What's the possibility?

[mobandy78]

Just curious if it's possible to convert to a solo set-up, then go back to 2-up set-up and how it looks. Can I just take off the backrest and passenger seat and use it that way?

I would say the majority of my riding is solo, but on occasion, my fiance will ride with me. I like the solo look, especially with a fairing, but that part will have to wait a while. For those of you that went solo, what changes did you make to go the solo route (seats, backrests, etc.)? How hard is it to go from one to the other, then back again?

[ringadingh]

Sure you can, thats what a solo setup is. Some guys install a small rack on the fender, or hide a couple bolt holes with plugs.

[mobandy78]

I just wasn't sure about using the stock seat as solo. When removing the passenger seat, there is the bolt hole in the fender that will be exposed. Does that cause any issues having it exposed that way? How hard is it to remove the stock passenger backrest? It looks like it bolts on to the side trim pieces. How much of the mounting needs to be removed? It's not a big issue for me to go solo, but was just wandering how convenient it is to do it, in case I wanted to try it.

[ringadingh]

A few guys have done it with the 1600's so it is possible, You will probably have to replace a few bolts just to hide the holes.
Beezer has a solo setup with a Mustang seat and a grasshopper backrest. His bike looks really good.

[Jared]

Yep. Just remove what you don't want and you are good to go. Taking of the seat and backrest is very simple. It doesn't hurt anything and is all reversible.

[mobandy78]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the answers. Supposed to rain on Saturday, maybe I'll take a look at it then.

[caper]

I do it all the time :) back and forth!

[mobandy78]

I do it all the time :) back and forth!

Do you use anything to plug the hole in the fender? Have any more pics other than your signature?

[BandC]

Also, PH Customs makes a fender bib that covers up the top of the fender. Take a look at the website, phcustoms.com and see what you think.

[cactusjack]

It's no big deal. See my signature pics. The passenger backrest comes off easily, then remove the passenger seat and the front bracket that hols id in place. I used a couple of stainless steel screws to fill the 2 bolt holes. Then you can either put a solo rack (from an '83-'05 Sportster) on it or leave it naked. I'd probably use a SS screw in the passenger seat bolt hole as well.

[mobandy78]

I've seen the fender bib, but the way it mounts would not allow for a quick mounting of the passenger seat and backrest when I want to put it back on.

[ballast]

Be sure you use a towel and cover your fender when taking the back rest and stuff off. I put 2 nice dings in my old paint because I did not.

[jendesigner]

I have SS bolts in mine, I'm in the process of designing a fender bib but for now it works great. (actually will design the bib and still have the bolts through the leather, could be interesting, I only ride solo)

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x80/Jendesigner/d1d6f1f8.jpg

[mobandy78]

Thanks. Are you using the stock seat?

I have to say, I love the white with the brown leather!

[phenrichs]

The green nomad that PH has pictured with the bib was mine at the time. It is simple really. To get rid of the back end stuff it is only 9 bolts. You have to temp remove the saddlebags then-- 4 bolts that hold the backrest top, 4 that hold the backrest side rails, 1 that holds the backseat on. That is all. If you want the fender bib it only takes 3 bolts to remove the license plate and mount the bottom of the bib. The top mounts to the bolt that holds the driver seat in place.

[jendesigner]

Thanks. Are you using the stock seat?

I have to say, I love the white with the brown leather!

Yes, it is the stock seat. Got the bike the end of the riding season last year, haven't had a long trip yet to know how it feels. I have a 2000 mile ride the end of April, I'm sure I'll know after that. :-) Still getting used to stock pipes, though. Working on leather ideas for the Nomad, I think I'm going brown with it also, I like things a little different.

[mikeyger]

I bought a finder bib I think it was 20 something dollars.It takes about 20 minutes to put passenger seat,sissybar and luggage rack back on.

[mobandy78]

Thanks. Are you using the stock seat?

I have to say, I love the white with the brown leather!

Yes, it is the stock seat. Got the bike the end of the riding season last year, haven't had a long trip yet to know how it feels. I have a 2000 mile ride the end of April, I'm sure I'll know after that. :-) Still getting used to stock pipes, though. Working on leather ideas for the Nomad, I think I'm going brown with it also, I like things a little different.

For me, the stock seat fits perfect. And, a trick for your pipes, debaffle those things and get some Valkyrie tips to add to your stock exhaust. It makes a world of difference in the sound.

[mobandy78]

I bought a finder bib I think it was 20 something dollars.It takes about 20 minutes to put passenger seat,sissybar and luggage rack back on.

Thanks Mike. I think I'll give it a try and see what I think. Appreciate the feedback!

[mikeyger]

J have some of joe's ultimate baffles ! They are a little loud but the sound is what I was looking for!Ireally like them.I also added some torque cones for added back pressure and that made a difference too!

[mobandy78]

So, I pulled off the passenger seat and backrest today. I like the way it looks and it was pretty simple to do. I put the bolts that hold the seat and bracket back into the holes with some rubber washers between the bolt head and the fender.