How to remove a 2nd-gen tail

I realize people have posted walk-throughs before, but they always seem to get lost in the depths of search. Mods, if you could sticky this that'd be great!

How to remove a 2nd-gen tail

First, gather the required tools:

* 4mm allen
* 6mm allen
* #2 Phillips-head screwdriver
* 10mm socket
* 10mm wrench
* 12mm socket
* Beer



Step 1) Remove the front seat side plates via 4mm allen-head bolts, one per side. Once unbolted, pull up and out. They'll pop right out.



Step 2) Remove the front seat via 6mm allen-head bolts, one per side. Once unbolted, pull the front of the seat straight up and out. There are two tabs in the rear that slide under hooks on the subframe.



If you haven't done it already, remove the rear seat/cowl. This will leave your bike looking like so:



Now you can start removing the tail bodywork. There are 6 bolts holding it down, two 12mm and four Phillips-head.

Step 3) Remove the front two Phillips-head bolts.



Step 4) Remove the other two Phillips-head bolts.



Step 5) Remove a small Phillips-head screw and 3-position push tab. Note, to remove the 3-position tab push the center in. When installing, push the center back out so it stick out. Pop the push-tab in place, the push the center back flush with the base.





Step 6) Remove the two 12mm bolts holding down the grab rail (or latch for cowl-havers).



Before the tail comes off you'll need to disconnect the seat seat lock cable at either end. If you have a 5mm allen you can remove it at the latch, which is easier. If not, you can remove it at the lock.

Step 7) If you have a 5mm allen, remove the seat lock cable. After removing the bolt twist the cable around to the slit (where the end is) and pull it out.



Step 8 ) Disconnect the tail light.



Step 9) Remove four more push-tabs underneath the tail. Mine all popped off in a wreck; they'd be were the holes are in the picture.



Step 10) Now you can remove the tail. Slowly work it up and over all the little tabs, wires and other stuff on the subframe. It is somewhat flexible, but try not to bend or pull it apart too much. It gets easier with practice.

Enjoy your tail-less SV!

The following steps are for removing your fender. I don't have an OEM fender to take pics of, but it's really all the same.

Step 11) Unplug your turn signals and license plate light.

Step 12) Remove two 10mm bolts holding the rear of the splash shield up (one per side). Pop the tab off and swing the splash shield down.





Step 13) Remove the four 10mm bolts that hold the fender on (or fender eliminator bracket in my case).



Installation is reverse of removal.