Just completed the attachment of a detachable sideplate/backrest on my 2012 WG and now have a "whole lotta shakin" going on behind me from the bike's natural vibration. Quick detach clamps are locked down snug on the rear frame rail studs but there is some minor play between the forward mounting studs on the frame rail and the c-shaped engagement on the side plates. I would have to think this is necessary in order to remove the side rails from the forward mounting studs. Anybody else experienced this and what have you done to reduce it?

 

It seems these are not "precision" machined pieces. Mine are just the opposite as I cannot remove the backrest. I have read where people wrap electrical tape to take up the space.

 

Had the same problem on my Sportster, with brand new hardware no less. No noise when somebody riding b!tch or when you have some luggage. I tried bending the c-cutouts (sideways) a bit to make it tighter but did not help much. What worked best was to loosen the bolts on the sideplates and twist one down and the other up a bit... so it's not sitting flat when set on the floor. The slight offset would preload the attachment enough to prevent rattle.

 

My right side rattled when I first installed my QD sideplates, switched the rear mounts side to side and the rattle was gone. Didn't really bother me because I couldn't hear it over my exhaust just did it while I was servicing the bike. Worth a shot and won't cost you but 5 minutes.

 

I've had mine on my FXD for close to 4 years and haven't had any problems. The attachment points are still really snug. Try wrapping the studs with black tape like Antonio suggested

 

electrical tape and stretching the base a bit then squeezing it back on to mount it. (i dont ever take it off)

 

My Switchback has the same problem. Electrical tape is the answer. The mount on my FXDX was good to go. Luck of the draw I guess.

Good luck

 

good idea with the electrical tape - wish I thought of that

 

Space the docking points out a little with a flat washer.

My brother runs one and it doesn't vibrate now.

 

I have the same Sissy bar and mine did rattle also. The electrical tape is the answer. All you need is about one wrap at all four docking points and it will stay rattle free until you remove it. I also went to lowes and bought some small rubber o-rings that you can streach over the front docking points and that works also. I cant stand feeling it rattle. You can trim up the tape with a razor blade and you want even see it.