BestRest Products R11 GS Series User manual

BestRest Products, LLC
http://www.bestrestproducts.com 6908 - 220th St. SW [phone]
e-mail: [email protected] Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 fax[phone]
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1
BackRest Installation R11xxGS
“Classic” Model – Stainless Steel Frame
Thank you for purchasing a BestRest
BackRest! We’re confident it’ll improve your
riding comfort and expand your riding
adventures.
If you have problems with installation or
operation of the BackRest please call us at
the number on the letterhead.
Ride safe and God Bless!
David & Judy Petersen
FOR PROPER INSTALLATION &
SAFE OPERATION, PLEASE
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE STARTING
Unpack the BackRest Assembly and parts
bag from the shipping container. For the
R1100/R1150GS you should have the
following items:
2 - M5 x 12 button head cap screws
2 - M6 x 40 socket head cap screws
2 - M6 x 25 socket head cap screws
2 - M6 nylon locknuts
2 - #10 flat washers (small)
4 - #12 flat washers (large)
2 - 6mm split ring lock washers
1 - Front (long) subframe bar
4 - Rubber grommets
1 - 5 mm hex wrench
Remove the two large ring-pins holding the
BackRest in the folded position by gently
pulling on the rings. These ring-pins have a
detent ball and will “click” as they clear each
hole.
Unfold the BestRest. As you do this the Slide
Assemblies in the middle of the BackPlate
will drop down. Align the 5/16” holes at the
ends of the Lower Slide with the holes in the
two upright Rear Posts. Reinsert one of the
5/16” ring-pins thru these four holes to secure
the BackPlate the upright position. Store the
remaining ring-pin in one of the two
remaining storage holes. As you move the
BackPlate thru its full range of motion you
may need to remove the second ring-pin and
relocate it to another storage hole.
See page 3 for information on how to
configure, adjust, and secure your BackRest.
BackRest In Rider’s Position
(Only for R11xxGS)
1. Remove passenger seat and toolkit lid.
Remove the 6mm screw holding the rear of
toolbox. (Fig. 1)
Fig. 1
2. Rotate rear of toolbox upward, then pull
gently rearward (Fig. 2). The front of the
toolbox is held in place by two plastic tabs
that fit into the forward cross frame member.
Fig.2
3. Installation of the Subframe Bar. To hold
the BackRest Assembly onto the motorcycle,
you must install a Subframe Bar (Fig. 3). It
will fasten beneath the cross frame rail, which
is located just in front of recess for the
toolbox. (Fig. 3 shows Subframe Bar next to
the cross frame rail.) Two M5x12 pan head
screws hold this Bar tightly against the
underside of the rail, preventing the Bar from
shifting. The larger 6mm holes are for the
screws that hold the BackRest in place. All
four screws will pass thru the two small slots
in the frame as shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 3
Special note: The Subframe Bars shown in
these photos are prototypes without the
pressed screw fittings.
Special note: The Subframe Bar is marked
“UP” on one side. Make sure that the Bar is
mounted properly or the pressed screw
fittings may come loose. The fittings should
be on the bottom of the bar.
4. To assist placing the Subframe Bar under
the cross rail, we suggest using a small nylon
ziptie or piece of string. Insert the tie thru the
hole in the Bar and thread the end of the tie
up thru the small slot in the frame (Fig. 4a).
Pull the Subframe bar into place (Fig. 4b).
It’s much easier this way!
Fig. 4a
Fig.4b
5. Once the Subframe Bar is in place
beneath the frame, LOOSELY thread the two
M5x12 flat head screws (with flat washers)
into the Bar (Fig. 5a).
We recommend use of a semi-permanent
thread-locking compound to hold these 5mm
screws. “Blue Thread Lock” will prevent the
screws from coming loose, which would
cause the Subframe Bar to drop or otherwise
move out of alignment. Do NOT use a
permanent (red) thread compound.
Fig. 5a
The two (empty) M6 screw holes must be
equidistant left and right. They must also be
centered fore and aft in the slots (Figs. 5b –
5c). If they’re offset in any axis, adjust the
Subframe Bar as needed. It’s important to
align the bar properly or you’ll have difficulty
inserting and threading the BackRest hold
down screws.

