I'm trying to decide if I should get a detachable or Rigid backrest for my '08 FXDL...

For those who are running the detachable type:
Do you have to relocate the signals to the rear end? If not, where do they get relocated to (if anywhere)?
Was the install pretty painless?
ANY PICS?
thanks!

 

Nice bike!!

My brother has a detachable on his bike and has taken it off only once in 2 years.

I opted for the rigid mount and do not regret it.

Sammi

 

yes you will have to relocate. I prefer the way it looks with solo seat and no BR so went with the QR. after looking at the Harley licens plate relocate I decided I could make one better and it wouldn't be KROME. here's a link to the ''under 50 bux'' post for it.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/2536718-post39.html

 

On my '08' fatbob I didn't have to relocate the signals and the setup appears to be the same as yours. The install was easy. I really only take it off to get behind it to clean.
Not a great picture but I think it shows where the plates mount.
Good luck,
Tim

 

I would prefer the detachable, but I bought this bike with a rigid medium height backrest and luggage rack from the previous owner. I bought a mini rail and pad to put on instead, and I switch to the taller one for extended trips only (just four screws, and I also change the seat). I might have spent the money to go QR except that the paint on one side of the fender was scuffed behind the rigid plate when I took it off. OTOH I've heard complaints of rattles from some with QR sissy bars so maybe it's just as well.

 

I made my rigid mount removable. Got the idea from someone here. It's not "quick release", but it only takes a couple minutes to take off/put on.

 

Detachable on mine. I like the option to configure the bike however I need to, depending on what riding I'm doing that day. No sqeaks, rattles or any noise from the QR setup.

The rear turn signals just needed an adapter kit, which was basically a longer stud. The dealer put those on for me, and as such are covered under the warranty of the bike. I have since relocated the turn signals to the cheap a$$ bar HD uses for the relocation kit, to make room for bags. I plan to change that out to a nicer looking one next spring/summer.... and to improve the quality of the wiring the dealer did when installing the the detachable side plate hardware. Was really a poor job of wiring.

 

Here's the link to thread about making rigids removable. I cut the slots on the front holes horizontally, though.
easy remove custom sissybar plates

 

I installed the detachable on mine because I rarely every use it. You do NOT have to relocate the t/sigs.

 

I have an 9
09 FXDF and I got the detachable type. The hardware installation is a snap. If you can remove four bolts and thread in four more then you can do it. It is that easy, however you just need a drop or two of loctite on those bolts. The HD hardware kit comes with new bolts by the way but no loctite. You are bolting onto and replacing the bolts that hold the fender struts.

With that said, mine did not want to fit quite right after I got the bolts in. It's not like you can put the bolts in wrong, just a poor design in my opinion. I had to get my Dremel out and grind out some of the "U" shape on the left front hook of the sideplate to make the reach correct and now it is literally a snap to install. I have also seen others complain of a loose fit causing a rattle although I have not had that issue. It can be solved with a couple of o-rings from what I have read.

If you are like me and normally have the sissy bar off but occasionally put it on for either a place to put your T-bag or for a ride with the wife then this is for you. I like mine, just wish I didn't have to grind that out as described.....oh, and if you have not already removed them, the stock side reflectors might be a bit in the way but if you like reflectors for some reason the removable sideplates come with new ones you can put on since they cover up the stock ones anyway.

And one last thing, no turn signal issues at all on my FXDF.