5th Gen backrest options

I ride with my 8 year old son on back (nothing crazy, wife will not allow me to take him the highways, so 40-45 MPH max). I was debating between a Sargent and Corbin seat. From what I researched, I came away with the conclusion that they are very similar, but it seems more people prefer the the Sargent. The reason I was looking at the Corbin was for the backrest when I ride with my son. I went back and forth over which one. My wife has not been real happy with the money I have been spending on mods (Heli's, seat, etc.) so I went with the Sargent to save some money. It arrived yesterday. As I am unpacking it, my wife says "Why didn't you get the more expensive one with a backrest...wouldn;t that be safer when riding with the son?"

Grrr. So now it has me second guessing again. I haven't even put the seat on the bike yet. Sargent used to make a backrest, but no longer and I haven't seen any used ones for sale.

I really don't want to take the hit on sending the Sargent back (from most opinions I have read, I think it is a better seat) and switch to a Corbin, but I may. My question is what other types of options are out there for a backrest on a 5th gen with a sargent seat?

Thanks!
Kevin

 

Yeah, get a topcase mount with the backrest built into a top case like the GIVI E46.

Check out my avatar for a picture of it.

 

Ya might try trading for a corbin.
list it on the site here & see....

I had a Corbin. Had the back rest, too. I thought it was pretty uncomfortable. YBMV.
I sold it to a guy & bought a Sargent....couldn't be happier.

The thing about mine was that I got it for the same reason you are describing. It was going to be a "wifestop". She only rode a couple times, so it wasn't worth keeping.

The GIVI rack is a good compromise. You get a trunk too!

 

if you're really lucky, you might be able find the old backrest that Sargent made....but if you find one of those you'd better buy some lotto tickets and split the winnings with us all.

 

I did see that thread on VFRD...don't think I have the skills or tools to fab one myself. The rear mount top case may be the ticket. I want to stick with the sargent as many people have said they prefer them over the Corbin.

I got the Sargent at Sandhills Power Sports...cheapest price I could find for a new one. Paid $327.96 with free shipping. You have to enter your email address to get the prices, but below is the link they sent me with the price for the 5th Gen VFR.

Sargent at SandhillsPowersports.com your source for Motorcycle Apparel, Parts & Accessories

Thanks for all the input...looks like it's off to the Givi site to browse. The only bad thing is I don't like the look of a rear top case all by itself, so I probably need to get some side case also. I like the way the combo looks on your bike, Soundmaster. Well, I was sick of having to wear a backpack when I commute to work anyways. Now I just need to put in some overtime

Kevin

 

Top case is an E460 (IIRC)with the backrest and rack options and the side cases are E21 I believe. If you want to do some serious touring I would suggest getting E46(0) all around or maybe the E52 but at least the E36(0).

I didn't purchase them myself, as I bought the bike well used. They were however, painted to match the VFR stock paint. They were originally the Candy Red color...well at least the side cases.

Givi stuff is ungodly expensive fyi... that's the entire reason I drove 3 hours just to get my VFR with all the bags instead of getting one within an hour of me.

Here's some more pictures... I agree that I don't like the look of just a single top case. I'll post a picture of that tomorrow when I get a chance.






On a good note...the bike looks great with just the side cases on.





The backrest/topcase definitely keep the passenger right up against you.(at least with my jolly green giant self on the front it does). I think the case is adjusted all the way to the rear in this picture and you can see how close the passenger is to me still. Then again I'm a 300+ behemoth and she's around 100(yea yea, overloading the bike). She's 21yrs old though...I still don't believe that part though.

 

I knew I saw someone on here with a Sargent Backrest. Good luck finding one to purchase. They were axed some time ago.

Photo courtesy of FJ12rydertoo.

More pics in his Red Powder Coat Wheels post.

 

I can shoot you some close-up pics of the Sargent backrest if you want. That red beauty with the gorgeous wheels is mine. arty2:

 

Thanks FJ, but not necessary...I was over at VFRD and there were a bunch of close-up pics of the Sargent backrest on the thread where somebody fabbed his own. I would like to fab one that would allow me to keep the grab handles also. OR I just tell the kid to hang on!