Sissy Bar Questions

[BigSpenda864]

I am not sure if this is the right place for a sissy bar question but here it goes...

I have an '08 K-9. I purchased the 12" sissy back with pad and the pillion pad for a passenger. I don't actually like how the sissy bar looks but I like to use it to secured my T bag when I am on an overnight trip. That's the only reason I bought it really. The dealer talked about how easy it is to remove and put back on because I only use it once or twice a month. Then I tired to take it off. It was a pain in the ass to say the least. I was very concerned with scraping the chrome or paint while taking it off. Luckily I got it off without any scrapes but Myrtle Beach is coming and I need to put it back on for the trip down. Anyone have experience with the sissy bars that can give me a few tips? Thanks in advance.

 

[ROCKETDOG]

Yeah - these things can be a pain. I have one on my '06 chopper. You have to be careful about the paint on the rear fender when removing as there is some side-to-side tension on these. Best thing to do is use something to cover the fender areas and some of that blue painters tape around the hole if you are worried about scratching those spots upon removal. Once you remove the bolt from each side of the unit - try to wiggle it out evenly. if it unit wont wiggle out easily - you can use a wooden dowel and hammer to tap each side of the bar from underneath. Lots of lube when instaling helps with removal somewhat.

 

[N8KAM]

Yeah - these things can be a pain. I have one on my '06 chopper. You have to be careful about the paint on the rear fender when removing as there is some side-to-side tension on these. Best thing to do is use something to cover the fender areas and some of that blue painters tape around the hole if you are worried about scratching those spots upon removal. Once you remove the bolt from each side of the unit - try to wiggle it out evenly. if it unit wont wiggle out easily - you can use a wooden dowel and hammer to tap each side of the bar from underneath. Lots of lube when instaling helps with removal somewhat.

Coulden't have said it any better... mine is the same way

 

[BigSpenda864]

Thanks. Its just one of those things that's a pain in the ass to do. On my HD I have one with a quick release so it only takes 20 seconds or so to put it on or remove it. I was more worried about the chrome since it doesn't seem to come out straight. You have to wiggle it a bunch. The first time was a real bitch.

 

[Gas Man]

This is a issue getting it in? should drop right in.

 

[BigSpenda864]

It was more of an issue getting it out but it doesn't drop right in that's for sure. It takes some wiggling. It is easier to put it on the bike than take it off. I am more worried about the potential for damaging something taking it out. Maybe it'll get easier the more I do it. Maybe it'll kind of loosen up some.

 

[Raywood]

Do you have the shelf on the rear of it that holds the bag up? If so I would pull it and re-check alignment. Also ensure your back rest is not pressed up to high causing the bar to spread open.

I can pull and install mine one handed as it just slips right in!!!

:flag:

 

[BigSpenda864]

Do you have the shelf on the rear of it that holds the bag up? If so I would pull it and re-check alignment. Also ensure your back rest is not pressed up to high causing the bar to spread open.

I can pull and install mine one handed as it just slips right in!!!

:flag:

I don't have a shelf. I always turn the bag around and it sits on my pillion pad so I can use it as a back rest. I will check the back rest and see if its too high. It seems to me the bar is spread too far. That may be the whole problem.

 

[Gas Man]

Ray that is what I'm saying... both my bars (BDM & custom) drop right in.

I wonder if this is a common problem and part of their sissy bar bolts snapping and ending in a recall?????