i've owned my 2004 sportster for abour a month and the mrs is showing no interest in getting on the back! so i'm thinking about removing the sissy bar and replacing the dual seat with a single. anyone know how easy (or difficult) it would be to remove the sissy bar? it's an official HD fitted part i think...

 

Is it solid mount or the quick release I can't tell from the pic? Either is easy, the quick release you just move the 2 fasteners and it comes off.

 

i'm at work at the moment mate so i can't take a look to describe it exactly, but i'm sure it's solid mount not quick release

 

It's solid mount.
Harley's install instructions:
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...ts/-J02821.pdf
There are slots to accommodate the turn signal wires, so you shouldn't need to completely dis-assemble the turn signals.

 

thanks

i notice under the seat there is a protective cover (or something?) stuck on the rear fender. is this easy to remove?.......

 

It'll peel off. If you're a little careful, it can be saved and re-applied if you go back to a two-up saddle. If you decide to save it, keep it clean in a zip lock baggie or something.

 

thanks harleyscuba

as stated in my other thread that you're helping with, i'm a bit of a novice. i don't have a paddock stand or anything. can this job be done with the bike on the side stand? or will it 'collapse' as i remove the sissy bar with it being solid mounted?

and.... will i have to adjust the rear suspension settings? (i assume it's setup for 2 up?)

 

You shouldn't need to remove the shocks, so a lift/stand is not required to remove the sissy bar. Once you get the other bolts out, it should pull straight up, being sure the turn signal wires are passing through the notch in the sissy bar.
There are only five positions for the rear shock pre-load. For solo, set it in the middle and see what happens.

 

Nooooooooo, you will void your warranty.

 

not a great picture, but the sissy bar's gone! thanks for your help...