VLX Seat Removal Tip

[divisiontheory]

As everyone warned, I also discovered that it is a real b*tch to get the seat back on a VLX after you take it off. I struggled with this seat issue again and again for almost a year, but the other day I got a bright idea and it worked perfectly. The fix is simple as anything. I just took the old bolts down to the local hardware shop and swapped them out for identical bolts a half inch longer. That was all it took, and now the seat goes on simple and fast.

[dub]

Originally Posted by divisiontheory

As everyone warned, I also discovered that it is a real b*tch to get the seat back on a VLX after you take it off. I struggled with this seat issue again and again for almost a year, but the other day I got a bright idea and it worked perfectly. The fix is simple as anything. I just took the old bolts down to the local hardware shop and swapped them out for identical bolts a half inch longer. That was all it took, and now the seat goes on simple and fast.

I never had a problem with the OEM seat.

Once I got my mustang seat--I got longer screws, too--and it was sooooo worth it.

[missboyd]

for posting the bolt tip about the seat removal for the VLX. I just got a 2003 VLX and have figured out how to replace the battery and to remove the gas tank, but I am still baffled by how to get the seat(s) removed! I've read where someone said it was 2 screws, but I only see 2 hideously positioned 10mm bolts at the rear of the rider seat. Any input on removal of the passenger seat would be greatly appreciated.

[highlandman]

The passenger seat is only connected to the rider seat by a steel bracket beneath. Removing the two hideously positioned bolts gets the whole assembly off. Then you detach the pillion from the rider saddle and reinstall, and lo, you have a solo seat.
-G

[divisiontheory]

You found 'em. Take out those "2 hideously positioned 10mm bolts at the rear of the rider seat" and slide the seat straight back about an inch and it'll come right off.

I always had trouble getting the bolts back in, but replacing them with longer ones seemed to be the fix I needed.

BTW, if you think it is inconvenient to get at those bolts now, wait until you have a set of throw-over saddlebags getting in the way too.

[CleoBen]

Originally Posted by missboyd

but I am still baffled by how to get the seat(s) removed! I've read where someone said it was 2 screws, but I only see 2 hideously positioned 10mm bolts at the rear of the rider seat.

A long, T-handled allen wrench is a great addition to your tool collection for just this situation. The tiny 90 degree model is only really good at scratching your fender or chrome, and is nearly impossible to get any muscle behind to break the seal that somehow tightens over time.

CB

[Trueseaker]

10 mm bolts it is. They can be hard to line up upon re-install, but where I really had a problem was getting the rear seat to push down far enough to slide onto the pegs back there, and it just got worse when I added throw-over style saddlebags. The fix was a couple of washers under the bolts/pegs so they stuck up a little bit higher. Putting the 10 mm bolts back in required getting the left side started, then standing on the left side of the bike, leaning over the seat/laying on it, and threatening the other screw to get it started straight. I didn't have a T handle allen wrench so I put a 10mm box end wrench on the short end of my L shaped allen wrench for leverage to tighten them.

[cafeshado]

i just turned my stock seat into a solo on my 2000 vlx solved the bolt reinstall issue any ideas on wut i can do to make those pegs go away and not leave a nasty lookin set of holes on the rear fender

[CavemanBen]

im gunna be honest, i chucked the screws day one. the seat snaps in so tight ive never had an issue