DIY Drivers Backrest

[SubDude]

Hello again.

I tried going with a ready-made backrest (BR) from eBay, it looked good enough on the site.

I even messaged the seller trying to insure it would fit my 2006 Honda VTX 1800S, they said it’s a perfect fit, (WRONG).

The bracket they sent did not fit my bike (trike) at all; it was both too short and not wide enough to mount to the fender bolts.

The seat pad seemed to be well made but if mounted between the driver/passenger seats would have pushed me forward a couple of inches. (Not Good)

So, after paying to send the (BR) back to the seller, I figured I might as well make my own.

First, I tell you I did some searches’ on this website looking at comments about (BR), seems everybody likes them, but found nothing on making your own.

Next I also did some searching on the internet, looking at numerous features, configurations and styles.

I knew that I now wanted more than just the basic non-adjustable (BR), I needed adjustments and flexibility to boot.

I could do at home, with a welder, grinder, drill, tap/die set, spray paint and some other stuff to make the (BR).

I like the rest of you like pictures, they say it helps prove that you did it, I like to think they might also inspire a few folks to try and do it them self’s.

We are a nation of semi-skilled handymen aren’t we!

Pictures below, show both the raw metal construction (close-ups) and finished (BR) on the bike/trike.

I did end up cutting an inch from the eyelet pivot point and welding the base piece that mounts to the passenger’s pillion pan to fit better.

I also cut 2 inches from the adjustable height piece(s) as initially in the lowest position it was way too high on my back.

The (BR) pad is an eBay item, little smaller than I wanted but beggars can’t be choosers.

So let me know what you think, good or bad, I got big shoulders.

David Hilton

Ret. USN ETC/SS

[Fearless]

That is a great deal of work and I think it looks great. The only person that has to approve of it is you looks great to me. Ride safe Fred

[Zammy]

Looks just fine David, necessity is the Mother of invention, or something like that.

[Marc H]

Nice job.I like how you think.