INSTALLING A SISSY BAR

[jrram77389]

I am installing a sissy bar on my 2000 Vlk. It looks like I need to remove the rear shocks so that I can rotate the fender support enough to install the SB brackets. Am I seeing this correctly?

[Pete]

If I understand you correctly.
Yes and the fender struts, so you can bolt the brackets to them.

[jrram77389]

Thanks Pete! Are there any precautions I need to take while removing the shocks?

[Cracker Jack]

If the fender rails are from/on an Interstate and have the "ears" where the trunk brackets attach, there are no bolt holes for attaching the sissy bar brackets on the inside of the rails.

[Gryphon Rider]

What did you have instead of the sissy bar that comes with all Standards and Tourers?  One of those aftermarket "solo bars" that spans between the "ears"?  I have removed my sissy bar to add and, later, remove a bracket for my CB antenna.  I didn't have to loosen my fender rails or remove my shocks to do this.  It does take a bit of muscling to squeeze the sissy bar legs between the fender rail ears.

Thanks Pete! Are there any precautions I need to take while removing the shocks?

Yes, you need to support the weight of the bike so the fender doesn't fall down on the tire.  I do this with a motorcycle jack under the engine, with an adapter.

[jrram77389]

If I do one side at a time do I still need to support the bike on a stand?

[Pete]

If I do one side at a time do I still need to support the bike on a stand?

That is the way I did mine and I had no problem. But be careful.

[Chrisj CMA]

If I do one side at a time do I still need to support the bike on a stand?

Doing one side at a time is best.  You will be sorry if you remove all four fender rail bolts at the same time, trust me, I know.

[Fazer]

I just changed my 98 Tourer back to a two up bike from a solo rider.  I had to remove the back half of the fender and all four fender bolts which let the front half float around enough to get to the bolts of the sissy bar.  Did not have touch the shock bolts.  Yes, getting all four fender bolts back in is not a walk in the park, but if you start them just a little its not too bad.  It is easier if the nut cage mod has been done, when installing the back half of the fender.  Just make sure get the plug for the tail light group connected properly an in its little "house" in the front half of the fender.  I had mine all back together once and no brake lights.  Had to remove the fender again and fix--argh!  Now I always test it before buttoning it all up.