SuzukiSavage.com - Removing passenger seat backrest to install rack

photojoe FSO

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Removing passenger seat backrest to install rack
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-boule.... 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.

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T Mack 1 - FSO Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline sold 2001 LS650 for a 1986 XLH1100 Posts: 2919 Emmaus,Pa Gender:	Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra Reply #1 - 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.....
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photojoe FSO Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline I did warn you to brace yourself Posts: 1379 New Jersey Gender:	Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra Reply #2 - 04/10/08 at 13:55:02 Ah, thanks T Mack. I'll head on out there and remove it. Much appreciated!
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buttgoat1

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Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Reply #3 - 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.

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Savage_Rob Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Mechanically Inclined Amateur Posts: 6972 Texas (Dallas area) Gender:	Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra Reply #4 - 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.
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drharveys - FSO

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Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Reply #5 - 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.

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.

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Savage_Rob Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Mechanically Inclined Amateur Posts: 6972 Texas (Dallas area) Gender:	Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra Reply #6 - 04/11/08 at 13:09:50 I wound up just leaving the Suzuki mini emblem off anyway.
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Digger Serious Thumper 2005 No Login Offline Ya gotta be tough to ride singles! Posts: 1604 Colorado Springs, CO Gender:	Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra Reply #7 - 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!
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SimonTuffGuy Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline i like to thump... ;) Posts: 1159 Central PA Gender:	Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra Reply #8 - 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).
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ALfromN.H. FSO

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Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Reply #9 - 07/26/08 at 02:39:11

Digger wrote 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!

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?

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1st2know

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Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Reply #10 - 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.

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Digger

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Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Reply #11 - 08/08/08 at 20:11:22

ALfromN.H. FSO wrote on 07/26/08 at 02:39:11:

Digger wrote 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!

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?

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. Angry

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.

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Digger
2001, Metallic Glacial Blue, Raptor Petcock, Verslavy (first hole) (otherwise, mechanically, the bike is stock), 13,xxx miles
I don't own a cage.
www.astronautbiker.com

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flcruzr Ex Member	Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra Reply #12 - 08/08/08 at 20:35:15 For what it's worth, I think the luggage rack makes the bike look a bit sportier! This works for me!
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ALfromN.H. FSO

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Re: Removing passenger seat backrest to install ra
Reply #13 - 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

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2006 Harley Electra Glide 2014-Present
2009 Suzuki C50 2010-2014
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