DIY Installation: My Royal Enfield Bullet gets a backrest for the rider

With the way I installed it on my motorcycle when riding on highways, you can use it by slightly sliding back.

BHPian adrian recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

This thread is about installing a backrest for your bench seat Bullet (Standard and Electra) the easy way. Yes, this is a jugaad.

I speculated the need for a rider backrest on my Bullet for the Ladakh ride from Trivandrum. Wanted a cheap backrest which could be installed without heavy modification of the seat (see YouTube videos which used car seat headrests).

After hours of research and thought, finally inspiration struck.

1. Buy this type of backrest, which is intended for the pillion rider. Cost Rs.749/-

2. Reverse the mounting clamps

3. Mount it to the nuts that hold the pillion grip on the seat

4. Slight setback

Due to the pre-drilled holes and due to the fact that the clamps are reversed, the back rest will be at a weird angle tipped to the front.

5. Solution

Drill a hole beside the default mounting top hole after marking the position after tilting the backrest at the desired angle

Final set up

Points to consider

Never install the backrest too close to your back. The reason is that on bumpy roads you need enough clearance to prevent the backrest from poking your back (even though it is cushioned, it is very uncomfortable).

Review (1 month 170 km daily commute)

Positives:

1. Cheap
2. No modifications required on the stock seat
3. You can take it away easily if you don't need it
4. The rider's backrest is good for long rides. With the way I installed it on my motorcycle when riding on highways, you can use it by slightly sliding back. By sitting in the normal riding position, you can stay clear of it (useful on bad roads)

Negatives:

1. You cannot carry a pillion rider
2. You cannot use it on bumpy roads
3. Getting on the motorcycle requires the flexibility of doing a high kick

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.