New member

[erock]

Greetings from NE Ohio !! Just joined officially a few days ago after purchasing a 2001 Voyager . Getting to know it's unique characteristics more as I ride it daily. These are NICE machines !! Just has a quick question. What have other members used or done to add a driver's backrest ?? Are there replacement seats that you can recommend, or add-on backrests that can be adapted to the current seat ?? Thanks in advance for your opinions.

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

First WELCOME Eric, glad to include you in the AVA family.
As far as backrest for the XII Voyagers both Markland and Utopia made/make backrests. The Utopia requires cutting a small hole in the seat but many have done so with zero issues, while the Markland mounts to the frame and adjusts front to back, both lay forward for rear passengers to mount/dismount the bike. I too have an '01 and the PO of mine had the Markland installed, I love it and rarely ride without it.
Also, if you are interested the Mid-Atlantic Voyagers is a local chapter of the AVA which basically includes PA, OH, NY, NJ, DE, MD, VA, WV and anyone else who wants to be a member (no cost), we gather once a year for a fall Ride-In and are trying to put together a spring location and ride.
Again, Welcome!

[dsmmrm]

Hey Erock, where in NE Ohio are you? I live in Vermilion.

[cushman eagle]

Welcome Erock,to the wonderful world of the AVA and the Voyagers represented by the family.
You can find a wealth of knowledge of your bike here
As dsmmrm already asked,where in NE Ohio do you live? I live near Orrville,about 25 miles SW of Akron.
Maybe the three of us could meet up some time.
Enjoy your new ride!

[erock]

Welcome Erock,to the wonderful world of the AVA and the Voyagers represented by the family.
You can find a wealth of knowledge of your bike here
As dsmmrm already asked,where in NE Ohio do you live? I live near Orrville,about 25 miles SW of Akron.
Maybe the three of us could meet up some time.
Enjoy your new ride!

I live in Jefferson (in Ashtabula County). We're up pretty close to Lake Erie. I work about 1 mile from the lake.

[erock]

First WELCOME Eric, glad to include you in the AVA family.
As far as backrest for the XII Voyagers both Markland and Utopia made/make backrests. The Utopia requires cutting a small hole in the seat but many have done so with zero issues, while the Markland mounts to the frame and adjusts front to back, both lay forward for rear passengers to mount/dismount the bike. I too have an '01 and the PO of mine had the Markland installed, I love it and rarely ride without it.
Also, if you are interested the Mid-Atlantic Voyagers is a local chapter of the AVA which basically includes PA, OH, NY, NJ, DE, MD, VA, WV and anyone else who wants to be a member (no cost), we gather once a year for a fall Ride-In and are trying to put together a spring location and ride.
Again, Welcome!

Do you know if they are still available ?? The Markland sounds like the one to go with. I've got the backrest on my other scoot ('07 Yamaha Stratoliner) and LOVE it for longer rides !!! Great advice !!

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

Do you know if they are still available ?? The Markland sounds like the one to go with. I've got the backrest on my other scoot ('07 Yamaha Stratoliner) and LOVE it for longer rides !!! Great advice !!

I honestly do not know if they're still available New, but they do show up on the classified area of this site as well as eBay. Do some searching and you may be surprised! Someone on here may even chime in and have one they're willing to part with.

[Nails]

I think a backrest is essential for long miles. But then again, I have arthritis in my back.

Probably not what you're interested in, but I made my own. I replaced the passenger seat (wasn't using it anyway) and trunk (too huge and gangly) with a rack and backrest. viewtopic.php?f=15&t=12076

There's a photo here, shows in Preview, but not in this post (have to click on this little box).

[erock]

Do you know if they are still available ?? The Markland sounds like the one to go with. I've got the backrest on my other scoot ('07 Yamaha Stratoliner) and LOVE it for longer rides !!! Great advice !!

I honestly do not know if they're still available New, but they do show up on the classified area of this site as well as eBay. Do some searching and you may be surprised! Someone on here may even chime in and have one they're willing to part with.

After doing more research since posting my response, It looks like the Utopia model will work great, AND.....it's still readily available. I will have to wait until off-season, because it requires me to send in the passenger pillion. Momma wouldn't like riding on the fender ..

[cushman eagle]

Welcome Erock,to the wonderful world of the AVA and the Voyagers represented by the family.
You can find a wealth of knowledge of your bike here
As dsmmrm already asked,where in NE Ohio do you live? I live near Orrville,about 25 miles SW of Akron.
Maybe the three of us could meet up some time.
Enjoy your new ride!

I live in Jefferson (in Ashtabula County). We're up pretty close to Lake Erie. I work about 1 mile from the lake.

I mapquested Jefferson,and it is only about 100 miles,a nice afternoon ride!

[erock]

Welcome Erock,to the wonderful world of the AVA and the Voyagers represented by the family.
You can find a wealth of knowledge of your bike here
As dsmmrm already asked,where in NE Ohio do you live? I live near Orrville,about 25 miles SW of Akron.
Maybe the three of us could meet up some time.
Enjoy your new ride!

I live in Jefferson (in Ashtabula County). We're up pretty close to Lake Erie. I work about 1 mile from the lake.

I mapquested Jefferson,and it is only about 100 miles,a nice afternoon ride!

It's a nice ride this time of year (fall). Once the leaves start turning, and the local vineyards and orchards start harvesting, you can smell that aroma for a mile radius!! Awesome stuff.

[cushman eagle]

I would like to make it up there when our heaviest part of fall harvest slows down

[usmalenurse]

I bought my seat of Ebay from a guy calling them Comfort Tech in Fla. It is similar to the Hartco seat but wasn't as pricey. I actually figured the guy worked at Hartco as the address was was in the same general area in Florida [url]http://hartcoseats.com/touring-sport-saddle/kawasaki/[/url

[erock]

I bought my seat of Ebay from a guy calling them Comfort Tech in Fla. It is similar to the Hartco seat but wasn't as pricey. I actually figured the guy worked at Hartco as the address was was in the same general area in Florida [url]http://hartcoseats.com/touring-sport-saddle/kawasaki/[/url

Thanks for that tip. Will be contacting them for pricing. They do not provide an Email link, so I'll have to give them a call for pricing and options.