Adjustable backrest does not want to "adjust"

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Mar 22, 2008 | 01:44 PM

Chuckster

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Joined: Jul 2007

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From: Cochrane, Alberta

Adjustable backrest does not want to "adjust"

07 Road King

I have a Harley adjustable backrest for the Sundowner. It worked fine when I first put it on. I decided I wanted to change the route of the cable a little bit and after that it would never "stay" in any position other than all the way forward.

I changed it back today to the way it was originally (Basically under the seat and up and over the battery) and it still does not want to adjust - always goes all the way forward.

No matter what I do with the switch under the seat (pulllever - push seat back, let go.... push seat back, pull lever.. let go...) , it doesn't want to stay.

Anyone have this problem?

I live in Canada and I bought it when I was in Vegas in November - So I can't even bring it back.

Thanks

Chuck

Mar 22, 2008 | 01:59 PM

mrsr71

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Joined: May 2006

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From: Santa Clarita

RE: Adjustable backrest does not want to "adjust"

I had the same problem when I installed mine. Itâ€™s all in the adjustment. The cable has to be as straight as possible, no bends or kinks. I re-routed mine at lease a half-dozen times before I got it to work. Be persistent and stay with it.

Mar 22, 2008 | 02:06 PM

Skulmn

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Joined: Nov 2007

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From: Here and There

RE: Adjustable backrest does not want to "adjust"

As said, it is all about the cable. Try to route it as "straight" as possible and mount the seat and try it before you think you are done. When it works well with the seat mounted, then get some wire ties and secure it to nearby wires orcables. When this is done mount the seat again and try your adjustment. If this works, which it should, you are done. If not, remove seat and repeat.

It will eventually work and you will be set. I've had mine on for 1.5 years with NO issues....Good Luck

Mar 22, 2008 | 02:12 PM

Chuckster

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Joined: Jul 2007

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From: Cochrane, Alberta

RE: Adjustable backrest does not want to "adjust"

I think that was the problem when I rerouted it... Too many "turns".

So I put it back to the way it was with basically one turn right at the end...

I'm hoping it will "adjust" to the new position and work. I know when I first put it on it didn't work right away then like a day later it worked... I thought maybe the cable needed to re adjust itself once it was on the bike.

We'll see how it works out.

Thanks for the responses guys! - Keep the silver side up!

Mar 22, 2008 | 02:24 PM

Dalton

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Joined: Feb 2007

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From: Northeast Ohio

RE: Adjustable backrest does not want to "adjust"

I have the same backrest and the same problems when I installed it. Didnt like the look of the cable, pull assembly so took it off. I took a long zip tie and secured it to the lever on the piston assembly and routed it up the the split in the seat. Now when I want to adjust it I just give it a tug and it works fine. The idea that routing is so crucial to this working is a PITA.