Rigid sideplate installation
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
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Rigid sideplate installation
Just have a couple questions for anyone who has installed the rigid sideplates on their sportster (Mine is 2006 1200c).
1) Did you need to have it up on a lift? (I dont have one)
2) They put in 4 Torx replacement bolts (2) 1-3/4 inch and (2) 1-3/8. I've read where people try to avoid the Torx bolts and use SS Allen head (hex) bolts. I can't seem to find the corresponding bolt size specs for the Allens. Any help there?
3) Any tips or words of warning I should know about. I read where there could be scratching from the side plates having burrs and people used masking tape on the fender. Does the tape just stay there on the fender and the sideplates are attached with it on? lol...I know stupid questions.
Thanks to all. Dave S.
1) Did you need to have it up on a lift? (I dont have one)
2) They put in 4 Torx replacement bolts (2) 1-3/4 inch and (2) 1-3/8. I've read where people try to avoid the Torx bolts and use SS Allen head (hex) bolts. I can't seem to find the corresponding bolt size specs for the Allens. Any help there?
3) Any tips or words of warning I should know about. I read where there could be scratching from the side plates having burrs and people used masking tape on the fender. Does the tape just stay there on the fender and the sideplates are attached with it on? lol...I know stupid questions.
Thanks to all. Dave S.
Stage III
Joined: Mar 2007
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RE: Rigid sideplate installation
Hi, I just posted the same question for my 883
Regarding the torx bolts. My plates came with allen head replacement bolts but I don't plan to use them unless I need to. I bought a torx socket set and want to use it.
About the tape. I am going to apply some clear tape to the fender I have seen it used under the seat and feel it can't hurt.
John
Regarding the torx bolts. My plates came with allen head replacement bolts but I don't plan to use them unless I need to. I bought a torx socket set and want to use it.
About the tape. I am going to apply some clear tape to the fender I have seen it used under the seat and feel it can't hurt.
John
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
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RE: Rigid sideplate installation
Capt, you don't ned a lift, to install the sideplates, just do one side at a time, and I guess my fender will get scratched cause I didn't use any tape, but then again, I don't plan on ever removing the side plates, so, ssshhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Novice
Joined: Feb 2007
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RE: Rigid sideplate installation
Installed the ridgid side plates on my sportster a few weeks ago. Took about 1 1/2 hours. It is not that difficult. I did not use a lift, nor any tape and had no issues with scatching. The bolts that came with the kit seemed to work fine for me . What is the logic behind changing them?
Couple of notes. Helps to have a helper. Its a tight fit to get the sideplate between the fender and the fender support bracket. I had my buddy push in on the bottom of the fender just enough and the sideplate slide right in. I think a lift might help with installation. It s a little tough accessing the bolts on the right side as the belt and belt guard are on that side. The lift would hold the bike up a little higher and keep it sraight. the toughest part for mee was bending the little bracket on the backside of the fender out of the way in order to get slack out of the turn signal wire. tough to do laying on the garage floor, again right side you have the belt there and the bike is leaning away from you on the kickstand, fat fingers don't help either. The stand would help raise the bike up , level it make reaching up behind that fender a little easier. If you don't have a lift I would not run out and buy one for this project. Take your time and you should not have any issues
The only puzzling issue I have is the lock nut that holds the sissy bar to the brackeet is closer to the seat on the feft side than right. It just kisses the seat on the left side and is about a 1/2" away on the right. I think the seat is not symetrical in the rear as all the brackets and stuff appear straight. curiouse if you have this issue with yours. One member had this issue and filed down the backside of the locknut enough to get a little clearence Anyone else have this issue?Any how good luckand let us know how it goes.
Couple of notes. Helps to have a helper. Its a tight fit to get the sideplate between the fender and the fender support bracket. I had my buddy push in on the bottom of the fender just enough and the sideplate slide right in. I think a lift might help with installation. It s a little tough accessing the bolts on the right side as the belt and belt guard are on that side. The lift would hold the bike up a little higher and keep it sraight. the toughest part for mee was bending the little bracket on the backside of the fender out of the way in order to get slack out of the turn signal wire. tough to do laying on the garage floor, again right side you have the belt there and the bike is leaning away from you on the kickstand, fat fingers don't help either. The stand would help raise the bike up , level it make reaching up behind that fender a little easier. If you don't have a lift I would not run out and buy one for this project. Take your time and you should not have any issues
The only puzzling issue I have is the lock nut that holds the sissy bar to the brackeet is closer to the seat on the feft side than right. It just kisses the seat on the left side and is about a 1/2" away on the right. I think the seat is not symetrical in the rear as all the brackets and stuff appear straight. curiouse if you have this issue with yours. One member had this issue and filed down the backside of the locknut enough to get a little clearence Anyone else have this issue?Any how good luckand let us know how it goes.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
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From: Nashville, TN
RE: Rigid sideplate installation
I did this install by myself, it was a bit of a pain, and would have been MUCH easier with a jack, but at that time I did not have a jack. Mostly, I'd say get a good dose of patients and maybe a 12 pack before you get started.
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
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RE: Rigid sideplate installation
ORIGINAL: dcreegan
Installed the ridgid side plates on my sportster a few weeks ago. Took about 1 1/2 hours. It is not that difficult. I did not use a lift, nor any tape and had no issues with scatching. The bolts that came with the kit seemed to work fine for me . What is the logic behind changing them?
Installed the ridgid side plates on my sportster a few weeks ago. Took about 1 1/2 hours. It is not that difficult. I did not use a lift, nor any tape and had no issues with scatching. The bolts that came with the kit seemed to work fine for me . What is the logic behind changing them?
Thanks everyone for your input. The torx bolt replacement is probably not all that critical for something like the sideplates but from what I have read if you do a lot of the wrenching yourself the Torx heads have a tendency to strip. This happens enough I guess that I have seen whole posts dedicated to the woes of stripped torx head removal. The reason it seems is that
a) Harley uses something called Torx Plus bolts and regular Torx bits dont seat properly.
b) When using torx bits sometimes its better to go one up than the one you think is the right fit.
Some replace all their hardware as they go along with Stainless Steel Grade 8 screws and bolts.
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