what is this part for (2017 slim)
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 217
Likes: 86
From: alexandria in
what is this part for (2017 slim)
this fell out when i removed by rear fender bolts. i assume it is some type of brace, but i really cant see any need for it. it looks like it will trap dirt and cause rattles, anyone know what it is actually for and if it really needs to be there? i put it back since i didnt know. thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,104
Likes: 13,047
From: Texas, USA
Welcome to the forum from Texas.
That's the rear fender license plate support bracket.
There are very few superfluous parts on the bike. If it's there, it's there for a reason. You made the right call by reinstalling it, especially if you didn't know what it is.
That's the rear fender license plate support bracket.
There are very few superfluous parts on the bike. If it's there, it's there for a reason. You made the right call by reinstalling it, especially if you didn't know what it is.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 217
Likes: 86
From: alexandria in
thanks for the welcome. i thought license bracket at first, but the slim uses a side mount licence plate
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 185
Likes: 38
From: St. George Utah
It is for the rear license plate mount. The side mount isn't legal in all countries and even some of the earlier USA slims had a rear mounted plate. Mine did. I took it all off and switched to a side mount. Weird that they would put it on a Slim with a side mount.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,104
Likes: 13,047
From: Texas, USA
Even though the Slim may come with a side mount, it is likely included because it is a stock FLS part and may be used if someone wants or needs to convert to a rear mount.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 185
Likes: 38
From: St. George Utah
That makes sense, but not "HD sense". HD is known for purposely not giving you all the parts so in order to make the modification you would need to buy the extra parts. I agree with you, it just isn't their usual practice.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
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Heck throw it away HD doesn't know what they are doing . Stuck it on there to confuse you and charge you more money. Of course when fender cracks from vibration down the road you can still blame HD. Most do
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,104
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From: Texas, USA
From Ronnie's Parts Finder, it is HD part number 69200356. The description is "BRACKET ASSEMBLY, LICENSE PLATE SUPPORT".
A rose by any other name... The fact is it supports something and would be best to keep it in place.
A rose by any other name... The fact is it supports something and would be best to keep it in place.