Installing Sissy Bar Docking Hardware Q ??

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Nov 17, 2005 | 01:27 AM

twoseas

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Road Master

Joined: Oct 2005

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From: Magnolia, Texas

Installing Sissy Bar Docking Hardware Q ??

Any of you out there install their own docking hardware on a RKC ?? I was putting my on this evening and the instructions called for rerouting the left rear shock air line. I really don't see a need to relocate this air line unless I'm missing something. The supplied bracket for the rear mounting point comes close but enough to cause any aggravation.

Also, did you notice that the saddle bags towards the rear are a little bit further out from thier original location due to the modified bracket ??

Your thoughts would be much appreciated !!

Ray (twoseas)

Nov 17, 2005 | 02:34 AM

SubZer0

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From: Gig Harbor, WA

RE: Installing Sissy Bar Docking Hardware Q ??

Twoseas, I just went through the same thing with my Road Glide, I asked myself the very same question. Yes you need to relocate the air supply fitting, with the sissy bar installed it covers over the fitting. At least that was my experience, may be different with the RKC, not really sure.

Nov 17, 2005 | 09:30 AM

twoseas

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From: Magnolia, Texas

RE: Installing Sissy Bar Docking Hardware Q ??

Quote:

ORIGINAL: SubZer0

Twoseas, I just went through the same thing with my Road Glide, I asked myself the very same question. Yes you need to relocate the air supply fitting, with the sissy bar installed it covers over the fitting. At least that was my experience, may be different with the RKC, not really sure.

SubZ,

Thanks for the comeback ! When I was doing my initial assesment to see how things would end up I failed to realize that the sissy bar itself would cover up the air fitting (schrader valve).

However, I don't think that if I leave the fitting in place, this will cause any major problems. Yes, the sissy bar touches the fitting somewhat, but by being covered up, this does not pose an inconvenience because the adjustment of the air in the rear shocks is something that is not done routinely. If air would have to be added, I can just remove the sissy bar. And BTW, the sissy bar would only be on when my better half would ride with me.

Did your saddle bags end up pushed out away from their original location due do the mounting bracket ??

Thanks,

Ray (twoseas)

Nov 17, 2005 | 11:43 AM

PLHOG

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RE: Installing Sissy Bar Docking Hardware Q ??

I had a horrible experience putting this kit on. When I removed the fasteners as specified in the instructions, I found that the fender was in tension, and every single fastener hole popped out of alignment, and I had to take most of the fender and strut fasteners loose to get stuff lined up again. Then I found out that one of the short reinforcing straps would not line up no matter what. So rather than cause damage (I was pretty frustrated at this point), I took the bike to the dealer to finish the installation. They told me the part was made wrong, and had to fabricate a new one.

This is four year old info, but back in 01 when I did this work, I heard other RK owners tell about similar experiences. Hopefully HD has fixed this problem by now. But I suggest that if you're going to do the work yourself, set you expectations that it will take a couple of hours and be somewhat frustrating.

PL

Nov 17, 2005 | 02:24 PM

hunter93

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RE: Installing Sissy Bar Docking Hardware Q ??

I recently installed the sissy bar docking hardware on my 06 RK classic and did not feel the need to relocate the air line. It fits just fine. If I need to add more air, I'll simply remove the backrest. No big deal.

Nov 17, 2005 | 07:14 PM

twoseas

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From: Magnolia, Texas

RE: Installing Sissy Bar Docking Hardware Q ??

Quote:

ORIGINAL: hunter93

I recently installed the sissy bar docking hardware on my 06 RK classic and did not feel the need to relocate the air line. It fits just fine. If I need to add more air, I'll simply remove the backrest. No big deal.

hunter93,

I hear you man...that's what I'll end up doing, just leaving it alone.

plhog,

Thanks for the advice !! I made it past that point and my fender brackets were not under tension. It has been pretty challenging so far trying to transpose the instructions to the actual hands on deal but I'm taking it slow so as to not screw up anything !!!

Thanks,

Ray (twoseas)