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Been working on the 05 Softail Springer. The last thing I've really wanted to do is put a pogo-style solo seat on it. I've been looking for something different and I think I found it. I just have to wait until it's delivered.
In the meantime, I've been working on the frame and seat post.
I'm using a V-Twin Mfg "pogo" setup. I looked at the sprung versions but liked the looks of this one better since I'm going for a vintage/classic appearance, not a chopped look.
The mount bolts to the frame using the fuel tank mounting bolt and the two bolts down onto the frame where the ground wires attach.
I started by removing the seat and addressing new areas for the grounds. I drilled the connectors just a tad bigger and re-installed them down on the bolts for the oil can. The battery ground I put on the bolt that comes directly out the back of this section of frame so it would have a solid path to the frame.
I needed to do a little trimming of the front tang and sand down the underside so it would sit flat.
I started by drilling two holes to hold the front in place. Then I found where I needed to make the hole for the "pogo" to stick through.
The chrome part of the pogo unscrews from the small mount that bolts to the forward mount to the tank. There are three small bolts, but only two screw into the lower mount, the third screws down to provide the proper angle to the pogo so that it fits in the "T-bar". Not sure why it is designed like this, perhaps to allow for variations. I don't know, it's not like the distance from the front mount bolt is going to change.
The head for the third bolt protrudes just behind the pogo. This will allow me to adjust the angle with everything installed. I might use a black cap screw to help it hide when not needed.
With the T-bar installed, you can get an idea of how it will all look. I'm waiting for the seat to show up. I need to do a little trimming and perhaps heating of the seat pan so it lays closer to the fender. It's not terrible, but a little heat can do wonders.
I'll likely have to make another cross bar for the seat as mine will be slightly wider than the 10 3/4 inch hole centers on this one. Once the seat is here, I can measure it all out.
Of course, that didn't stop me from trying one of my old police solo seats on for style! It's a little big for this one, but not too terrible.
Those seats are VERY comfortable, but it doesn't have the vintage vibe I'm going for. Besides, I'm not going to fabricate mounts for a seat I'm not going to use. So, I wait for the right one to show up!
I like that........I was considering a sprung seat for the solo ride.............more pics when you get the seat please.
Oh yeah. My plan is to document the entire process. I looked online and couldn't find a lot of info about adding the pogo setup. So, I'll be adding photos as I get them.
I did this back in '12-13. Here are some pictures that might help inspire you. I started
with the 'solo seat' frame covers and customized them by filling in the holes, drilled a new hole
for the pogo mount, and had them covered with waterproof fabric used for SeaDoo seats:
Thanks for checking in. Your bike was one that came to the top repeatedly in my searches. I wondered what parts you started with and what material you covered them with. Thanks for the info!
I'm now in the waiting game for the seat to show up before I can make the T-bar. I have a few pieces I can work on if it gets too bad.
So after I got tired of hearing "it would look cool with a flat pan" from everyone, I switched to an
EarthX lithium battery and a buddy of mine built a flat pan cover and filled in the fender where
ther ECM usually sits. I relocated the ECM down the the BCM compartment....
So, where did you mount the grounds? I initially had them all going to the top of the oil can. But the battery didn't have a good enough ground, so I moved it to the bolt that comes out of the rear of the frame in that area. It has a rubber grommet, but the bolt goes right into the frame so it has a direct ground to the frame this way. The other grounds are still on the oil tank but seem to be working fine. Thoughts?
Hey @WKNDS !
Thanks for checking in. Your bike was one that came to the top repeatedly in my searches. I wondered what parts you started with and what material you covered them with. Thanks for the info!
I'm now in the waiting game for the seat to show up before I can make the T-bar. I have a few pieces I can work on if it gets too bad.
Are you still riding this bike?
You shouldn't have to 'make' the T-bar. This used to be a stocked item from V-Twin Mfg. #VT 31-0313
Yes I ride it, but I also have two other bikes (Sportster and Ducati) so it gets time shared with those.
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Pogo Seat On A Softail
