Adjustable Rider Backrest
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Cochrane, Alberta
Adjustable Rider Backrest
I just bought the Harley adjustable backrest for an 07 Road King & Sundowner seat.
First off - It wasn' the easiest thing I've ever installed - The instructions were confusing at best so for anyone who has installed it, I have a couple of questions to make sure I did it correctly.
The handle intalls on the clutch side just under the veryfront of the seat.
I had to remove the connector (I assume it's for things like electric warming gear like a vest or maybe for cruise control) from where it clips into the frame and use that hole to secure the handle housing. So now it just hangs loose - I need to find a place to tie strap it so it's secure again (The electrical connector).
The backrest itself seems to be pretty sloppy(Moves side to side) when inserted into the bracket. Is there a way to tighten it?
The cable runs down the clutch side of the bike and loops around the to the back of the bracket . Where did you use the tie strap to secure it near the back?
It seems like the only adjustments are all the way forward or all the way back - It doesn't seem like it wants to stay say 1/2 way - Is this adjustable?
I'm starting to believe what some people have said - Harley makes things SO confusing that you need to take it to a dealer and have them do it!
I haven't been able to ride the bike yet because it's cold up here in the great white north - Looking forward to testing it out though.
Thanks in advance!
Chuck
First off - It wasn' the easiest thing I've ever installed - The instructions were confusing at best so for anyone who has installed it, I have a couple of questions to make sure I did it correctly.
The handle intalls on the clutch side just under the veryfront of the seat.
I had to remove the connector (I assume it's for things like electric warming gear like a vest or maybe for cruise control) from where it clips into the frame and use that hole to secure the handle housing. So now it just hangs loose - I need to find a place to tie strap it so it's secure again (The electrical connector).
The backrest itself seems to be pretty sloppy(Moves side to side) when inserted into the bracket. Is there a way to tighten it?
The cable runs down the clutch side of the bike and loops around the to the back of the bracket . Where did you use the tie strap to secure it near the back?
It seems like the only adjustments are all the way forward or all the way back - It doesn't seem like it wants to stay say 1/2 way - Is this adjustable?
I'm starting to believe what some people have said - Harley makes things SO confusing that you need to take it to a dealer and have them do it!
I haven't been able to ride the bike yet because it's cold up here in the great white north - Looking forward to testing it out though.
Thanks in advance!
Chuck
RE: Adjustable Rider Backrest
Chuck... At times it seems you need to be a rocket scientist to understand HD's directions I agree with you! They have always been confusing and the photos offer ZERO help. This has been ongoing for as long as I riding Hogs (Too many yuears)
Ive installed this back rest as well. Sometimes you should try to look at the part and justwing it ! (NO punn intended) Dont ever look at the directions.. That sometimes helps.. GOOD LUCK With the new back rest and yes its wobbly from side to side. Harley gotta wake up..
Ive installed this back rest as well. Sometimes you should try to look at the part and justwing it ! (NO punn intended) Dont ever look at the directions.. That sometimes helps.. GOOD LUCK With the new back rest and yes its wobbly from side to side. Harley gotta wake up..
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Cochrane, Alberta
RE: Adjustable Rider Backrest
Nick - It's a little frustrating hey? I always feel like they guy that writes the instructions thinks "I'm gonna assume that you've done this before so I'll just tell you the main parts".
But you do feel like a rocket scientist once you've got the parts on!
Owning a harley is like having a trophy wife... Most of the time you loveher to death and love showing her off... But some times you just have to shake your head and think "Nothing on earth can be this stupid!"
But you do feel like a rocket scientist once you've got the parts on!
Owning a harley is like having a trophy wife... Most of the time you loveher to death and love showing her off... But some times you just have to shake your head and think "Nothing on earth can be this stupid!"
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,875
Likes: 32,915
From: King George, VA
RE: Adjustable Rider Backrest
If it has slop in it when the back rest is inserted, you installed it correctly. I will second that notion that H-D leaves a lot to be desired in their instruction sheets. Sometimes, they even get the wrong picture on the page.
But as the other poster mentioned, just wing it because this part isn't all that complex. Now if you're doing a cam install or crank replacement, good luck.
But as the other poster mentioned, just wing it because this part isn't all that complex. Now if you're doing a cam install or crank replacement, good luck.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Cochrane, Alberta
RE: Adjustable Rider Backrest
Got it out for an hour yesterday and I have to say.. What a difference!
I LOVE the backrest. It does seem to stay in the selected postition when you're on the bike riding - I didn't think it was going to.
I may have to bring the bike into the basement so I can sit on it while I watch TV!
Now I just have to figure out a place to secure the connector for the electric gear.
It is a must have for those who are "considering" it.
Chuck
I LOVE the backrest. It does seem to stay in the selected postition when you're on the bike riding - I didn't think it was going to.
I may have to bring the bike into the basement so I can sit on it while I watch TV!
Now I just have to figure out a place to secure the connector for the electric gear.
It is a must have for those who are "considering" it.
Chuck
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
RE: Adjustable Rider Backrest
I also have been thinking about getting a backrest for my 06 SG. The part # is 51631-06. The discription says Fits '88-later Touring models equipped with slotted seats. I guess I've got a slotted seat? It's the stock one with a space about the size of your hand between the solo and passanger seat. How does the support bracket fit on? It doesn't show any bolts. Chuckster good luck with your backrest.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: Inland Empire, CA
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
RE: Adjustable Rider Backrest
The thing works good but annoying that you can feel it move behind you from side to side,
I think I might look into the Corbin backrest, I put on a Sundowner with the adj. backrest
put on 1k miles then removed the Sundowner and went back to stock. The Sundowner puts
you closer to the front, comes up a little to much in the front, and you can feel it under
your thighs a little to much imho. Anyone want to buy a sligtly used Sundowner for 07 RKC??
I used a zip-tie around the base-mount to hold the cable at the spot I wanted, and just zip-tie
that loose connector somewhere to, you will be doing the same thing when you install a new
air cleaner, another cable to zip-tie somewhere there to, guess what I carry in my saddlebags
now, same thing I used to carry in my old VW.
I think I might look into the Corbin backrest, I put on a Sundowner with the adj. backrest
put on 1k miles then removed the Sundowner and went back to stock. The Sundowner puts
you closer to the front, comes up a little to much in the front, and you can feel it under
your thighs a little to much imho. Anyone want to buy a sligtly used Sundowner for 07 RKC??
I used a zip-tie around the base-mount to hold the cable at the spot I wanted, and just zip-tie
that loose connector somewhere to, you will be doing the same thing when you install a new
air cleaner, another cable to zip-tie somewhere there to, guess what I carry in my saddlebags
now, same thing I used to carry in my old VW.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
andrewj
Touring Models
5
May 5, 2009 02:08 PM