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Fig. 5b Fig. 5c
Finished installation of the Subframe Bar
should look like Fig. 5d:
Fig. 5d
6. Now that you’ve temporarily fitted the
Subframe Bar, it’s time to mount the
BackRest assembly onto the frame. The
BackRest has “hooks” on the underside,
beneath the black plastic spacer. The hooks
fit into the two large slots shown in Fig. 6a.
Fig. 6a
Fit the hooks into the frame slots, lowering
the BackRest so it’s sitting on the frame, then
slide rearward 3/8” to engage the hooks as
shown in Fig 6b.
Fig. 6b
Once the hooks have been inserted into their
slots and the assembly is moved rearward
3/8”, the M6 holes in the BackRest Carrier
Plate should align with the 6mm holes in the
Subframe Bar you’ve just installed. First time
fitting may be snug; if this occurs, gently tap
the BackRest rearward with a rubber mallet if
necessary. Do not use a steel hammer or
other hard instrument! If you encounter
problems also check to ensure the Subframe
Bar has not shifted out of alignment.
7. If the holes are aligned, insert the M6 x
20mm screws (with lock and flat washers)
into the holes shown in Fig. 7. The screws
should thread easily into the Subframe Bar.
If necessary remove the BackRest and adjust
the Subframe Bar for the best fit, then tighten
the M5 screws holding the Subframe Bar in
place. Replace BackRest and check again
for alignment - this may take a couple tries.
Once you’re satisfied everything is correct,
snugly tighten the small M5 screws, locking
the Subframe Bar in place. Use common
sense and do not over-tighten the screws or
you’ll damage the threaded fittings. The
purpose of these M5 screws is to keep the
Subframe Bar from shifting – there are no
structural requirements involved.
Fig. 7
Note: The Subframe Bar may be left in place
indefinitely; it will not interfere with placement
of the Rider or Passenger seats, or the
toolkit.
8. After you’ve confirmed proper location of
the Subframe Bar, replace the toolkit (Fig. 2,
reverse process). Slide the two front plastic
tabs of the toolkit into their slots in the frame
and tighten the screw at the rear of the
toolbox (Fig. 1). Replace the toolkit lid.
9. Reinstall the BackRest in the Rider’s
Position (Fig 9).
Fig. 9
Remember to fully tighten both two M6x25
screws. Use common sense and do not
over-tighten. These M6 screws should be
checked on a frequent basis to confirm
they’re secure, since they hold the BackRest
in place on the motorcycle.
Removal of the BackRest is easily
accomplished by removing the two M6x20
screws. Slide the BackRest slightly forward
and lift up. You may then place the
Passenger seat back in place if desired.
Note: You can store the M6x25 screws in
their respective holes but you cannot fit the
passenger seat if these screws are in place.
BackRest In
Passenger Position
1. Read the above instructions to familiarize
yourself with BackRest installation in the
Rider Position.
2. Install the BestRest CargoRest according
to instructions, per your specific model.
3. The hooks on the underside of the
BackRest (Fig. 6b) fit into the two square
slots machined in the CargoRest (Fig. 10).
Model C is shown below; Models J and T
have similar hole and slot patterns.
Fig. 10
4. Lower the BackRest onto the CargoRest
and slide the BackRest assembly slightly
rearward so the M6 holes align with the holes
in the CargoRest (Fig. 10). These holes will
also line up with the threads in the Subframe
Bar, beneath the CargoRest. Insert the
M6x40 screws (with lock and flat washers)
and tighten. Use common sense and do not
over-tighten. To provide added strength
and security we’ve included two extra M6
nylon locknuts. While not required, we
recommend attaching them to the bottom
ends of these M6 x 40 screws.
Note: If the stock grab rail prevents the
BackRest from fitting down onto the
CargoRest, change the angle of the
BackPlate. Once in place, readjust to the
desired angle and tighten the screws.
Removal of the BackRest is easily
accomplished by removing the two M6x40
screws. Slide the BackRest slightly forward
and lift up. When the BackRest is not in
place on the CargoRest store the M6x40
screws by threading them down thru the

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CargoRest and into the Subframe Bar. This
way you’ll never misplace them.
When installed in the passenger position, the
BackRest should look like Fig. 11.
