WANTED 81 XJ550 Backrest/Sissy Bar

Not sure if they make backrests for the XJ550, as i've not seen any for sale, just in pictures (perhaps they're modded).

If they don't make them, can anyone point me to one that might be easily adapted?

 

Been here done that.....
I looked for months to find one for my 82 xj550. I even tried having a custom shop make one but they said they couldn't figure out how to make it safe. Well, I just got one this past week that came off of an 82 xj550 and it is cool. Found it on eBay for very little money. It needed some work.... Someone had painted over the chrome which was a terrible idea. Once I got the paint off it shined! I also had to bring the cushion in to have it reupohlstered because it was in bad shape. The last thing I had to do was to get bolts that would work in the back end, where your tail lights and grab bar mount, and 1 1/2" long spacers from stainless cut and drilled because the sissy bar actually goes outside the exsiting grab bar. End result though is pretty awesome. Put about $90 total into getting it all together but well worth it. When you find one be sure it comes with the mounting hardware. This will make it much easier to install. Just keep looking at eBay and try different listings like "xj550 maxim sissy bar" or "1982 maxim sissy bar"... etc. Be patient, one will show up. It is really the only way to get one, that I could find anyway.

Old Biker Dude

 

I really appreciate the information you've given, as disheartening as it is that they are not readily available.

But it is reassuring to know that they are out there on some beaters ready to be parted out.

I too thought about trying to have one made, but stability is definitely something that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Here's to some luck on eBay!