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Message started by 2011suzukis40 on 05/22/12 at 17:39:37

Title: backrest installation
Post by 2011suzukis40 on 05/22/12 at 17:39:37

This is a little embarrassing to ask but can someone give me step by step instructions with pictures on how to install a backrest on a suzuki boulevard s40? I tried to put it on and have instructions from suzuki but I couldn't get it. Can someone tell me what exact tools I need and give me instructions on how to install it?

thanks in advance

Title: Re: backrest
Post by built2last66 on 05/22/12 at 17:41:21

What problem are you having? I found that you have to assemble the whole back rest and bars, leaving everything loose, then slide it on the back fender, slide in the bolts under the fender, then tighten everything up.. took me and a helper.. I couldn't get it to fit any other way...

Title: Re: backrest installation
Post by SimonTuffGuy on 05/22/12 at 18:09:24

Agree with built... Assembly it and keep the bolts loose, then slide it over the fender and tighten it all up after that. I slid a rag between the fender and the rails so that it wouldn't scratch it up while moving it into place.

I had a bunch of pictures at one point that outlined the install and removal (as well as differences between the Savage and S40 assembly), but I'm not sure that the pictures are still online.

Title: Re: backrest installation
Post by Greg on 05/22/12 at 18:15:29

I loosened one side and removed the other to assemble mine. Heed the warnings about scratching the fender.

My question is does your bike have the correct side rails for a backrest? If not, you will need to get those as well.

Title: Re: backrest installation
Post by bill67 on 05/22/12 at 18:52:44

I took off both side rails off to get in on.then put it back on the motorcycle.It was a pain.

Title: Re: backrest installation
Post by 2011suzukis40 on 05/22/12 at 18:53:51

my bike has everything to assemble the backrest. The problem I am having is: I cant seem to get the bolt under the fender loose. Does anyone no what size it is? Also I am having a terrible time getting my hand underneath it so that I can secure it properly. Is there any tricks of the trade or special tools that can help me?

thanks again everyone

Title: Re: backrest installation
Post by arteacher on 05/23/12 at 04:35:13

A ratcheting box end wrench worked for me.

Title: Re: backrest installation
Post by Greg on 05/23/12 at 04:38:16

080A0B0B494F404F5153490E0A3A0 wrote:

Does anyone no what size it is?

Mine was a 12mm.

Title: Re: backrest installation
Post by 2011suzukis40 on 05/23/12 at 05:11:52

Well I have really done it now. I think I rounded the bolt off. What is a ratcheting box end? I'm sure that's a dumb question but I am a newby. I hate to take it to the dealership and get robbed plus the only one around always wants to keep my bike over night. What about a self adjusting socket? Has anyone used one of those before.

Title: Re: backrest installation
Post by prechermike on 05/23/12 at 05:24:27

2011 I just took one side rail off to replace a turn signal. The nuts are 12 mm, like Greg said. My big fat hands and arms didn't want to go in there, I got my son, with his skinny arms, to get the bolt started from the inside. I used a flashlight to look under the fender as well. I thought about jacking the bike up off the wheel, to see if that would give me a little more room, but son came to the rescue.

This is a racheting box end wrench. gearwrench is a brand name, but craftsman (sears) has them as well and I am sure others do by now.

http://www.uktools.com/images/js/big/JS-S34355.jpg

Rounded off the bolt, maybe some vise grips. :-? I hate it when that happens. >:( But it usually does, at least to me. :-/

Title: Re: backrest installation
Post by zeebeer on 05/23/12 at 05:51:00

By jacking your motor of the wheel it goes down a litlle and your hand passes under the fender more easy. It worked for me, and I have big hands.

Title: Re: backrest installation
Post by bess227 on 05/23/12 at 06:49:00

I just installed the rails and backrest I got from Builttolast on my 07 this weekend. The thing is built to FIT...no extra room for sure.

It is a pain, as stated before, 12mm, if you can get the bike up the back wheel drops down and good sized hands have more room. I still had to get another set of hands on it to keep from scratching it up till i got everything seated.

Seems it would be a simple task..........but not so in my experience. Looks great though and very solid once installed.

Good luck.

And ratcheting box end wrenches are a God send.

Title: Re: backrest installation
Post by 2011suzukis40 on 05/23/12 at 07:30:44

I am going to look for a ratcheting box end wrench and give that a try. If that doesnt work then its vice grip time, and if that doesnt work then its off to the dealership I go.

thanks again for all the help. I love this site!

Title: Re: backrest installation
Post by built2last66 on 05/23/12 at 07:56:36

Yep, bess227 I forgot to tell you how to install it (I was busy as hell the last few weeks).. assemble everything loosely, slide it on, install the bolts under the fender, then tighten everything... took me a good hour to figure that out and I was using spliced turn signal wires so I had to have someone hold the side bars... you need a helper... no need for the dealer ship though, you can do it with a good helper, and I suprisingly didn't even scratch my paint..

I have small enough hands (big handed guys don't know the kind of work I can do :D) that I can just reach under the fender and get the threads started on the bolts with 2 fingers..