Hey guys,

I was viewing the picture thread and noticed a lot of people removed the chrome piece that rides above their rear fender. What exactly is that piece and what is it used for? I ride solo most of the time, though the girlfriend will ride with me on occasion. Do I need it for two up, what is it for? I like the cleaner look with it removed. Was also wondering how much of a headache it would be to remove it. I just purchased and 06 SG, so I'm new to the SG's but not HD.

without the bar-

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y28...pse7b1ffe8.jpg

Thanks all

 

The photo you posted was of a post 09 bike. (a 2014 specifically) After that year, the bikes didn't have the bar. (major frame redesign in 2009)

Prior to 09, its a structural piece. Some have cut it out and capped the ends with various methods. Personally, I wouldn't. Its there for a reason.

 

Thank you sir, thought this was a modification people were doing. I have an 06, I know mine has that and thought it looked cleaner without it.

 

like it was.said before that bike you posted is a new style street glide when they did the frame change there was no need for that rear support bar. Yes its ugly haha but its there for a reason too. Many have removed it with no effect so they say but some have also felt effects and put it back on! You can always have it powder coated any color you want to help hide it some. That's my plan this winter.

 

Thanks that's a good idea, getting it powder coated.

Any input for those who removed them from the 06s or similar?

 

I'm not convinced it serves a major purpose on a street glide. I can tell you that (assuming I'm thinking of the right part) on my electra glide classic it serves 2 purposes. First, it holds the ugly license plate mount. Secondly, and much more importantly, it serves as the rear support for the tour pak. Switching to the tour pak quick release kit eliminates the need for this, but if you leave it stock, that rear chrome bar serves a major purpose. My guess is that the SG just has it as a vestigial piece of unnecessary chrome. I say ditch it.

 

It's there for a purpose: to hold your license plate. Your rear fender adds more rigidity than the little chrome bar. Not that you need either, you could remove your rear fender and saddlebags, and your bike would ride just fine.

The 08 and earlier frames have a welded rear section, compared to the bolt-on rear section on the 09 bikes, there's plenty of stiffness over the rear wheel. Take it off if you don't like it, but you'll need to come up with a couple of brackets that attach between the fender struts and the saddlebag supports (the ones that run vertically down the fender).

 

Bad Dad makes the license plate bar eliminator brackets (as does a couple of other companies)

http://www.slickcustoms.com/bad-dad-...g-baggers.html

 

He has a street glide. The plate mount is below the tail light. Not on the fender hoop.

 

Title says Chrome piece over rear fender