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

[BigD_83]

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.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1982-Suzuki-gs650g-grab-bar-powder-coated-with-removable-backrest-sissy-bar-/282447620820?hash=item41c330aad4:g:z0UAAOSwmfhX5WbX

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?

[Rijko]

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.

[Steve]

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.

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[Rijko]

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

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 ..

[Steve]

... 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.



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