This thread discusses the Content article: Make Your Own Drivers Backrest

Thank you for this post. I did it, and I love it. How did I ride without a backrest until now?

Suggestions:

I made a mock-up of the J-bar with a 1/16" x 1" aluminum bar. It bends easily by hand, and you can hold the backrest in place while you're sitting on the bike to come very close to the final shape.

I put a little bit of electrical tape on the back of my stock rider's seat to avoid abrasion from the bar.

Observations:

I didn't have to cut the bracket at all. I ground off the sides of the 1-1/4" J-bar slightly and it slid right in the bracket. I used a stud, with a bolt, put the J-bar on top of the bolt, and another bolt (Nylock) on top of that. Make sure the flat part at the bottom of the J-bar is long enough to sit through the seat bracket to the rear.

You can bend a 3/16" x 1-1/4" steel bar by heating it over a camp stove. It doesn't have to be red hot.

Damned if I can tighten that top nut all the way! Just not enough room. I might have to cut the side of the seat bracket, or squash down the lip, just for wrench clearance. I have it tightened enough for use, though.

Shep