Removing RT Seat....

[vendit]

Can anyone tell me exactly how to remove my seat from my RTS? I would like to put a Utopia backrest on. I was looking at my seat today, and I'm not sure which bolts need to be removed and what the best way is to get to the bolts.

Any help would be appreciated. Lamont, have you by any chance done one of your great video's on this yet?

 

[DougB]

The 2 hinge bolts on the rear. Use a 1/4 drive ratchet, an extension and the correct socket. Also disconnect the wires going to the passenger switch. Disconnect the seat prop also.

 

[MarkLawson]

Approach the two rear bolts from above, pressing the cushions out of the way. There are two metal sleeves the bolts run through that will fall out when you pull the bolts out. You'll also find a couple of square holes beneath the rear of the saddle for those steel sleeves to fall into. Tape those closed or stick rags into them before you start because they will, at best, will be very difficult to retrieve. The lift arm in the front can be removed by sliding the flat blade of a screwdriver under the metal clip spring, & then pull the end sideways off the ball mount.

Also, do a search on Utopia. You'll find a host of additional useful tips.

Enjoy the Utopia!

 

[ulflyer]

Not only can you lose bolts, nuts, sleeves down the holes...if not taped...but even the metric wrench used to hold one end of the bolt! Never to be found again! I guarantee it! pps:

 

[vendit]

There just doesn't seem like much room to work or see back there. Not sure it is something I want to tackle. May just have to scrap the backrest idea. Certainly harder to remove than on my GS.

Thanks for the posts!

 

[MarkLawson]

There just doesn't seem like much room to work or see back there. Not sure it is something I want to tackle. May just have to scrap the backrest idea. Certainly harder to remove than on my GS.

Thanks for the posts!

It's not difficult, you just need to take precautions before starting. The backrest is worth 100 times the effort required.

 

[ThreeWheels]

There just doesn't seem like much room to work or see back there. Not sure it is something I want to tackle. May just have to scrap the backrest idea. Certainly harder to remove than on my GS.

Thanks for the posts!

As Mark Lawson said, it's really not too tough. The notch in the back of the seat makes it easier to get to the nuts in the back for loosening/tightening.

As was stated, make sure you use some duct tape or rags to close off the holes in the back so you don't lose any of the parts in them.

Here are a couple of other hints that I found helpfull.

Before you re-install the seat, use some tape or something to wedge the nuts into the slots in the back so you don't have to hold them in place.

Use some thick grease to hold the spacers in place so you can manipulate the seat easily without worrying that the spacers will fall out.

And does ANYONE know what the bloody hell those holes in the back are for ??
Everyone, including me, says they need to be closed off before servicing the seat.
What do those holes do besides eat parts and tools ??

Just asking.

 

[johnnyg]

Not only can you lose bolts, nuts, sleeves down the holes...if not taped...but even the metric wrench used to hold one end of the bolt! Never to be found again! I guarantee it! pps:

You are definitely not the I mechanic I was thinking of. :roflblack: :roflblack: :roflblack:

 

[effgjamis]

The hole is for draing the water when ryding in the rain, rain itself and if you use a hose to wash the bike. But I will tell you this, everyone above who stated that it is a hole for things to get lost in are absolutly correct.. You can use a small magnet to retreive those items that are of other material than copper, brass or alum. just my two pennys worth.

 

[camper1]

I installed my Utopia last week. I was a little scared to dive in, almost chickened out and considered calling an upholsterer who tweaked my Harley seat, but with the help of all the forum tips, I decided to live on the edge. I didn't lose any parts. Lost my patience a few times, took entirely too long to do it, trashed my work bench looking for tools, and finally found a good use for the serrated knife in my kitchen set. I did check the CD manual to see what parts might come popping out, but nothing went bouncing across the garage floor. Doing the blind screw lineup was challenging but I got everything snugged up. The seat's great but I have one problem I didn't anticipate. I now have to put the backrest down to get on or off. Otherwise I keeping leaving footprints on the seat! :gaah:
I'm going to be taller in my next life!

 

[vendit]

Thanks for all the helpful hints. Normally most mods don't bother me, but after looking at the rear of the seat, I just wasn't sure what all was involved. I appreciate the comments and suggestions!