Backrest mod

I'm researching the various options for raising the bum stop. I've been looking into other posts on the subject and following links to other sites. I have a question.

Can anyone tell me the purpose of the small metal rectangle on the back of the stop, between the original bracket fixing screws (as seen in this picture from one of the sites I've looked at)?

Thanks in advance.

Look's like it's there to cover up the bracket and give it a finish look.

I've just taken it off. It reveals the four threaded inserts to which it is bolted. Nothing else!

Open your seat, do you have matching holes in it?

No. It's just a black metal plate, about 4" x 2", fixed to the back of the bum stop with 4 bolts, between the brackets.

I've noticed on another backrest site a picture which clearly shows no plate or holes.

I can't see what purpose it serves.

To stimulate discussion?

I noticed similar holes on another scooter (2010), maybe its possible to bolt the back rest directly to the seat making extra leg room...

I see what you mean RArch. I'll check mine. A cheaper option would have been to put an unperforated piece of vinyl on the back of the bum stop

Colin, you have probably already seen this. But just in case you've missed it, here is what I did for my Backrest mod.
http://www.leroybeal.net/motorcycles/silverwing/articles/backrest/backrest.html
I did a little different on the eighth picture instead of using bolts with nuts. I took a tap and put threads in the homemade metal brackets. Then after I put the homemade brackets and the OEM brackets together I ground the bolts flush. That way I didn't have a bolt head or nut exposed to rub on my but.

Yes thanks, I have seen that and may use that method in the end. I'm currently playing with my old three brothers version I had on the Burgman, but this plate thing sits proud of surrounding surface.

In pictures 5 & 7 you see there is no plate between the brackets, whereas in the first picture I posted, you can just make out the metal plate.

I think I'll just remove it as it seems to have no function.

I had first threaded the brackets also, but then I took it to the next level, so I'm not using the threaded holes at this time.
I welded pieces of pipe to the brackets and used a bolt for a hinge.
Now it will tip forward so the wife can get on easier. It also helps when opening the seat as the weight shifts forward and doesn't try to close the seat. The only problem is the backrest is so wide the wife is not real comfortable. I ended up just getting her own Reflex and she is happy. We call mine the "Geezer Ninja" and hers is it's "hot little girlfriend".

The only problem is the backrest is so wide the wife (in my case, pillion) is not real comfortable

This is a drawback with the Utopia Backrest.

Nice one Yaj. I really like the "hinge" system. I have the conversion w/o hinge and it really helps too. Have to remove it for two-up though.

Job (nearly) done.

I gave up trying to modify the Three Brothers device from my old Burgman. I felt that the final result would have been something of a dog's dinner. I've made a variant of the Leroy Beal bars, but with an extra twist. Instead of one bend, I made two to give them a slight "S" shape.

That brigs the bum stop forward and also tilts it back to almost its original angle.

Bringing it forward means that I've no risk of leaning against the lower bolt heads, so can sit right back on the seat and enjoy good lumbar support.

I used 30mm x 5mm galvanised bar, so rust shouldn't be an issue.

I'm not sure how to cover the bottom end of the bars. I could make a vinyl covered pad, or wrap them in foam pipe insulation.

Pictures to follow when complete.

Yaj, I like your mod to the backrest. I just mounted the two bars to raise the backrest up, which I really like. Your idea makes it a better fit. Nice to hear from someone else in WI. Thanks.