Fig.11
Adjusting The BackRest
The patented BestRest Products BackRest is
infinitely adjustable. As you examine the
various assemblies, you’ll see how easy it is
to adjust the height, angle and pitch for your
comfort and riding style.
Take note of the nylon locknuts fitted to the
ends of the M6 screws that adjust the swing
arms and back pad. The nuts are there to
prevent the screws from vibrating loose and
falling out along the road. The nuts don’t
need to be tightened, and should be left as
they come from the factory.
Adjustments to the BackRest should never be
attempted when operating the motorcycle. If
adjustments are needed, come to a complete
stop, turn off the ignition and secure the
motorcycle against tipping or falling. Make
any required adjustments, then tighten all
screws, fittings and fasteners. Quick release
ring-pins must be fully inserted and locked in
place. Before resuming travel, inspect
carefully to ensure all parts are in place and
properly secured.
To change the angle of BackRest:
1. Loosen the two M6 screws located
on the Upper Slide, allowing it to
move over the top of the Lower
Slide. This sliding movement results
in a change of the BackPlate angle.
2. Adjust the angle as needed and re-
tighten all screws.
The Upper and Lower Slides are screwed
together in the most common setting. If you
require more range of movement, remove the
nylon locknuts and M6 screws and replace
them in two of the five holes found on the
Lower Slide. Note – Always install BOTH
M6 screws and tighten securely! Do NOT
rely on one screw to hold the Upper and
Lower Slide in place. Failure to use both
screws may result in unexpected movement
of the BackRest!
To change the angle or height of the
BackPad:
1. Loosen the eight M6 screws holding
the four SwingArms, adjust as
needed, and tighten.
2. Note that as the BackPad is moved
thru its arc of rotation the pad moves
up/down as well as forward/back,
always staying parallel to the
BackPlate.
To change the elevation of the BackPad:
1. Remove the eight M6 screws,
locknuts, and four SwingArms.
2. Move the BackPad up/down along
the BackPlate to the required height.
Replace the M6 screws and
locknuts and tighten securely.
Changing the four SwingArms from their
factory setting (parallelogram) to a trapezoid
allows the BackPad to change pitch as it
rotates in its arc of motion. You can
experiment with these settings to get exactly
the configuration you require.
To store your BackRest horizontally:
1. To lower the Backrest, pull both
ring-pins and allow the BackPlate to
fold rearward.
2. As you do so, lift the Slide
Assemblies until they’re parallel with
the BackPlate. The 5/16” holes in
the BackPlate Angle will align with
holes in the two Rear Posts.
3. Insert a ring-pin thru all four holes,
locking the BackPlate in a horizontal
position.
4. Insert the other ring-pin into the
holes in the Upper Slide and the
BackPlate Angle. This will lock the
Slides in a horizontal position and
keeps them from damaging the top
of your toolkit.
5. If the top of the BackPad hits the
BMW grab rail when the BackRest is
folded, loosen the SwingArms and
move the BackPad slightly forward.
You can strap duffels and other gear over a
folded BackRest, however it is NOT designed
to handle the weight of a Passenger.
Excessive loading will void any warrantees.
Do not remove or adjust the spring circlip or
clevis pin holding the Upper and Lower Slide
Assemblies to the BackPlate Angles.
Helpful Hints:
Lanyard – Later production models come with
a stainless steel lanyard connecting the two
ring-pins. If yours does not have a lanyard,
make one from nylon cord or other line to
prevent loss of the ring-pins. Tie one end
thru a hole in the BackRest, pass the cord
thru one ring-pin and tie the cord to the
second ring-pin. Adjust the length of the
lanyard as needed – we’re found a 12” cord
is the best size.
Hex wrench storage - We’ve provided a set of
storage holes for your hex wrench, so it’s
always available to adjust or remove the
BackRest. Look for two small holes drilled
near the bottom of the Rear Posts. Pass
your hex wrench thru these holes and slide
the rubber grommets onto the wrench, two on
each end. This effectively locks the wrench in
place until needed. The grommets are NOT
meant to fit into the holes of the posts.
