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GS650 passenger backrest ideas...opinions if this is strong enough?

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    GS650 passenger backrest ideas...opinions if this is strong enough?

    I really need a backrest for the girlfriend, and I absolutely abhor the sissy bar styles available. I love the idea of a fold down or easily removable rest and this just popped up on EBay.



    I'm not a huge fan of the black powder coat and the round stock, but the functionality intrigues me. However, I am a little concerned the uprights might be a little weak.


    What do y'all think?
    '83 GS650G
    '83 GS550es (didn't like the colours in the 80's, but they've grown on me)

    #2
    smart design, the 2 vertical pipes on the grab bar make it quite sturdy.
    Welding is all around the pipes, fixing them very well to the grab bar.
    Last edited by Rijko; 05-01-2017, 05:04 AM.
    Rijk

    Top 10 Newbie Mistakes thread

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      #3
      The practicality of that item will depend on at least two things:
      1. Is your girlfriend large enough to cast a shadow?
      2. Your riding style.

      The concept of that backrest is great, it will keep her from sliding off the seat, but looking at the design, ALL of the strength is in a small bolt (looks like a 1/4 x 20 or so) and the weakness is in a fair amount of leverage. A push toward the rear at the top of the back rest will put a LOT of strain on that bolt.

      If the connection point was welded, I would say suck up the looks and go for it, but I would be very hesitant with the bolt as the fastener.

      .
      sigpic
      mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
      hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
      #1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
      #2 son: 1980 GS1000G
      Family Portrait
      Siblings and Spouses
      Mom's first ride
      Want a copy of my valve adjust spreadsheet for your 2-valve per cylinder engine? Send me an e-mail request (not a PM)
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        #4
        Originally posted by Steve View Post
        The practicality of that item will depend on at least two things:
        1. Is your girlfriend large enough to cast a shadow?
        2. Your riding style.
        LOL i would not make wheelies


        Originally posted by Steve View Post

        looking at the design, ALL of the strength is in a small bolt (looks like a 1/4 x 20 or so) and the weakness is in a fair amount of leverage. A push toward the rear at the top of the back rest will put a LOT of strain on that bolt.
        imo the strength of the design is in the 2 vertical pipes welded to the rail, the bolt only stops the backrest from sliding up/down. Agreed on the weakness of leverage, but i think this design passes on a lot of the forces to the grab rail and seat ..
        Last edited by Rijko; 05-01-2017, 09:22 AM.
        Rijk

        Top 10 Newbie Mistakes thread

        CV Carb rebuild tutorial
        VM Carb rebuild tutorial
        Bikecliff's website
        The Stator Papers

        "The thing about freedom - it's never free"

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by Rijko View Post
          ... the bolt only stops the backrest from sliding up/down. Agreed on the weakness of leverage, but i think this design passes on a lot of the forces to the grab rail and seat ..
          I took another look through the pictures and saw one that I did not notice before. I agree that the bolts only control the height, the 'tubes' that hold the backrest appear to be nicely welded to the whole bracket.



          .
          sigpic
          mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
          hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
          #1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
          #2 son: 1980 GS1000G
          Family Portrait
          Siblings and Spouses
          Mom's first ride
          Want a copy of my valve adjust spreadsheet for your 2-valve per cylinder engine? Send me an e-mail request (not a PM)
          (Click on my username in the upper-left corner for e-mail info.)

          Comment

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