Also, if I am going to need to loosen the docks each time I want to put the backrest on....what's the freakin point? I'll ditch the setup or just go back to the rigid plates.

 

Sorry, didn't finish the explanation. Only have it loose on the first fit, then tighten the 4 bolts down. Once that's done you're good to go.

 

Also SC, here's some pics of my detachable:

 

I very much appreciate the pics, Archer. Maybe the sideplates aren't bent because they look like they follow the same angles as yours do. I'll try your suggestion.

 

If I didn't know - I would have guessed warped or bent...

 

Ok folks....I took the advise to loosen the docking points, then slide the sissybar into place. Went on without a problem. That told me it's a clearance problem.

Per the docking hardware install sheet, it shows a spacer being installed between the rear docking point and the siderail (shown here):


I took a guess and moved that spacer to in between the front docking point and the siderail (pic here) and it works without a problem and seems rigid enough.


Thanks for the suggestions but I kind of had that idea last night along with the "bent" theory.

 

Glad it all worked out for ya SC!

 

Looking at this pic, it seems your mount point in on backwards. I believe it needs to be turned around. I admit I didn't read the whole post, so maybe you're doing this for a reason. I took mine off to address a rattling noise and installed them on the way you show in your pic and couldn't get the front of the bracket to line up. Flipped them over and everything lined right up. Just a thought.

 

Gearhead, I'm not quite sure I understand. There is no way these could be installed "backwards". Unless I transposed the front and rear docking points, which I didn't.

My problem was a clearance problem which was solved by moving the spacer designed for the rear docking point to the front docking point. The very front of the detach. sideplates was contacting the strut making it impossible for it to fully seat. Adding that spacer to the front dock moved it out from the strut enough for clearance as shown in pic #2 (bottom). The instruction show the spacer (marked as #4) installed between the strut and the REAR dock point. The whole setup feels very rigid the way I have it installed, although I have not had a passenger, nor have I ridden, since it's been in the low 40's and 30's...

I double and triple checked my install before making the simple adjustment using the spacer. I had it installed per the instructions and it was wrong. Simple. Resolved.

 

It is backwards. The beveled piece goes next to the fender strut and the bolt tightens up against the flat. The spacer goes next to the fender strut on the rear.

Of course if it works that way we can just say it's a 'custom' mount!