When I remove the rear seat on my 2002 Heritage, I notice there is a plastic film on the rear fender where the rear seat goes. I suspect it is there to protect the rear fender for the seat. Can I remove the film with impunity if I want to temporarily go without the seat, or am I setting myself up for a scratched fender? I think the film looks like crap.

 

You can take it off. You can buy new ones too. Just expect your fender to get scratched when the seat is on.

I kept mine on and put the fender bib over it.

 

You can remove it. Save it. And, re-use it again if you put your rear seat on.

My Vivid Black fender looks a lot better with the plastic off.

Mike

 

You can also just remove it & glue some felt on the under side of your seat to protect the paint when your seat is on. That's what I did on my 08 Heritage & it worked great.

 

Remove it slowly with a hair dryer and you'll leave no glue behind. THEN, you can reuse it: It retains sticky, so you can just plop it in place when you need it and it comes right off afterwards (no heat gun). (keep it in a clean spot where it doesn't pick up crap that might scratch your paint next time you use it)

 

or you could buy a fender bib that covers it with a single seat.

 

TIP: This is what I did. I run my sled solo 95% of the time. I have so much money and work in my bike yet here was this dumb but purposeful piece of film that looked hideious when I removed my rear seat. I peeled it off, cleaned the fender and waxed it clean. I then got a very soft 100% cotton towel and I cut it to exact size as the rear seats I use. When I throw a seat on I now have this piece of soft cotten to fit under my seat. You can not see it and I have ran it now for a good 6 months and yet to have a single scratch or scuff. Good luck!!

 

Thanks guys, I think I'm going to check out fender bibs or putting something on the bottom of the seat. Or maybe I'll just talk more ladies into going 2 up.

 

After I bought the wife a Touring seat I cut down the stock pillion and made my own rear bib and backrest all in one with spots that matched the bags.

Its only for solo riding and gives my back really good support on long rides/trips.

 

+1- Only I peeled mine off and put it back on after I got the bib. I wish I had never peeled it.