Has anyone removed the chrome from the rear fender and still carry a passenger? I'm wondering it provides needed support to the fender to hold a passenger.

Agree with Philly, they aren’t structural.  The parts diagram calls them “pillion handles”.  I guess a passenger could clench their fingertips under the bottom side of it during “oh nuts” moments, but I wouldn’t call them handles.  Aside from being fender ornamentals, they have 2 functional purposes as I see it - 1) rear turn signal mounts, and 2) sissy bar mount.  We discussed that in your other post.  I’d be glad to sell you the “pillion handles” (ornamental chrome fender bling) and sissy bar if you want to play with it.  Message me if you are interested.  

Providing measurements of precisely where the pillion handle bolts go into the fenders is virtually impossible to describe.  Like I said in your other post, if you just want to add a sissy bar, figure out where you want to mount it and drill a couple holes where you need in the fender.  You don’t need the pillion handles to add a custom sissy bar.

Sorry.  You’re right.  It was another member, Peng.  My bad.

I’ve had a few of these bikes with and without the backrest.  I can’t decide which I like better.  The sissy bar is a convenient place to hang your helmet if you don’t want to use the helmet lock.  I don’t ride 2-up so I really don’t need the sissy bar.  I guess I kinda like the appearance without the sissy bar a little better (sleeker, less chopper).  Ask me again tomorrow and I’ll change my mind.  

You’ll want shorter bolts if you delete the pillion handles and just plug the pretty cap nuts in there to hide the holes.  There are actually no holes in the fender where the turn signals mount (the turn signal mount holes are part of the pillion handles).  So you’ll need to drill some holes there to accommodate whatever turn signal you choose.  Or just ditch the turn signals all together.  They aren't required for inspection in Texas and the cagers don’t pay attention anyway.  It also prevents you from forgetting to turn them off for 20 miles.  lol.

Philly has the gangster look going on and has the bullet holes in his fender.  But he lives in the city of brotherly love, Philly.  So it’s kinda a safety/security feature for him.  LOOK - that dude’s been shot at!!  He must be a badass!  Give him room!  Stay back 50 feet!

ohiomoto wrote on 07/21/24 at 10:23:47:


Well….some of the newer models don’t even have the chrome pillion handles.  So…. Suzuki engineers must have decided they don’t do much except add extra weight.  I suppose they probably add some “crush zone” protection for the rear fender in the event you get plowed into by some cager texting and driving.  You’ll have a broken neck but the fender won’t be quite as badly disfigured.

They must do something awesome though, cuz they are $158 EACH on Partzilla.com.

I guess I was misinformed about the pillion handles.

Yep, no fat chicks!  It does look sleek and the mini turn signals look good on the bike.

I had to go in the garage last night and look at the pillion handles.  I suppose the 3 bolts and the handles would act as stress members and help distribute the weight of a load more forward towards the frame.

Glad OhioMoto chimed in to comment.  This way, if you decide to delete the handles, you’ll know not to load up fat chicks.

I see your point, Philly.  When I studied it last night, I loosened the all the bolts.  I have a sissy bar.  When the bolts are tightened back up, it pulls the whole thing together and the sissy bar becomes something of a cross-support tying it all together.  I’m not an engineer either, but something is happening there (at least with the sissy bar in play).  But, your personal experience with 2-up riding does make the point that it’s not essential.  If your fender develops a structural crease, please let us know.

One thing not to overlook is that the 2 side chrome brackets are rigidly connected by the sissy bar/backrest. I've given the fender itself some more thought, (and thank all you for doing the same!) and I feel confident the seat can support as much downward force without as with the chrome. But I am thinking that the whole U-shaped 3-piece rigid pinion and backrest could serve to prevent the fender from wagging laterally.