 PROTAC Backrests - End of an era
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,931 Likes: 3
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,931 Likes: 3 |
On the 15th of April, Harold of PROTAC had what was clearly a mild stroke but as of Monday 4/13/2020 he decided to pull the pin as he is not able to do the work any longer. Harold has been making backrests since 1993, so it was a hard choice for him to end the run.
AmyLee introduced me to the backrest in 2008-ish at a SWTF Rally, she had one on her bike I was so impressed with it, I contacted Harold and asked if I could be a dealer for him. I ended up helping him with his Webpage, and becoming his exclusive International dealer to take care of the folks overseas.
Over the years, he started letting me have orders that came though his website, something he did not have to do. He is a kind man, a Vietnam Veteran and I will miss working with him. He is good people from South Carolina, Always knew it would eventually come to an end, but saddened because he made a great, affordable product, made in the USA and it helped folks with back issues keep riding. We will stay friends. Just wanted to give you a heads up as they will no longer be made. Unless I can talk him into selling me the "store".
Eddy
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Re: PROTAC Backrests - End of an era
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7 |
Unless I can talk him into selling me the "store". You beat me to it - I was going to ask if he actually made them himself, personally, or did he have the actual work done by employees? If the market was there, could it be carried on? .
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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Re: PROTAC Backrests - End of an era
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17 |
It would give you something to do over those cold winters. Go for it.
Road Rash Heals. Freckles Grow Back. Ride
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Re: PROTAC Backrests - End of an era
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,931 Likes: 3
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,931 Likes: 3 |
That would be very dudish would it not Ady?
Or is this just a generic dudism?
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Re: PROTAC Backrests - End of an era
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3 |
Sorry to hear this Eddy , sounds like he is a great guy . I know I am very happy I got one of his backrest and I’m the guy that never thought I would want something like that . Thank you for making that deal with me because I can’t imsgine not having it now .sounds like you should have a serious talk with him about owning the rights in some form or another ?
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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1 member likes this:
Fasteddy |
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Re: PROTAC Backrests - End of an era
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7 |
That would be very dudish would it not Ady?
Or is this just a generic dudism? That's just me on a bad hair day …  .
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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 Re: PROTAC Backrests - End of an era
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 587 Likes: 21
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 587 Likes: 21 |
Sorry to hear that Eddy. Hope he's able to enjoy a long and happy retirement. Are there any left for sale? Thanks for the heads up.
Last edited by roadie; 05/16/2020 9:02 AM.
John 3:16
let's ride...
1969 Triumph Trophy 500
2004 America
2010 America
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Re: PROTAC Backrests - End of an era
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
I met Harold, he is a very good person. I road my Commander down to his shop in SC back in 2015. It was November, lord that was a cold ride. Harold made the first backrest to fit the Commander while I was there. It's a small shop in his garage out in the country. Harold made all of the back rest himself. He's got jigs laying about and lots of measurements marked on the wall. He made these back rest for several different mc brands. I watched as he measured, bent, welded etc. Like a lot of us he seemed to be a handyman a diyer who found a much.
Niche. Hope he enjoys his retirement days.
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Re: PROTAC Backrests - End of an era
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 129 Likes: 13
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 129 Likes: 13 |
Just saw this....
Looks like I won't be able to get any more new bikes.
I have two Americas and one Pro-Tac that swaps between them. (brackets on both).
Definitely an improved ride!
The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
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Re: PROTAC Backrests - End of an era
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
How hard could it be to make one?
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: PROTAC Backrests - End of an era
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 129 Likes: 13
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 129 Likes: 13 |
How hard could it be to make one? Simple.... if you have the following equipment and the skills to use them 1- Metal fabrication 2- Welding 3- Powder Coating 4- Chrome plating 5- Heavy duty sewing machine
The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
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Re: PROTAC Backrests - End of an era
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
I forget not all people do those things. I do all except the chroming. I use stainless and polish it instead.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: PROTAC Backrests - End of an era
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 129 Likes: 13
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 129 Likes: 13 |
I'm with you, but you're right. most folks have entirely different skillsets. Most relate to computers which I am decidedly not proficient with.
Last edited by VABird; 06/17/2020 12:15 PM.
The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
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