How to Remove a GSX-R Seat
by Chris GillilandThe GSX-R has been the crown jewel of Suzuki's sport motorcycle lineup since its introduction in 1985. Very few sport bikes can claim the honor of being called the preeminent sport bike, the bike that shaped what a street-legal racing motorcycle should be. Because there is little more than an aluminum frame and engine beneath the GSX-R's aerodynamic body, Suzuki's engineers placed the motorcycle's battery and electronics under the rider seat to maximize use of available space and to ease maintenance. Early models used a simple keyed latch to remove the seat; newer GSX-Rs use the same latch for the passenger seat but bolt the rider seat into place.
2000 and Older GSX-R Models
Step 1
Insert the ignition key into the seat-release latch under the left side of the motorcycle's tail fairing, directly below the passenger seat. Turn the key counterclockwise to release the latch. Lift the front of the passenger seat upward, and then pull the seat forward until you can remove it.
Step 2
Lift up the rear corners of the rider seat to reveal the mounting bolts. Remove the bolts with a 10 mm socket and ratchet.
Step 3
Lift the rear of the seat upward, and then pull it toward the rear of the motorcycle to disengage it from the catch at the base of the fuel tank.
Step 4
Reinstall the seat by sliding the mounting tabs into the fuel tank catch. Lower the seat into place and tighten the seat-mounting bolts to 7.6 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench.
Step 5
Slide the rear of the passenger seat into place, and then push down firmly on the front of the seat until the latch locks into place.
2001 and Newer GSX-R Models
Step 1
Insert the ignition key into the seat-release latch under the left side of the motorcycle's tail fairing, directly below the passenger seat. Turn the key counterclockwise to release the latch. Lift the front of the passenger seat upward, and then pull the seat forward.
Step 2
Remove the bolts on both sides of the rider seat, just below the fuel tank, using a 4 mm Allen wrench.
Step 3
Lift the front of the seat upward, and then pull it toward the front of the motorcycle until the mounting tabs on the rear of the seat disengage from the seat rails.
Step 4
Reinstall the rider seat by sliding the mounting tabs into the slots along the rear of the seat rails. Lower the seat into place and tighten the mounting bolts to 7.6 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench.
Step 5
Slide the rear of the passenger seat into place, and then push down firmly on the front until the latch locks into place.
Things You'll Need
- Ignition key
- 10 mm socket
- Ratchet
- Torque wrench
- 4 mm Allen wrench
Writer Bio
An avid motorcyclist, Chris Gilliland has immersed himself into the two-wheeled world while balancing work life and raising three daughters. When he is not managing the parts department of a local, multi-line motorcycle dealership, Gilliland can often be found riding, writing or working on his motorcycle blog, Wingman's Garage.
