Abstract: A motorcycle backrest for mounting to the frame of, and working in cooperation with the seat, of a motorcycle. The backrest comprises a pair of elongated frame arm members having bracketry for universal mounting to various makes and models of motorcycles. A backrest pad is secured to the outer ends of a pair of support arms which are in turn pivotally mounted to the frame arm members. The backrest further comprises locking apparatus for locking the support arms in a plurality of different angular positions with respect to the frame arms.