Installing interstate trunk on a standard

[Mike in AR]

Have a question on installing an I/S trunk on a Standard. Does the bike need to be on a jack to replace the standard rails with the I/S rails? I know the upper shocks have to come off the rails to change them out, but can not remember if the bike needs to be raised or not. I am headed to MD to help my son with this, and I know he does not have a jack. Don't really want to have to drag my jack all the way out there and back if it is not really needed.

[Chrisj CMA]

It would be easier on a lift but it can be done without. Either way it’s much better at least for re assembly to have two people on hand.

[sandy]

Take your lift and adapter. You won’t regret it.

[Bagger John - #3785]

Definitely easier if you have the bike's weight supported so the rear suspension isn't loaded.

Do one side at a time after removing a sissy bar or other hardware connecting the two mounts and rails together (if installed). Remove one shock from its upper mount, remove the mounting stud, remove the fender bolts and remove the side rail. Put the I/S part in its place and loosely install the shock mount along with both fender bolts. Tighten the shock mount to specified torque first, then do the fender bolts and install the shock's upper eyelet on its stud. Install and torque its fixing bolt.

Repeat the process for the opposite side, then install the trunk mounting bracket - and lastly the trunk.

Something to watch out for: The I/S seat has a tab at its rear which engages two vertical members of the trunk bracket to keep it moving from side to side. On two of the non-I/S on which I installed I/S trunks, I had to clearance the vertical members (a 45-degree mitre about 3/8" wide) in order to avoid contact with the taillight housing. Some members reported this was a plug-and-play operation but it does bear checking before you bolt everything up.

[Mike in AR]

Well, looks like I will be taking my lift and adapter. Mama is not going to be happy, but after 37 years of putting up with me, she has learned to expect the unexpected. lol

       Thank you all for the advice.

[Willow]

The lift isn't absolutely needed but even with the lift do one side at a time.  It will save you alot of hassle.

[da prez]

 A set of jack stands under the sissy bars after the bike is in the air will help stabilize it . I use this method often.

                                       da prez

[Willow]

A set of jack stands under the sissy bars after the bike is in the air will help stabilize it . I use this method often.   

Sissy bars?

[Bagger John - #3785]

A set of jack stands under the sissy bars after the bike is in the air will help stabilize it . I use this method often.   

Sissy bars?

Engine guards, I'm thinking.

[DTulis]

For Mike in AR, I live in central Maryland and can loan you the jack stand and a red Valkyrie adapter plate if you need it and if you haven’t yet left home.
David T, Frederick, MD/2000 Interstate
4047883757

A set of jack stands under the sissy bars after the bike is in the air will help stabilize it . I use this method often.   

Sissy bars?

Engine guards, I'm thinking.

[Mike in AR]

DTulis, Thank you for the offer, but we left Monday morning, got here Tuesday afternoon, and got the trunk installed this afternoon. I did bring my jack and adapter. It was cramped in the trunk of the Toyota Corolla, what with the bike trunk, bike jack, tools, adapter, and two soft bags with our clothes, but we madeit

Willow, you are absolutely right about doing one side at a time being easier. I learned the hard way, when I took the trunk off the bike before giving it to my son. Don't know why he told me he didn't want it at first, only to change his later, but he did. Anyway, it is back on now, and if he wants it taken off, he will be on his own!

da prez, I wish I had known about the jack stands, but don't know where I would have put them! lol I willhave to remember that trick next for next time.

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestion's, advice, and tricks.