BackRest for a B or TC.

Adam, your videos are so easy to watch. You have a friendly, gentle conversational tone and always have good ideas to share.
I grinned when you had your R18 detailed and ogled its beauty. Indeed the R18 is so fun to look at. When clean, this bike has the best optics of any I have had. It is a beautiful machine.

Thanks. I wish I could speak with more authority but it’s just not in my nature. I’m always happy that people even watch them and those that find them helpful.
 
Are you referencing my remarks? I’m always self-deprericating and super self-aware about my video styles. Here’s the god-honest truth. My GS Adventure has about $21,000 USD worth of farkles on it. I’m the last person to tell someone they need to spend that much modifying their $20,000 bike. I’ve had people in person say “how dare you tell people they need to spend $4K on shocks on their brand new GS” or “They need an $800 seat” so over the last 10 years of doing reviews and installs, my tone has shifted a LOT around recommending things. Is it nice to have a back rest? OF COURSE. Is it a nice back rest and super comfortable and works as designed? YEP! But should you spend $300 for it? Maybe?

I just don’t like using messaging that makes people feel like they need this or else. That’s a bit as to why I use those kind of words and tones in my videos. I honestly feel like a jackass making these videos and then saying “you need this one thing” because that’s for you to decide.

Note, I’m not being defensive here but I did want to add some context. I have a Farkle problem and it sort of dilutes my opinion when people realize that nothing is “not necessary” when it comes to my bikes. I add everything.

My next video is going to be reviewing $5500 worth of Klim gear I just bought. The last thing I’m going to do is tell someone they “NEED” a $1500 jacket. My recommendation means very little when I am a walking bill board of excessive spending on my hobby. It sort of dilutes my recommendations for folks who have watched all 1550 of my videos where I install farkles.

I hope that helps.

It is a nice back rest :)
But the 1500$ jacket is awesome
 
I’ve made a number of rides with this back rest, and for me, it definitely transformed the experience of riding this bike. It’s a comforting feeling upon hard acceleration to be held in place by the back rest and to be able to lean back on a long freeway ride and still feel secure while having some lower back support. I’ve been adamant about keeping the bike stock, but this is one thing I’m definitely keeping.
 
Utopia backrest installed.

He also matched the stitching from the oem seat.

The bracket maybe from a TC... i hope he has a B bracket that sits lower.
IMG_6410.jpeg
IMG_6389.jpeg
 
I can see now what they were talking about with me needing a longer metal piece for my comfort seat. I do not have that level of height that you do on the bagger seat which is low compared to the TC’s mid and my comfort (high). They’re going to send me a longer backrest metal mount to account for my larger seat.
 
I can see now what they were talking about with me needing a longer metal piece for my comfort seat. I do not have that level of height that you do on the bagger seat which is low compared to the TC’s mid and my comfort (high). They’re going to send me a longer backrest metal mount to account for my larger seat.

I called Andy up when I installed it because the bracket was so tall and I remember your video about it being flush with the seat.

He too said it should be flush with the seat, so he's looking into it.

One plus side to this bracket being longer... the backrest folds flat down, so when you throw a leg over to mount the bike, you don't have to avoid kung fu style kicking the backrest 😂😂
 
I like the color match stitching, I wish I would have done that. They also make a cover for that bracket for when you want to leave the purse at home.

I should've take a couple of more pictures. The flap on the back is quite long over the purse now. If my bracket was lower you wouldn't be able to see the bracket at all without the purse 🤷🏻‍♂️
 
Quick disclaimer, the owner of Utopia called me up and asked if I could test out their smaller sport back rest & their taller mounting bar which is being made for folks who have the comfort seat (taller). I said I'l do that so long as they send me a return label so I can get all of this back to them. I don't want free stuff but I don't mind testing it. They agreed. They're a super small shop and everything is made by hand or super limited production.

Video is being edited now but here are a few photos. I am sending back their standard mount bar since it is indeed too low so if you call to order, please make sure you let them know what size seat you have original or comfort because that does make a difference.


