passenger backrest/bar

[roadhag]

hey folks....question for opinions/suggestions
just purchased a used 03 vtx 1800 r...ultimate rider and passenger seat...also
came with Honda LOW backrest (and its mounting brackets)....want to add the ultimate backrests to bike also...but need to finalize sissy bar config...am open to any suggestions...will change m. brackets if the right look is out there...also, noticed that honda has an adjustable backrest...any opinions on that model out there and maybe on the removable paladin model
thanks...roadhag

[Wyandotte Kid]

What are your intentions for the sissy bar? Is it there for a passenger? Do you have a rack on it and intend to use? If it is there just for a passenger back rest I would put it up for sale and get the Ultimate back rest. If you intend to use for the luggage rack then the decision goes deeper.

[roadhag]

thanks for questions w.kid....let me see if i am following:
1. our plans will be for significant amt. of 2 up time
2. sissy bar config. will be mainly there for the passenger
3. will add (want to) ultimate backrest to final pdt. sissy bar that is installed
4. presently on the bike is the honda "low" sissy bar and back rest with the
mounting brackets for this set-up...my wife wants/needs a little
bit more to feel comfortable/secure
5. just curious as to what is out there???..some that fit present brackets and a lot that do not....also curious about any info/opinions out there on the honda adjustable bar/backrest and the paladin easy on/easy off...
....hope this provides more pertinent info
thanks

[Big-X]

I have the Honda Deluxe backrest and it works great with the Ultimate, my wife loves it also! I have a photo somewhere...let me look.

[roadhag]

hello big-x...nice to meet ya dude....
have looked through every picture posted on this website and 90% of the ones that have backrests have the deluxe backrest...and a lot have the ultimate pad for it also..
and you are correct...i think it looks the best also...but since i already have different mounting brackets on my bike, just thought i'd see what other kind of thoughts/possibilities existed out there before i jumped....still real curious about the quick release paladin and the adjustable honda bar...but not sure if many (or anyone) has much experience with these 2
anyway, thanks for the input and nice pics of the ride...will be hitting you up soon for your experiences with the pipes...very strong and clean look

[VTX18R]

just a note to say I have an ULTIMATE driver/passenger combo. I have the small Honda passenger backrest with a PRO-TAC driver backrest..works great. www.protac.net

[roadhag]

hello x18r....nice pic of the bike...have about the same set up as you...except for the protac system...still, could save a few bucks by getting the ultimate backrest for present set-up...would save not having to get new mounting brackets....like the pro-tac sys...that is a nice little twist for a drivers backrest..........
but......still curious to hear any opinions out there on the paldin quick release or the honda adjustable sissy bar.....any comments???

[RedRockVTX]

My 1300S has the Honda "Chrome Backrest with Pad (Tall, Neo-Retro)" with some rather small handgrips for the passenger. The grips really don't provide much for the passenger to hold onto. Has anyone seen a better setup that would give the backseat driver a better way to hold on for dear life?

[whiskeyrockr]

i have the mapam 14" backrest. it's wide but not to wide and rides about midway up the wife's back (she's comfy with it). got it on ebay for about 192.5 shipping included.

[VTXRider66]

I have a 2007 1800C with the Paladin backrest, larger pad and luggage rack. My wife loves it, the luggage rack looks cool and I love how easy it comes off. I also have a switchblade windshield. IMHO the VTX looks best undressed.