IronMike Posted September 10, 2013 #1 Posted September 10, 2013 So, you want to order a backrest and see what all is involved in installation. Here's a peek. I have seen just a few backrests I would consider, and after I considered all my needs and wants and backrest experience, I decided upon the Utopia http://www.utpr.com/ In setting up my 2008 Venture this add on hands down went the smoothest thanks to the Vender. Everything went exactly as planned, it arrived exactly when he said it would Vendor gets 100% score in all categories. Order, promise, shipping, notifications, packaging, material, finish, and directions. But I am about to add PHOTOS, Can't beat that! First unpack and be sure you have everything you need. http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/IMG_0517_zpsa7c60d92.jpg http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/IMG_0518_zps94840cf1.jpg Remove the stock seat and you will find two push pins that you will remove and save for future use in your extra venture Parts box. The holes shown here are the ones you will need to drill out to a larger size per instructions included. The directions say you DO NOT need to remove the rear seat, but come on, take it off for more working room and clean and wax under there! http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/IMG_0519_zps0632d038.jpg http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/IMG_0520_zps13d72fee.jpg The drill bit size is listed in instructions, just be sure you do not go too big. The most caution is needed here so as not to punch through and accidentally modify your rear fender or paint job, so as you can see I have covered mine with a paper to prevent scratches, and then took a high power magnet to hold a old door panel tool made of steel to take any punch through impact. Love using magnets to hold things! http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/IMG_0530_zpsa1a942fe.jpg http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/IMG_0529_zps943a04f5.jpg Next you want to separate and arrange your wires so that they will not get crushed, rubbed or pinched by the metal bracket on the Utopia Backrest. This may take a while and the use of some plastic door panel tools may come in handy. http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/IMG_0532_zps81cd9e85.jpg This is what I ended up with after 3 or 4 minutes of wrestling. You do not want the metal bracket to flex and pinch your wires as you lean back on it. I actually had a neato torpedo auto outdoor rated sponge that has glue on one side, I stuck it under the bracket on the fender. You may have something like that too. It will prevent the wires from creeping back under the bracket. http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/IMG_0521_zpsf2afa414.jpg As an extra step I vacuum up all the metal shavings and coat the drilled hole with a rust preventative product so the bare metal hole will not corrode. http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/IMG_0522_zps33e986be.jpg We use this product to hold our Go Pro nuts in place and I have had a lot of luck with it on the rest of the bike, as we all know blue threadlocker melts ABS plastic so I try not to use any on the bike. This seems to work as well. As of this writing I have 5K miles on the backrest. No problems. So put some on and get ready to bolt on the seat backrest bracket. http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/IMG_0531_zpsa7f9980d.jpg Now all you do is put the backrest in place as directed, and put the bolts in but do not tighten until you get them both started. Crank them down to spec, and your almost done! http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/IMG_0524_zps01f5fbb1.jpg This plastic piece is a option thats nice to have, it slips on the bracket and keeps the bracket from rubbing against the rear seat so much. I would say yes, get it. http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/IMG_0528_zps10465a52.jpg Next you just put the back rest bracket on the support bracket. I always put the nut on the sidestand side of the bike. That way if it comes off, the bolt will stay in until you discover it missing. But, the threadlocker is a good idea here, as well as the included nylon nut. Now all you have to do is follow the directions included to adjust it to your liking, this may take several rides and some moving of nuts and bolts and you'll get it perfect soon and thats where it will stay forever. Just adjust it wearing the gear you ride with as having a jacket on with spinal protection will make a difference. Also you will be getting on and off the bike in a different manner now that you have the backrest installed, so be conscious of this first few times and develop a new mounting method and stick with it! Once you get it where you want it put a dab of the glue on the threads and it will stay put. Also modify your pre ride inspection to now include the backrest components, mostly you will just have to be sure it is secure, tight and the nuts and bolts are all there. On the back is a compartment with a zipper, be sure it is zipped so it does not catch wind. Utopia Vinyl matched my stock seats like it came off the same roll! Perfect! Everyone thinks its factory! (I'm like "No i paid for that!") http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/20130829_181308_zpsa58c2b6c.jpg Congratulations you have just extended your riding time!
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