Installing Docking Hardware
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Stage III
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Installing Docking Hardware
Hi,
I’m a 1st time HD owner (long time admirer) of a ’07 Sportster. On occasion my wife likes to ride with me so I would like to add a detachable sissy bar and backrest for her.
The dealer tells me its 3 hours of shop labor to add the detachable docking hardware kit to the bike. Now after just laying out $11K for this beast I’m not ready to shell out another $500 just for a backrest. Plus just looking at it, it would seem a pretty easy install, except the dealer tells me that they take the back wheel off.
My questions are:
Do you need to take the back wheel off just to install the docking hardware?
Is this an easy install?
Should I try this install (I have B plus mechanical ability)?[/ol]
I just have this gut feeling that the dealerships make as much if not more money on the upgradesas they do on the bikes themselves.
I’m a 1st time HD owner (long time admirer) of a ’07 Sportster. On occasion my wife likes to ride with me so I would like to add a detachable sissy bar and backrest for her.
The dealer tells me its 3 hours of shop labor to add the detachable docking hardware kit to the bike. Now after just laying out $11K for this beast I’m not ready to shell out another $500 just for a backrest. Plus just looking at it, it would seem a pretty easy install, except the dealer tells me that they take the back wheel off.
My questions are:
Do you need to take the back wheel off just to install the docking hardware?
Is this an easy install?
Should I try this install (I have B plus mechanical ability)?[/ol]
I just have this gut feeling that the dealerships make as much if not more money on the upgradesas they do on the bikes themselves.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Installing Docking Hardware
With no prior experience I installed an HD Q/D sissy & luggage rack in about 1.5 hours (being slow & careful). No tire removal necessary, You will need to loosen and slide back the upper shock bolt on each side ( do one at a time). I assume you have torx wrenches.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 856
Likes: 6
From: Charlotte County FL
RE: Installing Docking Hardware
No you don't have to take the back wheel off, I have the detachable hardware on mine and it took a 1/2 hour to install. You do need a torx bit to take the old bolts out and a allen wrench to put the new longer bolts in. It was a easy install if you have any mechanical ability at all there is no need to pay the Stealer to do it. The good thing about the detachable backrest setup is you can take it off really easy to chean the bike and it does not rub the paint on the fender like the rigid side plates.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Installing Docking Hardware
ORIGINAL: johnshay
Why do you have to loosen the upper shock bolts?
Why do you have to loosen the upper shock bolts?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,257
Likes: 1
From: Papillion Ne 68133
RE: Installing Docking Hardware
I did it in about 1/2 hr it would of been nice to have the bike on a jack, as the clearance is tight near the rear tire, but with some patience its very do able.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 856
Likes: 6
From: Charlotte County FL
RE: Installing Docking Hardware
The instuctions with the docking hardware tell you to put blue locktite on the bolts. So if you don't have any you might want to get it before you even start.
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, Tx
Does anyone have the installation instructions for the docking hardware they would share with me? I just bought a used detathcable sissy bar with the docking hardware but haven't a clue as to which part goes where. Thanks in advance..