Problem with adjustable back rest
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5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver
Problem with adjustable back rest
Went for my first ride this season and the adjustable Harley backrest on my 2016 Ultra Limited has hit a snag. Went to adjust it and now it stays forward under tension and does not lock back. The plastic lever that I use for adjustment just flops up and down and no longer has any tension. I removed the seat to have a look and the wire cable and everything else looks normal. Just cannot lock the seat in place anymore.
Any thoughts? Thanks.
Any thoughts? Thanks.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 5
From: Minneapolis (full time)/ Fayetteville, AR (part time)
Since it stays forward, I would look for something that is jammed in there near the spring or gas cartridge that is not allowing rearward movement.
Worst case senario, uninstall and reinstall the unit and see if that works. Here are the instructions if you did not install this yourself:
https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....3?locale=en_US
Scott
Worst case senario, uninstall and reinstall the unit and see if that works. Here are the instructions if you did not install this yourself:
https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....3?locale=en_US
Scott
Last edited by riderguy57; Apr 2, 2018 at 08:25 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 193
From: Las Vegas, NV
The gas shock could have failed. Suspa makes that part and at one time they'd sell you one directly as the one on my '09 Ultra failed and I bought one for $100. HD will only sell you the entire unit for a lot more $$
https://www.suspa.com/us/
https://www.suspa.com/us/
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 7,618
Likes: 10,437
From: Des moines IA
Look again at the cable connection at the backrest. Make sure the lug on the end of the cable is in its slot on the adjuster. Also make sure that the plastic collar a couple inches back from the end is clipped into the u shaped holder. I had to zip tie mine around that collar to the bracket, so i would be sure it didn't slip off.
Stage II
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Florida
New shock
Which shock did you order to replace the one broken for the backrest??
The gas shock could have failed. Suspa makes that part and at one time they'd sell you one directly as the one on my '09 Ultra failed and I bought one for $100. HD will only sell you the entire unit for a lot more $$
https://www.suspa.com/us/
https://www.suspa.com/us/
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,001
Likes: 5,266
https://shop.suspa.com/027-52046c-lo...ing-p5034.aspx
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 193
From: Las Vegas, NV
Unfortunately it's been so long since I posted this I just don't remember.
If I had to guess, Id say its probably this one.
https://shop.suspa.com/027-52046c-lo...ing-p5034.aspx
https://shop.suspa.com/027-52046c-lo...ing-p5034.aspx
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,847
Likes: 2,495
From: Lake Orion, MI
There is an adjustment in there.
I had a 2014 and purchased a 2021. When the dealer moved the backrest to the new bike, if kept going forward and would not lock.
I pointed that out when I got the bike - they went in, made the adjustment and all has been OK. That was Jan 2012 - so over 2 plus years ago.
I had a 2014 and purchased a 2021. When the dealer moved the backrest to the new bike, if kept going forward and would not lock.
I pointed that out when I got the bike - they went in, made the adjustment and all has been OK. That was Jan 2012 - so over 2 plus years ago.
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Supporter
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 598
From: Northeast Louisiana
It has been a long while since I purchased mine from HD but this sure looks VERY close on Amazon for around $70
HDBUBALUS Adjustable Driver Backrest Mounting Kit Fits for Harley Touring Road King Electra Glide CVO 2009-2020 https://a.co/d/bYz8bbS
Don't think link is working but checkout Amazon and you will easily find it.
HDBUBALUS Adjustable Driver Backrest Mounting Kit Fits for Harley Touring Road King Electra Glide CVO 2009-2020 https://a.co/d/bYz8bbS
Don't think link is working but checkout Amazon and you will easily find it.
Last edited by Bayou FLHR-M8-128"; Nov 12, 2023 at 07:06 PM.
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