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Message started by photojoe on 04/10/08 at 13:33:55

Title: Removing passenger seat backrest to install rack
Post by photojoe on 04/10/08 at 13:33:55

My rear rack just arrived from Oneida, it's this one: http://www.oneidasuzuki.com/store/parts-accessories/rear-rack-ls650-s40-boulevard.html. It looks like it does indeed slip on over the sissy bar but the passenger backrest needs to be removed. I was looking for screws, but none to be found. The Clymers only has a few pages on the body, and I'm guessing I have to remove both seats to get to whatever is holding the backrest on yes? If anyone has any input on getting the backrest off without going throught the process of removing both seats, please let me know.
It's a 1987 stock bar and seats.
Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Post by T Mack 1 on 04/10/08 at 13:43:17

Two screws under the Suzki logo. Logo is only double sided taped on.

Well..... at least on my '01.....

Title: Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Post by photojoe on 04/10/08 at 13:55:02

Ah, thanks T Mack. I'll head on out there and remove it.
Much appreciated!

Title: Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Post by buttgoat1 on 04/10/08 at 17:58:28

Be careful if you dont put the emblem back on immediately. I removed the emblem on my backrest pad and the screws vibrated out and the pad fell off on the very first trip to work after that. So, now I am going to have to cut a piece of plywood to shape, glue on a little foam, and cover it all in marine grade vinyl.

I have been kicking around the idea of a removable rack to slip over the frame of the backrest, possibly even going forward to form a backrest for me. Maybe make some legs that attach to the top of the shock mounts, and bungee it down. Oughta be able to carry a nice size load with a super pillion rack.

Title: Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Post by Savage_Rob on 04/11/08 at 04:49:17

Yeah, use some blue Loctite on the screws when you reinstall the pad. I think my rack actually came with a small strip of double-sided tape to use to reinstall the mini emblem.

Title: Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Post by drharveys on 04/11/08 at 10:04:57

Or just leave the backrest off completely. I think it looks better plain, any passenger just uses it more to know how far back her butt goes, and you can cover the other side of the holes with another medallion. I use the one from the BMW riders of Japan.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e204/drharveys/Suzuki/DSC02289.jpg

Notice how there's an upturn at the rear of the Sportster's pillion, while the Savage saddle leaves off this cue to the location of the edge.

Title: Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Post by Savage_Rob on 04/11/08 at 13:09:50

I wound up just leaving the Suzuki mini emblem off anyway.

Title: Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Post by Digger on 07/25/08 at 21:47:34

A word to the wise on that particular luggage rack: It's not the strongest thing in the world. If you carry loads on it, inspect the welds periodically for separation.

DAMHIK!

Title: Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Post by SimonTuffGuy on 07/25/08 at 22:13:33

Cool. Can't wait to see the installed shot. This is one of my future add-ons, right after the highway bars (not Suzuki though).

Title: Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Post by ALfromN.H. on 07/26/08 at 02:39:11

0F222C2C2E394B0 wrote:

A word to the wise on that particular luggage rack: It's not the strongest thing in the world. If you carry loads on it, inspect the welds periodically for separation.

DAMHIK!

I have actually used my OEM luggage rack to pick the bike up. I think it is plenty strong. Anyone ever hear of one breaking?

Title: Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Post by 1st2know on 07/26/08 at 08:49:03

Also, I found that removing the pass seat makes fastening the thing on easier.

It's rated for 40lbs, I have doubts. Mine has never broken, but it's so small, I cant find a heavy enough load that would fit on it to properly test it. It may hold a six pack, sideways, duct taped on.

As far usefullness, I found that it only searves to protect the tail light from falling acorns and bird poop. I'm digging the Closet Maid idea as an upgrade.

Title: Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Post by Digger on 08/08/08 at 20:11:22

2D202E2E7A4C0 wrote:

[quote author=0F222C2C2E394B0 link=1207859635/0#7 date=1217047654]A word to the wise on that particular luggage rack: It's not the strongest thing in the world. If you carry loads on it, inspect the welds periodically for separation.

DAMHIK!

I have actually used my OEM luggage rack to pick the bike up. I think it is plenty strong. Anyone ever hear of one breaking?[/quote]

Hi Al,

The welds on both sides of mine have broken. I have a JC Whitney trunk loaded on the luggage rack. I've been known to carry two gallons of milk in the trunk over bumpy roads.

I got both sides rewelded, but one of the welds broke again. >:( So, I've currently got that side of the rack held together with a couple of u-bolts.

I wish there was a stronger luggage rack available for this bike.

Title: Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Post by flcruzr on 08/08/08 at 20:35:15

For what it's worth, I think the luggage rack makes the bike look a bit sportier! 8-) This works for me!

Title: Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Post by ALfromN.H. on 08/09/08 at 07:44:26

I'll keep an eye on the welds on mine but I have had it loaded up pretty good and haven't had a problem yet. Although, most of the time when I'm carrying any kind of heavy load, I have it on the passenger seat. I stand by my statement though, that I've picked the rear of the bike up off the ground using the luggage rack.
AL