Drivers backrest......any opinions

[Geofd]

Was looking on eBay there are a few on there I though I heard wing leader was a good brand but not sure any one have one do you like it or dislike it thanks

[CrystalPistol]

My '85 GL1200 had the MARKLAND rider back rest on it when purchased in 1995, I bought a CORBIN with it's own backrest in 1997. The Markland did flop forwards to allow co-rider to get on/off easily. It was adjustable & easily removable with two knobs with threaded studs. When I put the CORBIN on, after a few years of sitting in a box, I gave the OEM & MARKLAND BR away to a buddy in need. I found one like it on Ebay just now at … https://www.ebay.com/itm/80s-HONDA-GL12 ... SwMu5ej2JY so you can see it. I liked it, the covers for the arms have a Velcro seam for easy removal. The height was also adjustable.

Years later I was needing to replace the awful aftermarket seat on my GL1500 trike, it was not a stock seat but I hung onto it because it did have a backrest. Then I finally had enough, I got the OEM seat out of a box the PO had put it in, it had a cover over it. I removed the cover, seat looked brand new as it had been in a box since Spring 1998. It sat better to my butt, but it had no backrest … so I ordered a UTOPIA backrest and installed it, all was nice then. Later I ran up on a great deal on a nearly unused CORBIN with BR, I just needed to re-dye it due to colors clashing. I pitched the horrible seat, stored the OEM /UTOPIA combo in a box.

Yeah, I do like my CORBIN, that one I put on the 1200 in '97 is still on it, looking good too, never a flaw.

[Geofd]

Thanks for the response I did see the Markland I will check out Corbin

[CrystalPistol]

Thanks for the response I did see the Markland I will check out Corbin

Re-reading my post, let me add … The Markland was a nice match for the stock seat, even the patterns. The back rest pad can be re-dyed if needed, I cleaned, prepped, & re-dyed a complete purple like pink or "magenta" Corbin seat to a matt black match, I used SEM products and the dye has stood up well. Got the cleaner, prep spray, & dye in spray cans from a paint & body supply store that caters to body shops, but Amazon has them too. The Corbin is a seat with backrest, the Markland is just the back rest as is the Utopia. The Corbin with backrest for my '85 GL1200A was $700 in 1997, the one I bought for the 1500 trike cost the owner close to a grand, but his wife hated it (my wife likes it, but she's got longer legs), so in time he replaced it and boxed up the Corbin. The Utopia is a nice backrest, the hardest part of install is that first cut but the provided plastic "surround" works very well. The Utopia does fold really low when needed to allow passenger get on/off. These pics are Utopia on a 1500 seat, but maybe gives you an idea. They matched color/pattern well I thought. https://www.utpr.com/goldwing.html

Below is the Corbin on my 1200.

Below is the magenta vs the matt black I dyed it.

[CrystalPistol]

Lastly, I found a picture of the MARKLAND as it was mounted on my '85 1200 back in mid '90s … I had the arm covers off, it shows how the Markland was adjusted forwards or back via selection of holes for it to pivot. I also had a plastic knob break and it left the molded in socket screw, I replaced the socket head screw on both sides with good grade 5/16" ones after tapping brackets. From what I can see, same as the one on Ebay above. If you intend the one in the link above, I saw no mention of the two mounting brackets, etc … I highlighted in this photo. The back pad appears to be "recovered" as mine had a pattern that matched the seat.

Not simple brackets to make either. Unless it comes with the brackets, etc … I'd look at the Utopia …. I know how well it works on a stock seat. https://www.utpr.com/goldwing.html

[Geofd]

Thanks for all the reply’s I saw a markland on eBay can’t do it now but if it’s still available when I’m ready I’ll get it

[Dave-85-LTD]

My 85 LTD had a Markland backrest on it when I bought it. I am SO happy it did.

Simply put, I could not ride more than 20 miles without it. Too many years of heavy construction work, has taken it's toll.

Highly recommend a backrest, I like the adjustablity of my Markland, the others may have that too.

[Krazywolf8169]

Drag specialities also has a version similar to the markland