Back Rest Removal

The fact that I'm asking this Q should let you know the extent of my mechanical ability.

I want to go solo on my 2003 standard Valk.  I think I can handle the rear seat removal.  But looks like to remove the back rest I need to remove the chroame rear fender struts.  There are 3 bolts, one of them being the rear shock.  Do I have to use a lift or jack and remove the rear shocks to get the chrome strut off to get to the backrest bolts??

[Valker]

..but it looks better. That really is a long, hard job. Some folks buy a type of low bar that replaces the backrest bars, but it looks out of place on a solo bike IMHO. If I were maybe switching solo to dual, I'd go with the bar. If I were leaving it solo-I'd work and remove the bar.