When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
need some help from you more experienced wrenchers. I’ve got this beautiful new 25” sissy bar from Viking Bags, to throw on my 2014 iron 883, but I must be missing some kind of a trick to removing these bolts.
both back bolts come out easy enough, the little captive nut holds tight until the bolt is removed, then they come right out. These front bolts though….there’s just a regular flange nut holding them on the backside, and there’s zero room to get a socket or a wrench onto it. Surely I don’t have to remove the tire just to install a sissy bar….right?
There it is, get the bike in the air, unbolt lower shock bolts, let wheel and swing arm rotate down, and the nuts will be available for your wrench of choice, good luck.
From HD installation instructions for gaining access to the mudguard screws:-
Refer to REAR SHOCK ABSORBER, REMOVAL in the Service Manual for removal of the upper shock mounting screw. Lower the rear wheel to provide clearance between the rear tire and fender for access to the fender hardware.
I installed the Detachable system on my 48. Those were extremely tight.
I think you can do it by lifting the bike and letting the tire hang loose, without unbolting the shock. It will buy you an inch or so that might make a big difference.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
Sissy Bar install help!
