Removing rear backrest

[jims]

I have looked at the existing threads on converting the Nomad to a "solo" set up and would like to do it on my 2007. Can anyone tell me if the rack and handhold frame removal is straight forward without the need to replace mounting bolts, spacers etc.? Thanks. Jim

[cactusjack]

It's not complicated. Remove the 4 bolts that attach the grab bars to the chrome side plates along the fenders, lift off the backrest, replace the 4 bolts. You can remove the 4 bolts holding the backrest to the grab bars before or after.

[jims]

Thanks "cactusjack" for the information. Seems like Kawi made it easy for a style change. Jim

[jims]

Attempted to make change to solo but could not get the hex bolts holding the rack to the bike off using just a hex key wrench. Has anyone had to use an impact wrench to loosen these bolts on their bike?

[cactusjack]

Sometimes they are tight, probably loctited on. If you have access to a hand impact, the kind you strike with a hammer, that will bust them loose.

BTW, I would suggest anyone planning to work on these bikes invest in a set of 3/8" drive metric hex sockets. They are much better than using an "L" shaped allen wrench.

[mobandy78]

Originally Posted by jims

Attempted to make change to solo but could not get the hex bolts holding the rack to the bike off using just a hex key wrench. Has anyone had to use an impact wrench to loosen these bolts on their bike?

I was just asking about this last week. I took the plunge this last weekend and tried it out. It is fairly straight forward. I have to undo my saddlebags to get the the 4 bolts that hold the grab-rails on, as I'm sure I'm not using / don't have the "perfect" tool to do this. I bought a set of metric allen wrenches from Lowe's and use the 5mm wrench. I had one bolt that was very tight/stuck. :-/ I was afraid to put too much pressure on it, but went just a tad more and it broke free. Took me about 25-30 minutes to remove the stuff the first time, as I was being extremely careful and making sure I noted what I was doing. Now, it takes me about 10-15 minutes to do the process.

Once I got the backrest and seat off on Saturday, my fiance wanted to go riding on Sunday. So, back on all the stuff went, then when we got home, it came back off.

[mobandy78]

Here's another picture... in color.

[jims]

Originally Posted by MO

I was just asking about this last week. I took the plunge this last weekend and tried it out. It is fairly straight forward. I have to undo my saddlebags to get the the 4 bolts that hold the grab-rails on, as I'm sure I'm not using / don't have the "perfect" tool to do this. I bought a set of metric allen wrenches from Lowe's and use the 5mm wrench. I had one bolt that was very tight/stuck. :-/ I was afraid to put too much pressure on it, but went just a tad more and it broke free. Took me about 25-30 minutes to remove the stuff the first time, as I was being extremely careful and making sure I noted what I was doing. Now, it takes me about 10-15 minutes to do the process.

Once I got the backrest and seat off on Saturday, my fiance wanted to go riding on Sunday. So, back on all the stuff went, then when we got home, it came back off.

[jims]

Sorry about the double reply. Thanks "MO", that's the look I want. Appreciate the response "cactusjack"mmm hmmm, borrowing a impact wrench to break the locktite free.

[mobandy78]

When I take mine off, I leave the backrest, hand rails, and luggage rack all together. I just remove the 4 bolts that you're talking about and remove everything as one piece. It's not that hard to do.

The one thing you have to be careful about... the bottom of the bracket fits pretty snug around the chrome fender trim, so you have to "pry" or "pull" them apart to get the grab bars over the trim pieces. It doesn't take a lot of pressure, but it was more than what I originally expected.

And a little tip... when I take mine on/off, I place a towel down on the fender just in case I accidentally drop something.