You can actually see the adjustment bolt sticking out on the comfort seat. Mine was previously submerged a bit and hard to tighten without putting stress on BMW's $650 leather seat so I'd nice to have it just a smidge taller without being much higher than the seat itself:
pbZlGoW.jpg


Also, they are now doing white stitching which is nice, here's the pad I had with black stitching next to a white one:
Pg79Pl7.jpg

oq2w9qs.jpg
xkxwyli.jpg


Finally, here are photos comparing the back rest pad sizes if you weren't sure if you wanted the big or small. I may send back the larger one actually and go for the small. Just style preference honestly.
WqE2W23.jpg
MMyY9A2.jpg
BZ5BAtX.jpg
55ASada.jpg


Oh, another finally, they sent me some samples showing off how they construct the backrest which is super cool, it's different foams all married to a piece of bent metal and they go from there. Pretty neat and I have some decent video clips to share once I get it all edited.

5mPtOp8.jpg
IkFDprR.jpg
lmUO8dC.jpg
9Xy2UFR.jpg
4RtuNCo.jpg



Not pictured, they also sent me a pad that is plush and leather that goes around the backrest primary hinge. I call it the "penis pad" (you'll have to watch the video) but it just makes it a more comfortable pillion experience. Screenshot from the video:
DL69yWY.png
KiFLRc4.png
 
Last edited:
Quick disclaimer, the owner of Utopia called me up and asked if I could test out their smaller sport back rest & their taller mounting bar which is being made for folks who have the comfort seat (taller). I said I'l do that so long as they send me a return label so I can get all of this back to them. I don't want free stuff but I don't mind testing it. They agreed. They're a super small shop and everything is made by hand or super limited production.

Video is being edited now but here are a few photos. I am sending back their standard mount bar since it is indeed too low so if you call to order, please make sure you let them know what size seat you have original or comfort because that does make a difference.


You can actually see the adjustment bolt sticking out on the comfort seat. Mine was previously submerged a bit and hard to tighten without putting stress on BMW's $650 leather seat so I'd nice to have it just a smidge taller without being much higher than the seat itself:
pbZlGoW.jpg


Also, they are now doing white stitching which is nice, here's the pad I had with black stitching next to a white one:
Pg79Pl7.jpg

oq2w9qs.jpg
xkxwyli.jpg


Finally, here are photos comparing the back rest pad sizes if you weren't sure if you wanted the big or small. I may send back the larger one actually and go for the small. Just style preference honestly.
WqE2W23.jpg
MMyY9A2.jpg
BZ5BAtX.jpg
55ASada.jpg


Oh, another finally, they sent me some samples showing off how they construct the backrest which is super cool, it's different foams all married to a piece of bent metal and they go from there. Pretty neat and I have some decent video clips to share once I get it all edited.

5mPtOp8.jpg
IkFDprR.jpg
lmUO8dC.jpg
9Xy2UFR.jpg
4RtuNCo.jpg



Not pictured, they also sent me a pad that is plush and leather that goes around the backrest primary hinge. I call it the "penis pad" (you'll have to watch the video) but it just makes it a more comfortable pillion experience. Screenshot from the video:
DL69yWY.png
KiFLRc4.png
Andrew is a good guy I love my small backrest just have to wait for the smaller bracket they sent me a high seat bracket
 
Are you referencing my remarks? I’m always self-deprericating and super self-aware about my video styles. Here’s the god-honest truth. My GS Adventure has about $21,000 USD worth of farkles on it. I’m the last person to tell someone they need to spend that much modifying their $20,000 bike. I’ve had people in person say “how dare you tell people they need to spend $4K on shocks on their brand new GS” or “They need an $800 seat” so over the last 10 years of doing reviews and installs, my tone has shifted a LOT around recommending things. Is it nice to have a back rest? OF COURSE. Is it a nice back rest and super comfortable and works as designed? YEP! But should you spend $300 for it? Maybe?

I just don’t like using messaging that makes people feel like they need this or else. That’s a bit as to why I use those kind of words and tones in my videos. I honestly feel like a jackass making these videos and then saying “you need this one thing” because that’s for you to decide.

Note, I’m not being defensive here but I did want to add some context. I have a Farkle problem and it sort of dilutes my opinion when people realize that nothing is “not necessary” when it comes to my bikes. I add everything.

My next video is going to be reviewing $5500 worth of Klim gear I just bought. The last thing I’m going to do is tell someone they “NEED” a $1500 jacket. My recommendation means very little when I am a walking bill board of excessive spending on my hobby. It sort of dilutes my recommendations for folks who have watched all 1550 of my videos where I install farkles.

I hope that helps.

It is a nice back rest :)
Hey Adam,
your videos are fun to watch and well documented. I dont think there is any need for you to justify your Farkles. Its your bike and its very clear you enjoy some good Farkles while riding! totally support your passion for good things and keep sharing some good installation and other related videos,
 
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