Do you have a lock in you left side cover? If so put your key in, turn the key and lift the seat. You will see how to take the seat off then if you want to take it all the way off. That is how my 80 1000 works. Also when the seat is up there is a little rod that holds it up. It will automatically hold the seat at a certain height. If you want it higher you can just unhook the rod and the seat will fold all the way to the side.

welcome to the madness!.. just remember the only dumb questions are the ones not asked.. plenty of help here...