We manufacture 2 styles of backrest - the Classic2 and EZRest. Browse this page to learn more about each model, and how they can make your riding experience more enjoyable. When we first designed our BackRests we made them to fit only the BMW R1100GS and R1150GS. Since those humble beginnings we've modified the design so the BackRests fit on a variety of bikes.

The BackRest supports your lower back and takes the strain off your upper body. This makes the journey much more comfortable, reduces fatigue, and allows many more hours in the saddle. With a BackRest you don't need to consciously arch your back or assume an unnatural upright position in an effort to reduce muscle strain. It's a simple equation:  more support = more comfort = more hours = more miles= more riding adventures

Can we guarantee you won’t have some aches and pains after 12 hours in the saddle? No, but we promise you’ll feel a lot better if you ride with a BestRest!

Passengers using the BackRest find their riding experiences to be much more enjoyable. They report a greater sense of security because they're no longer worried about falling off the bike during acceleration. The BackRest helps them maintain their balance and "oneness with the bike". They can even relax when the bike is ridden on twisting roads or uneven terrain.

By the way, we consider the BMW GS series of motorcycles to be the world's best do-anything-go-anywhere utilitarian 2-wheeled workhorses; they're definitely the motorcycling equivalent of the military’s "Hummer". GS riders are supposed to be made from sterner stuff than the average motorcyclist, right? Well, we are! We go places where others fear to tread. But... we also like our comfort and we're interested in products that make our riding experiences more enjoyable. 

BestRest specializes in GS-related products, but we still get requests for products that fit BMW "street" models.  We found a backrest made by another manufacturer that fits on the R1200RT.  Rather than re-inventing the wheel, we're offering it to our customers.

Click HERE for more R1200RT backrest details

March '06. The original stainless Classic1 BackRest is no longer in production. It had exquisite stainless steel construction and was a no-holds-barred design providing maximum adjustability for serious riders and serious riding conditions.

The good news is... We've developed the newest member of our BackRest line, the Classic 2. This black powdercoated version has an adjustable frame, a fully adjustable backpad, and it can be folded down onto itself and locked in place with a simple quick release pin.

Our new Classic 2 version is simpler, smaller, lighter, and more versatile. It also costs less. The Classic 2 fits on any BestRest CargoRest, for passenger use. It also fits the R11xxGS and R12GS for the rider when the passenger seat is removed. In those applications it must be mounted on one of our ToolPlates or PillionPlates.

Don't have a GS or a BMW? The good news is the Classic2 will mount to any flat surface at least 6"x6". Let your imagination run wild!

The patented design allows infinitely variable adjustment. The BackRest can be configured in an upright position when back support is desired, or folded flat and locked in place when not needed. A high density foam cushioned BackPad supports your lower back. The BackRest can be folded down and stowed flat if desired, as shown below.   

Many people ask us if the folded Classic2 could also be used as a passenger seat (when folded could the passenger sit on the pad?)  Sorry, but it's not designed for that purpose.  It's a BackRest, not a saddle. 

Update Feb. '07 - Sorry, the Sprint BackRest is out of production.  If you want a BackRest you must order the EZRest or the Classic2 BackRest.

The simplified design of the Sprint retained many features of the original Classic BackRest, but sold at a reduced price. The back pad was adjustable for height, angle, and pitch. The SPRINT could be installed on any motorcycle with a CargoRest (for the passenger). The black powder coated steel frame looked great on an R1150RT or a K12RS.

The Sprint also fit on the R11xxGS, and could be moved from Rider to Passenger position. For the Passenger, attach the Sprint to the CargoRest.   For the Rider, remove the Passenger seat and attach the Sprint to the frame. All mounting hardware is included for this conversion.

The EZRest is a trimmed-down version of our famous Classic and Sprint BackRests. The EZRest offers many of the same features as the Sprint, but at a much lower cost. It has a black powder coated steel frame that attaches to any CargoRest for passenger use.  The BackPad is adjustable and moves through a wide range movement forward, back, up and down.

The EZRest also fits the R11xxGS with a stock luggage rack and passenger grab rail. The EZRest connects to both the rack and the rail, mating all three elements into one incredibly strong unit. A CargoRest is NOT required for this application, but may still be used if you want a larger cargo deck. Installation or removal takes just minutes, using 4 small screws.

The EZRest also fits the R11xxGS for the rider when a ToolPlate is used.  The EZRest bolts onto the top of the ToolPlate with 4 small screws.  (The ToolPlate replaces the stock plastic tool lid and tool box.)

Based on the numerous applications for the EZRest, it's our best selling BackRest.

The BackRest mounts onto the R1100GS and the R1150GS for rider use, since both models share the same rear upper frame member.  

Got a passenger that wants to go for a ride?  The BackRest can be moved from the rider’s to the passenger’s position in less than a minute using no special tools. All you'll need is a hex wrench found in your BMW toolkit.

We anticipated the need to make minor adjustments when you're on the road, so we incorporated a set of storage holes for your hex wrench. The wrench is held in place by rubber O-rings to prevent loss and is always easily accessible. Minor adjustments can also be made by using our HexKeyRing.

The BackRest can also be mounted on any bike that has one of our CargoRests. The passenger will then reap all the benefits of a safe, comfortable and adjustable back support system.

The BackRest can be folded down when the rider mounts or dismounts, then locked in the upright position with a single quick-release pin. Riders with short legs (myself included) will appreciate this feature since it makes it possible to swing your leg over the the saddle in a normal fashion. Once mounted the rider can then swing the BackRest up and lock it in place.

For those occasions you don't need back support, when you want to carry a really large cargo roll or want go off-road, you can fold the BackRest down and lock it out of the way. In the Rider position the BackRest folds down over the toolkit. In the Passenger (rear) position, the BackRest folds flat against the CargoRest. If desired you can remove the BackRest for storage in your panniers.

The BackPad is fully adjustable at the point where it meets your back, allowing you to custom tailor it to suit YOUR specific needs. You can move the BackPad forward or aft, up or down, and adjust it to the exact angle that fits YOUR back. Lock it in place and you're ready for a day of adventure. Need a minor adjustment?  Just twist a hex wrench here, tighten a screw there, and you've got a totally new configuration. The four swing arms that connect the BackPlate to the BackPad can be easily reconfigured from a parallelogram to a trapezoid. This change in geometry allows the BackPad to rotate as it's raised or lowered. Infinite adjustability makes it possible to find the most comfortable riding position.

Mounting the BackRest is an easy process and takes just a few minutes. Full instructions are included with each purchase. If you can turn a wrench, you can mount our BackRest, CargoRest, ToolPlate, PillionPlate, or other accessory. There's no permanent modifications and no damage to your motorcycle. There’s no holes to drill in your bike and no extra hardware is needed. All our products can be easily removed when you sell your bike or when you switch from one bike to another.

The Classic and Sprint BackRests mounts directly to your R11xxGS using the slotted holes found on the upper frame assembly. These slots can be found beneath the passenger seat. We replicated the placement of these holes on the CargoRest, allowing the BackRest to be moved to either the Rider or Passenger position.

The Classic2 and EZRest BackRests mounts to one of our ToolPlates or PillionPlates, which in turn mounts to your bike.  These models can also be attached to any flat, solid surface.  In other words, if you've got a KTM, KLR, ST1100, or any other motorcycle with a flat plate you can mount these BackRests.  Pretty cool, huh?

Describing the mounting procedures is much more difficult than the process itself. A picture is worth a thousand words; that’s why we include full instructions and assembly photos with each BackRest we sell.