installed my Christmas present, tonight

[Iahawk]

I bought myself a Utopia backrest for my Honda Helix for Christmas. I love the comfort of the scoot but due to the cruiser-like feet forward riding position, there is no support for your back. I would describe it as sitting on a bar stool vs sitting on a chair with a back...you can only sit on the bar stool for so long!

Installation was a bit challenging..but I got it installed and will have to wait for better weather (as in March) to test it out!

[NorWeWa]

Looks great. I would think it was OEM.

Art

[Stig / Major Tom]

Nice job Hawk!
A little nervy cutting into your nice seat@??!

Does look OEM.
Syig

[monkeybongos]

Think you're gonna really like it, Hawk, and ride more often and longer.
I have something similar on the Rebel and Cali Classic, no more knotty backs after 50+ mile rides.

[Iahawk]

yes, once the serrated knife is plunged deep into the seat you realize there is no going back! I do like the seat material, it feels nicer than the OEM seat...less 'shiny'...and is a good match. Hope my lower back will thank me.

[CROSSBOLT]

Nice job!

[Neil955i]

Neat job Hawk. Well done!

[Stig / Major Tom]

yes, once the serrated knife is plunged deep into the seat you realize there is no going back! I do like the seat material, it feels nicer than the OEM seat...less 'shiny'...and is a good match. Hope my lower back will thank me.

Your cutting into your seat reminds me of the day I stood by my Subaru with a drill ready to start the installation of a sunroof kit.
"Mom, Dad's out there cutting a hole in the roof of our car!"

It actually went off without a hitch. Didn't leak either!
Stig

[Iahawk]

took my first ride on my Helix with the new backrest, today. (and first January ride..ever?) I like it, but it was a really odd feeling. I've never ridden anything with a backrest..and the feeling of not being able to move around on the seat was..odd...but my back sure liked it! I did my typical ride, about an hour and just under 30 miles. Usually I'd feel a little something in my lower back after an hour ride but I felt nothing today.

I could really notice the backrest when opening up the throttle or accelerating up steeper hills. Usually in these instances your core muscles come into play to keep you in the right position. With a backrest you just lean back a bit and enjoy the ride!

I think I'm going to like the backrest. It will sure make putting miles on much easier.

[Stig / Major Tom]

took my first ride on my Helix with the new backrest, today. (and first January ride..ever?) I like it, but it was a really odd feeling. I've never ridden anything with a backrest..and the feeling of not being able to move around on the seat was..odd...but my back sure liked it! I did my typical ride, about an hour and just under 30 miles. Usually I'd feel a little something in my lower back after an hour ride but I felt nothing today.

I could really notice the backrest when opening up the throttle or accelerating up steeper hills. Usually in these instances your core muscles come into play to keep you in the right position. With a backrest you just lean back a bit and enjoy the ride!

I think I'm going to like the backrest. It will sure make putting miles on much easier.

you're going to get flabby.....exercising our core is our last valid reason to ride around on plastic mopeds!

not stig

I know what you mean - I really like my two flat scooter seats - I'm all over them  while riding.