Kawasaki Concours Forum

Concours 1400 (C14) FAQ => C-10, the 'classic' Concours, info => "Farkles" => Topic started by: elvin315 on May 18, 2011, 10:27:22 PM

Title: Backrests
Post by: elvin315 on May 18, 2011, 10:27:22 PM
There were other options like the taller backrest plate for the OEM back pad but I'm not sure if anyone makes it anymore. Ditto Ron Lyon's Rack & Rest, though it turns out it had structural weakness. Sampson Sport Touring made a backrest & luggage rack but they seem to have gone out of business. Remember we are talking about a bike that's been out of production for 8 years and built for 20 years before that. If you're handy with tools and willing to fabricate search my album for ideas like the ones linked below.
http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/1613522 (http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/1613522)
http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/5435722 (http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/5435722)
http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/5435723 (http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/5435723)
http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/19125907 (http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/19125907)
http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/the_kawasaki_concours (http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/the_kawasaki_concours)

As for what's available retail...........

The Kawasaki Backrest is mounted very low, actually touching the seat. More like a butt rest to keep your passenger from sliding off during full throttle launches. It requires Kawasaki's adapter be mounted on the passenger grab handles. Expensive for what you get.
http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/22362853 (http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/22362853)

The majority of owners looking for a backrest have opted for a GIVI trunk with a back pad, myself included. My son says it's better than the Kawi rest as you can actually lean back on the GIVI. The trunk's mounting plate doubles as a luggage rack.
http://www.themcdonalds.net/richard/bike/concours/givi/congivi.shtml (http://www.themcdonalds.net/richard/bike/concours/givi/congivi.shtml)
http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/22576860 (http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/22576860)
http://amotostuff.com (http://amotostuff.com)

Shad trunks from Spain are now available through Murph's. They have GIVI quality with Euro styling at a reduced price. They have backpads like the GIVIs too.
http://murphskits.com/catalog/images/DSCN1892-400.jpg (http://murphskits.com/catalog/images/DSCN1892-400.jpg)
http://www.murpskits.com (http://www.murphskits.com)

If you're in the market for a Corbin seat take a look at their selection of backrests too. They also used to make the Rumble Seat with a flip-up backrest. They pop up used once in a while.
http://www.corbin.com/accessories/bkrest.shtml (http://www.corbin.com/accessories/bkrest.shtml)
http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/39726500 (http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/39726500)
http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/38917842 (http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/image/38917842)

You may have to resort to Ebay and the various Concours forums for used items. Good luck and ride safe.