Removing backrest on 2018 C650GT

[EvilTwin]

Took the bike for a good ride yesterday with the seat raised up and I like it. More support to the lower back, doesnt feel like it is pushing me more forward on the seat. Probably not the greatest looking mod ever, but thats ok.

 

[SJMike]

Hi-

Can you tell me where you bought the parts to raise the backrest on the seat? I found a place online - Bolt Depot - out of Massachusetts area. They had M6 x 120mm in stainless steel. But I don't know where to buy the "spacers" you mentioned.
Can you list the part numbers & where you get your hardware to raise your seat backrest ?

Thx - Mike

 

[EvilTwin]

Hi Mike

These are the parts I got. The spacers seem to be doing the job, I would have preferred something in metal like aluminum, but couldn't find any. Since they are an off white, I wrapped them with some black electrical tape. If you could find some type of round stock and then drill it, that would work too.




Bob

 

[SJMike]

Bob -

Thanks for the info & fast response. Think I'll order what you listed & see how well it works for me

Mike

 

[EvilTwin]

Here is another option I found. Its an aluminum rod,12" long and is drilled out ID to 7mm. Cut into three sections and you dont need the spacers.

 

[EvilTwin]

I noticed last weekend on my ride that it seemed like I was sitting more forward and had less leg room. So today I moved the backrest back down to almost flush with the seat. Using the original bolts, I left in some spacers to raise it up about 8mm in front and 12 on the top hole so it tilts just a bit more forward. And low and behold I had much more legroom and the bike felt like I was sitting a bit higher. I liked the support the seat gave with the backrest higher, but it wasn't worth having to sit so far forward on the seat.

 

[AAWW]

I noticed last weekend on my ride that it seemed like I was sitting more forward and had less leg room. So today I moved the backrest back down to almost flush with the seat. Using the original bolts, I left in some spacers to raise it up about 8mm in front and 12 on the top hole so it tilts just a bit more forward. And low and behold I had much more legroom and the bike felt like I was sitting a bit higher. I liked the support the seat gave with the backrest higher, but it wasn't worth having to sit so far forward on the seat.

30mm back.

 

[DrCohen]

If the backrest is removed and not used, is there anything unsightly there? Or something that will jab you in the rear?

I'm 6'2", 210 lbs, and I think It might be more comfortable if I removed the backrest completely so I could scoot back a couple of inches. The backrest is already in its rear-most position.

A couple of people suggested a Corbin seat. I recommend Russell. Cost is similar (high), but they are made to your measurements. I've had them on 3 bikes over the years, clocking perhaps 250,000 miles, and I like them a lot.
They do require that you send them your stock seat, so your scooter is out of service while they build. But you can schedule the build date to minimize the time out.

 

[Final.Drive]

I'm 6'2" with 34" inseam. Removing the back pad and fitting a sheepskin to cover the ugly mess left behind was the best thing I've done to my GT. MUCH better legroom and my butt is so much more comfortable. I don't know how you tall guys ride this scoot in stock configuration.

 

[Ceesie76]

I dunno, am also 6'2" and inseam 34 but my Sport stock seat is super comfortable to me.

 

[Final.Drive]

I dunno, am also 6'2" and inseam 34 but my Sport stock seat is super comfortable to me.

Apples and oranges. The sport saddle is completely different and doesn't include the rider's hump. I know by removing the GT hump that I improved my continous ride time ability from about 30 minutes before needing to stop and stretch to now over a couple of hours. Truly a massive improvement.

Sport Saddle:


GT saddle:

 

[Ceesie76]

Ok well maybe if the Sport saddle happens to fit onto the GT, that would solve some problems.
I bought a used Sport saddle on Ebay to replace my damaged one for about $120.

 

[Final.Drive]

Ok well maybe if the Sport saddle happens to fit onto the GT, that would solve some problems.
I bought a used Sport saddle on Ebay to replace my damaged one for about $120.

It's an interesting thought. I wonder if anyone has tried and can comment if they are interchangeable?

Honestly...my sheppskin covered GT seat (minus the hump) is pretty darn comfortable now so not sure I would take on all the effort and expense..

 

[Ceesie76]

Now that I am looking at the photos, they look quite differently shaped, so most likely not interchangeable.