Wife must have better K-1200 GT backrest!

[RTH]

I'm drooling over a K 1200 GT, but my wife needs to be convinced that she can be comfortable in the back. Anybody know what the absolute BEST available backrest would be? Attached to a bag would be fine.

[DGShaffer]

The RCU back rest is the best on the market. I've had one on all three of my RT's. I ride two up 98% of the time but didn't want the look or weight of the trunk. My wife loves it because it's so thick and soft on her back

 

It's expensive but it does hold a good deal of it's value in the off chance you decide not to keep it.

 

Link to A&S

[Dave McReynolds]

There are two BMW top cases that fit the K1200GT, and probably quite a few non-BMW ones. I happen to like a top case, but the big one looked out of proportion to me on the bike, so I got the smaller one. BMW makes a backrest that isn't specifically intended for the K1200GT top case, but works fine and doesn't detract at all from the lines. It's a little spartan, though.

 

We were browsing in A&S (see link in post above) and Randy, the owner, said that the absolute most luxurious backrest for the K1200GT was custom made for the larger size top case by a guy he knew. I didn't get the guy's contact information, because I begin adding up the cost of a new top case and a couple hundred more for the custom backrest, and decided it was something I didn't need right now. But I'm sure if you call Randy he will pass the information along to you.

[RTH]

I understand this backrest (the one Don Shaffer mentioned) has a luggage rack attached -- is that right? I need luggage space too, on occasion. Do you attach bags to the luggage rack behind this backrest?

[DGShaffer]

What it does is to allow you to use the rack that's back there already. Here is my RT with the one I have. I also have a Ventura Euro bag. I find this works better for us. It's there when we need it and not when we don't.

 

[RTH]

Very cool. Thanks, Don.

[tallman]

OK, first, which GT?

The original '03-05, or new version?

Second, RCU fits the original, not so sure about the new one.

Third, Bakup has one for the new GT.

http://www.bakupusa.com/BMW-K1200GTPass.html

Fourth, for the original GT, GIVI makes a mount (best way) or an adaptor plate (OK) to go on the BMW rack, that allows you to mount several models of their topcases which can have a passenger backrest added to them.

If it is the new GT, I'd go w/BMW 49 L topcase, gives you additional storage and a backrest.

If the original GT, I'd go w/GIVI version using the mount w/rails that attach to the bike frame instead of their adaptor plate, but either way, use their 52L topcase.

Best wishes.

[RTH]

I'm shopping for the newer GT --- '06 or later. Thanks for the good info.

 

This may work yet!