Caring For Your BackRest:
The BackRest assembly and the mounting
hardware are made from high quality
stainless steel. While not completely ‘rust-
proof’, they exhibit excellent corrosion
resistant qualities. To further protect the
finish we recommend a light coating of paste
wax or silicone protectant.
Wash the BackRest with a solution of mild
detergent and water. Use common sense, so
water does not penetrate the seams and
saturate the padding of the BackPad. A
plastic bag over the BackPad helps prevent
this.
While it’s OK to leave the BackRest exposed
to the elements for short periods, we strongly
suggest protecting your investment with a
tarpaulin or other covering, or park your bike
inside, away from acid rain and UV rays.
Occasionally lubricate the main hinge point of
the BackRest, using a lightweight, non-
penetrating oil. Do not lubricate other contact
points since they rely on friction to hold the
angle you’ve set.
Do not use penetrating agents or solvents
since they may attack the thread locking
compounds used in assembly. Solvents may
also affect the nylon inserts on the locknuts
and or the nylon spacer on the bottom of the
BackRest.
Do not attempt to loosen the small M4 screws
that connect the BackRest subassemblies.
These are secured at the factory with a
permanent thread-locking compound. In the
unlikely event they come loose, retighten
them, using a permanent thread compound.
The finish on the BestRest is obtained with a
random orbit sander and 150 grit aluminum
oxide abrasives. You can touchup your
BackRest with fine sandpaper or ScotchBrite
pads. DO NOT USE STEEL WOOL, since it
will ‘infect’ the stainless steel surfaces with
iron oxides, causing rust to form. If rusting
does occur, sand the affected areas gently to
remove any rust spots, then apply a coat of
wax, silicone, or other quality protectant.

4
Safety Inspections and
Consumer Warnings
Do not proceed with installation unless you
are qualified to complete the installation in a
safe fashion and as described herein. Do not
use these products unless you have read all
of the instructions and understand how these
products work and what limitations, if any,
they may have. Failure to read and follow
these instructions could result in serious
bodily injury or death!
It is the Consumer's responsibility to inspect
all screws, fasteners and fittings on a daily
basis, tighten or replace them as necessary,
and to regularly inspect the entire BestRest
System for signs of missing parts, excessive
wear, metal fatigue, or imminent failure.
Should any of these be observed the
BestRest System should be removed from
the motorcycle and not used until inspected
and repaired by BestRest Products.
It is the responsibility of the Consumer to
evaluate the suitability of these products for
personal use. Consumers must evaluate
whether these products meet their needs and
whether these products can be mounted and
used in a safe fashion. The Consumer
accepts full and complete responsibility for
selection of products and for mounting and
maintenance of these products. The
Consumer agrees to follow and abide by any
and all instructions, recommendations,
warnings, or other information supplied or
published by BestRest Products, LLC.
BestRest Products, LLC, it's employees,
agents, and owners assume no liability of any
kind whatsoever for property damage,
personal injury or other losses resulting from
the Consumer’s failure to properly install or
maintain these products, for unauthorized
modifications of any kind, for use of
unauthorized parts (including bushings,
screws, pins, or other fasteners), or for
misuse of any BestRest Product in a fashion
not intended by BestRest or described as a
suggested application in BestRest literature.
Because installation of these products is
done by others outside our control, we cannot
assume any liability or responsibility
whatsoever for improper or unsafe installation
or items installed contrary to the latest
published instructions, that are improperly
secured or maintained, that are improperly
tightened or otherwise secured, or which are
otherwise improper fitted to the motorcycle.
Only authorized BestRest replacement parts
(assemblies, screws, fasteners or fittings)
shall be used when mounting or installing any
BestRest products. Authorized replacement
parts may be purchased only from BestRest
Products. Parts from other sources or
vendors are not covered under warrantee
and will void any Consumer claims against
BestRest or others. Any use, modifications,
or applications of any BestRest Product,
other than those authorized by us in writing,
are specifically prohibited.
BestRest, BestRest System, BestRest-GS,
BestRest Products, BackRest, and
CargoRest, BackPad, designs and logos are
all trademarks of BestRest Products, LLC.
The BestRest System is registered and
patented with the US Patent and Trademark
Office. Please respect our Trademark,
Copyright and Patent rights.
Rev. 05/15/03
©2003 BestRest Products LLC