of which were spent removing the GG Backrest.

I adjusted it up to suit me and went for a ride. WOW! What a difference!

The Backup Backrest is more firm, larger and more adjustable than the anything I have used so far.

The Simple yet elegant design is shows in both form and function.

I wish I had gone this route a long time ago. :)

[andy]

Thanks! This will come in handy when I get an LT again.

[Bruce]

Dave,

Welcome to the wonderful world of the backrest. I could not have put it any better. I've had mine, BakUp backrest, for a little over 4 months and would not part with it. It's so functional and so easy to adjust.

Enjoy many miles with it.

[RonKMiller]

I've experimented with the BakUp, Wudo, GG, and one that I made called the BackEZ. Never tried the Corbin. In the end (no pun intended) I didn't like any of them except the BakUp. The Wudo is a pain to install, the GG not too bad. The BakUp is SO easy to install.

I was impressed that BakUp uses 100% stainless steel in the construction - even the plate in the middle that you never see unless you take it apart - and how robust it is. I don't think you could break one if you tried.

I replaced the polyurethane foam of the stock unit in mine with a layer of poly, a layer of high density visco (memory foam) and a layer of medium density visco followed by - of course ;) - an aluminized water proofing/heat rejecting barrier, breathable mesh and peforated micro fiber fabric on the face instead of vinyl.

[Reid]

I've never heard anything but rave reviews of the Bakup. It's gotta be a good one. However, I'm saddle shopping and considering a Rick Mayer w/o backrest (would invest in Bakup later) to a Russell (with a Russell backrest). The price would be about the same except I'd have leather with Rick Mayer due to some specials he's got going now. I haven't heard anything at all about the Russell backrest but would sure be interested!

[edonthenet]

I was in a car accident 3 years ago and have 3 crushed disks and 2 herniated. Since I've had my LT I've enjoyed every minute of it but find my lower back screaming after 2 hours of straight riding. I kept the stock seat for now and find it comfortable. My problem is I start slouching the worse my back gets and the worse it gets the more I slouch (catch 22). I just put the Bakup on my bike and immediately noticed a big improvement, and I wasn't even riding it!! :D (j/k)
But it changes my whole posture by sliding me forward and up more. This weekend will be the big test but I already feel it was a very wise investment.

[KayGee]

I just ordered my Russell seat and plan on using my old Bakup Backrest. Is that possible? Or do I have to use the Russell backrest with their seat?

[Reid]

I just ordered my Russell seat and plan on using my old Bakup Backrest. Is that possible? Or do I have to use the Russell backrest with their seat?
I think you can use Bakup with any seat, but am not sure. Should you needo or want to sell the Bakup I'd be glad to buy it!

[tobiwan]

Had Russell build a seat for my former ride R1200CLC. Trashed the ride a week later. Seat mounts broke and Russell relocated the seat to the pan that came with the 04 R1200CL I purchased to replace the 03. The seat was just what I wanted for comfort and ride for both myself and SO. Due do a Sidestand problem with a few 04 CL's BMW finally traded me for the present 05 LT. ( I had to make a small $ addition to the pot)
To the point, Russell went out of their way to help me and the quality of the seat was very good Their Customer service was first rate and they delivered the seat ahead of schedual.
The 05 LT seat is (so far) very comfortble and may only need a back rest to be perfect. If I needed a replacement I would go back to Russell in a min.

work with them in early Jan. and they assured me a 10-14 day turn around

had the backrest made with leather insert and it was very very good

[motorhead]

I went a route using what I had.

I LOVE my corbin. Have long legs so the seat does not cut into my leg and can touch the ground easily.

The backrest is a Utopia that was reattached to my custom billet seat post that fits the corbin backrest hole.

** Fully adjustable, big and SUPER comfy.

Scott

[meese]

Send a message to BillyOmaha (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/member.php?u=6250). He's been using the full Russell setup for several years and is quite happy with it.

Some advantages of the Russell backrest are that it comes out just by sliding it forward (no tools), and that it folds completely flat onto the rider's seat and stays there to allow for easier passenger mounting. It also sits just a bit higher, and has the lower corners cut back to allow more room for a passenger.

I love my Bakup when solo, but my wife doesn't like having it there so I tend to remove it when two-up. It also folds forward, but not as far and I have to hold it down while she gets on.