How to install Sissy Bar ??

[RichInFla]

I did a search through this thread and didn't find an answer, so sorry if I've duplicated. That or it's so easy, you don't need a "How To" !!

I've been looking around for a sissy bar, and if I get one, how do I put it on? It "looks" as though you just remove the two bolts on the back (see below) then re-attach putting bolt through hole in sissy bar mount. It really can't be that easy, can it ?? I figure I MUST be missing something, right ? I may not be able to remove and re-attach the wheels, but duh, I think I can do this if that's all it is...

[Sarris]

I don't have one as I ride a solo seat only, but I'm pretty sure thats all it takes. I will tell you however, that the nuts behind the fender are a major bastard to get to. Good luck.

[Orpheus]

Originally Posted by RichInFla

I did a search through this thread and didn't find an answer, so sorry if I've duplicated. That or it's so easy, you don't need a "How To" !!

I've been looking around for a sissy bar, and if I get one, how do I put it on? It "looks" as though you just remove the two bolts on the back (see below) then re-attach putting bolt through hole in sissy bar mount. It really can't be that easy, can it ?? I figure I MUST be missing something, right ? I may not be able to remove and re-attach the wheels, but duh, I think I can do this if that's all it is...

Yup, just remove the bolts sticking out of the chrome trim on the rear fender and replace them with the longer ones that should come with the sissy bar. It's more difficult than it sounds, because there's so little room between the fender and the tire, but if you have someone lift the rear end up a little while you remove and replace the bolts, it's a little easier.

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by Sarris

I don't have one as I ride a solo seat only, but I'm pretty sure thats all it takes. I will tell you however, that the nuts behind the fender are a major bastard to get to. Good luck.

Found that out installing bag supports. I found a half decent method that worked for my hands.
Sneak up on the bike from the rear.
Snake your left hand between the fender and over the top of the tire to the right side nuts. A box end wrench will work well in that position to hold the nut. Reverse hands and position for the left side.

Do one side at a time and do not tighten up the first side until the second side is done up in position. Tighten up both sides after everything is in it's proper place. Using a little Blue Loctite on the bolts will pretty much insure nothing comes loose in the future. The whole procedure is easy and just needs a good angle of attack.

[patrick_777]

Originally Posted by Water Warrior

Sneak up on the bike from the rear.

Some bikes don't like it like that, be sure you get permission first.

[RichInFla]

Originally Posted by Orpheus

Yup, just remove the bolts sticking out of the chrome trim on the rear fender and replace them with the longer ones that should come with the sissy bar. It's more difficult than it sounds, because there's so little room between the fender and the tire, but if you have someone lift the rear end up a little while you remove and replace the bolts, it's a little easier.

If I end up getting one used or out of the junk yard (with no bolts), how much longer do the bolts have to be, just the width of the sissy bar mount ?? Will it attach with the current bolts (probably not).
Thanks.

p/s: not even going to comment on the "sneaking up on the bike from the rear", too many references to things I wouldn't want to think about at my age !!

[patrick_777]

Originally Posted by RichInFla

If I end up getting one used or out of the junk yard (with no bolts), how much longer do the bolts have to be, just the width of the sissy bar mount ?? Will it attach with the current bolts (probably not).

That's a definite no. The brackets need about an inch or so more clearance on the bolts. For my saddlebag brackets, I ended up going with SAE bolts because Lowe's didn't have the length I needed in metric. Of course the endcaps were going to be covered by the bags so I didn't worry about them and bought lock bolts. They were still a royal pain in the ass to put on though.

The way I did it was similar to WW's technique. I "snuck" up on the rear of the bike and had to fish a hand in to reach the bolts, then feed the wrench (I used a socket wrench) to my waiting hand with my other hand. It wasn't pretty. I imagine from another viewpoint it kinda looked like I was violating the bike up to my elbow.

[jonathan180iq]

I'm just going to let you know that you'll need long skinny fingers and a lot of patience. I have never been more frustrated while working on a bike than when I was installing my rear rack/sissy bar.

[RichInFla]

Originally Posted by patrick_777

That's a definite no. The brackets need about an inch or so more clearance on the bolts. For my saddlebag brackets, I ended up going with SAE bolts because Lowe's didn't have the length I needed in metric. Of course the endcaps were going to be covered by the bags so I didn't worry about them and bought lock bolts. They were still a royal pain in the ass to put on though.

The way I did it was similar to WW's technique. I "snuck" up on the rear of the bike and had to fish a hand in to reach the bolts, then feed the wrench (I used a socket wrench) to my waiting hand with my other hand. It wasn't pretty. I imagine from another viewpoint it kinda looked like I was violating the bike up to my elbow.

Not that I don't mind suffering with the group, but does anyone remember the type/size of the bolt needed and the socket size, just in case I decide to attempt this (one of my buddies thinks he may have found one, but no bolts) ? Is this one of those things that's easier (or less frustrating) after a couple of beers ??

[jonathan180iq]

No. The beers will probably help, but you're still going to end up cussing the design of the rear end.

The bolts that I used came with the rear rack combo. They were just a smidge (maybe last pinki bone length) longer than the original bolts.

Any bolt will work, as long as it's the right diameter. Just go down to Lowe's/HomeDepot and pick up a bunch. Metric bolts are only about 10 cents a pop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~
The advice that I can give may be hard to explain. If you don't understand this, let me know.

The design of the alignment of the rear plastic and the rear frame require all four bolts to be removed at the same time in order to slide the sissy bar assembly on the rear rails (those silver things that sissy bars and saddle bags attach to).

As soon as you remove all 4 bolts, the rear plastic and all that junk will fall loose of the rear frame. It will save you a lot of trouble if you have someone help you and if you remove the rear passenger seat as well, so it won't weight as much. Getting the rear plastic, frame, and new sissy bar to align is the part where you are going to cuss a lot.

When removing the original bolts, unscrew them but do not remove them from the frame holes. just slide them back and replace them one at a time, sliding the new bolt all the way through the sissy bar assembly as you replace it.
At least this way, you won't have to wrestle the rear plastic back into correct alignment.