BMW R18 Transcontinental
Regular price
$279.00
Sale
“The UTOPIA” Built-in Driver Backrest in material and thread to closely match your stock seat. Can be adjusted up/down as well as forward & back to fit your height and riding position. Pivots while riding for natural position and folds forward to allow passenger to mount & dismount. Easy to install with minimal tools. Available in recommended “Comfort” pad for optimal, long-riding support as well as shorter “Sport” pad.
Includes:
- Removable pouch with shoulder strap
- All mounting hardware in black powder coat finish
Installation & Other Info:
- This model simply bolts on and installs in minutes without taking off seat cover!

Super easy to install, and it matches my R18 seat perfectly. Easily adjustable to the best riding position, or quickly adjustable if you want to change where it sits during a trip. Definitely worth it.
This is a very well crafted piece. The backrest mounting bracket is thick gauge steel so it isn’t going to flex or bend. The leather is a match to my factory seat including the white stitching. I like the simple adjustability of this backrest. I knew that visually I wanted the “sport” pad which is the same width as the standard pad just not as tall; I just wasn’t sure if it was going to give me the desired amount of support. I am glad with my decision to go with the “sport” version. I haven’t even adjusted the pad to its highest position yet and it is more than adequate. I think I will try the higher position though and see if I like it any better. Very satisfied customer. I decided not to go with the quick release. If I want to take the backrest off it is simply one nut and bolt to remove.
Only wish the quick release mechanism had a spring rocker to release and slide out instead of a screw that was buried inside the seek cushion. I would think a spring rocker like switch with a pin that locked into place would be more feasible than trying to fight the cushion to unscrew a set screw to release it.
Rick, Sorry I did not see this review earlier. I appreciate your comments. However, I think we did not make it clear that the backrest simply 'unplugs,' a rider is able to just pull the backrest out. It unsnaps like a socket from a ratchet. That set screw you referred to is a spring-ball plunger (it's what you hear click, when the backrest is taken in and out). You do not need to access or change that set screw at any point.
Have a Blessed Day, Andy
Great backrest. Easy to install. I got the smaller backrest - it looks better on my bike in my opinion. I also got the quick disconnect so I can easily pull it out when I do shorter rides
After searching around for a proper backrest I was sold on the Utopia for a number of reasons. The design, apparent quality, construction, and confidence in the company are all part of why I chose Utopia. Glad I did! I have ridden motorcycles for more 50 yrs and this is my first riders backrest. Thank you Utopia for making my rides way more comfortable and fun! I rarely write reviews but feel in this case its well deserved. Cheers Paul