I need a more comfortable passenger seat for my wife's sake. I read on the H-D site that adding the Sundowner seat requires the use of the fender plate. I've looked at pictures of the seat, and it looks like the seat could be installed without the plate. My question is, is the plate required for the seat installation? Just a FYI, I plan on adding the plate, bar, and backrest later.

THe plate is definitely required for the Back Rest

THe plate is definitely required for the Back Rest...but NOT needed for just the Sundowner pillon. As Stomper said, the backrest frame is bolted to the plate with four horizontal screws. Make sure the other 4 small vertical screws are not long enough to scratch your fender. They are cosmetic (don't hold jack-shite) and the older plates included screws that were too long, went through the protective rubber base and gouged the paint. don't ask how I know...

HH

Thanks guys. I knew it was required for the backrest though. Thanks for the tip about the screws. When I first saw the plate, I told the wife I would never put a sissy bar on there b/c it looked like I would have to drill my fender to mount it. Recently I discovered you don't. Again, thanks!

If you get the baseplate, make sure you clear the threads with a tap (4mm & 6mm, IIRC) before you try bolting it up.

I have an 03' with a Willey G seat. I have the plate and small sissy bar. The plate levels the rear pillon..without it the rear seat slops to the back making it hard for her to hold on. The plate adds function and alittle more chrome...