Has anyone had the problem of their backrest having lost it's adjust-ability. Mine is now always forward with just spring tension. It no longer has any settings. The backrest was purchased at my dealer a few years ago, so I wouldn't expect any warranty to be left on it. The cable checked out fine. I suspect the shock might be the culprit which is manufactured by AVM inc. They won't sell to the public as they are made exclusively for Harley-Davidson. Tried ebay, one replied they were sold out, two haven't got back to me, one took my money and never sent it, (that was back in June) I think I was scammed. Any ideas on what the problem could be? Appreciate your time, thanks.

 

Yep, had the same thing happen to mine this year. I tore it apart trying to fix it, to no avail. Power piston shot. Found a like new used one in the parts for sale section on this forum. Good luck.

 

No problem yet on mine, been installed since 2011.
Good luck...

 

Mine has done the same thing. I hadn't bothered to even begin searching for a replacement piston yet. Sounds like maybe I shouldn't. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

 

the Can Am Commander side by side has a similar piston to adjust the height of the steering wheel. it actuates the same as the HD adjustable backrest...perhaps the hydraulic pistons are the same piece? the Can Am version has a lever with a handle to adjust. might be worth checking into as a handy fella might be able to make it work. only $40 on Amazon

 

this is the Can Am piece



the HD part, only decent pic I could find




might be as simple as changing the actuator end piece

 

here is the HD piston with part numbers, in case you can find one. the Can Am version looks a bit longer to me

 

Hey Teeroy, thanks for going to all the trouble of posting pictures, very much appreciated. Earlier I had called Suspa and spoke with Tyler. If I understood correctly he said they used to supply H-D with the piston but they went with a different supplier (AVM inc.) They can sell me one, the part # 027-52046A. The price would be $150. since I'm not buying thousands of them. Right now all I can do is weigh the pros and cons, do I buy just the piston or buy the whole mounting bracket with piston for $220., and have spare parts(like I need them. lol)

 

hey no problem. I have the Can Am side by side, and the HD adjustable backrest on my Ultra and wondered if the cylinders were similar...might come in useful someday.

I had the cylinder stop functioning on my Can Am making the steering wheel flop up and down but I was lucky and the actuator button had gotten stuck in and just needed a bit of lube to free it up. maybe a guy could pop that end piece off where the cable attaches to and have a look, might be an easy fix.

 

I am having a similar issue: either all the way forward or all the way back. Cable has seen better days also but I hate having to replace the base at $200 plus. I remember inventing a couple of new cuss words when installing this thing.
Any updates?