I installed the Protac Driver's Backrest last week and had been waiting for the weather to clear up so I could try it out.  

Yesterday I got a chance to ride a few miles with it, and I think I really like the idea of a driver's backrest.  But, the Protac is just a little too far forward for me.  I might try to make a custom mounting bracket that is longer so I can move it back a couple inches.

Here are some photos:

This is how far back I think I would like to mount it:

Looks like a comfortable backrest, but it would drive me nuts being that close to me.  Also I don't really see the Savage as a doubles kind of bike.  It's powerful enough, but I feel cramped when I've got a passenger.  I wanted a backrest that does double duty as a bag and a backrest ... so I have more room for stuff.  I've installed the Kuryakyn Tombstone Bag which is a bag/backrest combo.  Here's the link:

http://motorcycle-luggage.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_code...

That's the best price on the Internet that I know of.  I LOVE it.  Lots of storage space, high quality, and the difference of riding with a backrest cannot be described.  There 3 different sizes of backrest pad (actually you can trim them to whatever thickness you want).  If I knew how to post pictures on here, I would post ya a picture of it.  I might try to do that this evening.

I'm not saying you've made a bad decision or anything, because all you have to do is mount yours a little further back to wherever it feels best.  I almost bought nearly the same thing as you before I ran across the Kuryakyn ad for the Tombstone.

It has a VERY sturdy internal frame that both supports you and keeps the form of the bag.  That picture is actually with the side pockets not installed.  It comes with two great little side pouches that are perfect for storing all sorts of smaller cargo.  The internal frame is removable if you want to store your helmet in there, but don't know why anybody would do that.

I have attached bungey cords to those loops on the bottom.  It keeps it perfectly secured when you are getting on & off the bike and also when you are adjusting yourself while riding.  What you see pictured is the largest pad that it comes with.  This will not work on our Savages.  You will need the smallest pad which is still incredibly comfortable.

While I was working on the bike I left the backrest off during test rides ... I don't know how I rode so long without it!!!

I've been wondering what the Protac looked like on the Savage....glad you got all those pics!
Does look a bit close....bet you can figure a way to move it back some!

I bought a Leather Roll bag , pretty cheap ,on ebay.The width is the same length as the passenger seat. Works pretty good as a backrest when you get it on.Its easy to kinda put it where you want it,as far as more room....put what you want in it,I have a fat pillow in mine(and other stuff) which gives it good support for the back.And it has side pockets to carry stuff.

But the Protac does look good Let us know if you get it moved back and how

FreeSpirit wrote on 04/15/08 at 20:36:24:


The brackets that hold it are just a piece of bent metal with a cylinder welded to it.  I think I will try to fabricate one that is about 60mm longer.

I wish you guys would stop coming up with new ways for me to spend money.