Bolts for the backrest
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: mesa, az
Bolts for the backrest
Hi,
I just picked up my first Harleya couple of weeks ago (07 Heritage Classic) and wanted to add on a luggage rack for a trip this weekend.
When I pulled the saddle bag off the right side, there are three or fourTorx boltson the trim and then there are two longstuds in the center extending out from the trim and are used to attach the saddle bag.
Before I go and screw something up, can anyone here tell me if I need to remove just the Torx bolts or do I also need to remove the two longer bolts as well. Also, is there something on the back side of those longer bolts that I need to put a wrench on before attempting to remove them?
Thanks,
I just picked up my first Harleya couple of weeks ago (07 Heritage Classic) and wanted to add on a luggage rack for a trip this weekend.
When I pulled the saddle bag off the right side, there are three or fourTorx boltson the trim and then there are two longstuds in the center extending out from the trim and are used to attach the saddle bag.
Before I go and screw something up, can anyone here tell me if I need to remove just the Torx bolts or do I also need to remove the two longer bolts as well. Also, is there something on the back side of those longer bolts that I need to put a wrench on before attempting to remove them?
Thanks,
Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Bothell, Washington
RE: Bolts for the backrest
Depends on what rack your putting on. The sideplates that your sissy baris mounted to should be held on by the rear mosttorx head fastener and the two saddle bag studs. My rack bolts in where the sissy bar uprights screw into the sideplates but I had to remove the sideplates and all to get at the bolts (too close to fender). There are nutplates inside the fender - you don't need a wrench to hold them.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
RE: Bolts for the backrest
What camman said. I just installed the Sport Luggage Rack last week. Had to remove the sideplates and remove the four smaller bolts that hold the sissy bar to the sideplates. It isn't difficult but do take your time lest you strip the torx screws......they're on super tight !!! Good luck. There are no nuts inside the fender.
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: mesa, az
RE: Bolts for the backrest
You are definately right on the effort and paitence....
So here is what I found out.
As you noted there are no requirements to use a wrench on the back side of the fender. However, the nut plates due have a tendency to fall out once all of the bolts are removed. Putting the plates back into position when reinstalling the hardware isn’t too difficult but it is a fairly tight fit going between the tire and the fender.
The far rear torx and rear stud are attached to the same nut plate in the back. The front stud is attached to a separate nut plate that also supports the torx bolts holding the trim in place farther up front.
The studs and bolts are very tight due to the thread lock. Firm but steady pressure was needed to get them turning.
The torx bolts attaching the side trim are heavy duty and didn’t seem to mind being pulled out and reinserted. However I’m planning on replacing them sometime in the near future with an allen head bolt instead. I’m not a big fan of the torx design.
The biggest problem and my only complaint about the design was the removal and reinstallation of the smaller torx bolts holding the backrest to the side panels. These have to come out to attach the luggage rack. The smaller to go with the torx heads, the more likely they are to strip. I almost was not able to get the last one out. It took a lot of pressure and patience to finally get it turning. Fortunately the luggage rack comes with replacement hardware; otherwise I would have been running down to the hardware store.
IMO building a product that is inherently designed to be modified with hardware like the torx is not the best idea. Especially when having to deal with the smaller hardware. It only gives problems for us do-it-yourselfers as well as the service technicians.
Anyways, it is a done deal. The rack looks good and I’m happy.
Thanks again.
So here is what I found out.
As you noted there are no requirements to use a wrench on the back side of the fender. However, the nut plates due have a tendency to fall out once all of the bolts are removed. Putting the plates back into position when reinstalling the hardware isn’t too difficult but it is a fairly tight fit going between the tire and the fender.
The far rear torx and rear stud are attached to the same nut plate in the back. The front stud is attached to a separate nut plate that also supports the torx bolts holding the trim in place farther up front.
The studs and bolts are very tight due to the thread lock. Firm but steady pressure was needed to get them turning.
The torx bolts attaching the side trim are heavy duty and didn’t seem to mind being pulled out and reinserted. However I’m planning on replacing them sometime in the near future with an allen head bolt instead. I’m not a big fan of the torx design.
The biggest problem and my only complaint about the design was the removal and reinstallation of the smaller torx bolts holding the backrest to the side panels. These have to come out to attach the luggage rack. The smaller to go with the torx heads, the more likely they are to strip. I almost was not able to get the last one out. It took a lot of pressure and patience to finally get it turning. Fortunately the luggage rack comes with replacement hardware; otherwise I would have been running down to the hardware store.
IMO building a product that is inherently designed to be modified with hardware like the torx is not the best idea. Especially when having to deal with the smaller hardware. It only gives problems for us do-it-yourselfers as well as the service technicians.
Anyways, it is a done deal. The rack looks good and I’m happy.
Thanks again.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Bothell, Washington
RE: Bolts for the backrest
ORIGINAL: iowacruiser
Tight would be an understatement. They have locktite on them. Put a litte flame on them for a little bit and they come off much easier.
Tight would be an understatement. They have locktite on them. Put a litte flame on them for a little bit and they come off much easier.
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