It can be replaced with out pulling the engine(it is way easier with the engine pulled) just remove the airbox, carbs, handle bars, lower tierod, lower mounting bolts and upper mount bolts and out it should come. The replace it with one from Riders Edge motor sports Lumby(click the link) I've got him to build mine 2" longer then stock and I have another 6" on top of that and it's solid. Kurt makes tough stuff!