Detachable Backrest installatin/Lessons Learned
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 529
Likes: 2
From: Watertown, MA
The link to the website with photo instructions isn't working, does anyone know of another link? Does anyone have pictures of both the front and rear docking kits installed? I already have the rear tour pack docking kit installed on my 2008 FLHTC but now need to install the front kit. The instructions gave me a headache so I would really appreciate pics before I begin the install, thanks!
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 529
Likes: 2
From: Watertown, MA
Okay, I completed the install on Saturday and it wasn't bad at all, about 2 hours and that was with taking my time. I have a 2008 FLHTC that already had the rear docking points for the removable tour pack, I don't know if having that installed already made things easier. None the less, here is what I did that may have made things easier:
1. Find a good picture on here of them installed so you know what it should look like.
2. Other than looking at the parts diagram COMPLETELY IGNORE everything else in the instructions! Your head will be spinning before you even touch the bike.
3. Before you start the install look at the parts diagram and identify how all parts should work together.
4. I lifted my bike slightly so it was up straight however the rear tire was still on the ground. I think this helped prevent things from shifting once I removed bolts.
5. Have a thin screwdriver on hand so if things do shift after you remove a bolt you can try to align them again before inserting the bolt back in.
6. Keep the bolts for the saddlebag mounting points loose until you try to reinstall the bags. You'll probably need to shift the mounting points a bit until you have them lined up correctly for bags installation.
I didn't have to re-route any hoses and both my backrest and tour pack go on and off real easy, good luck!
1. Find a good picture on here of them installed so you know what it should look like.
2. Other than looking at the parts diagram COMPLETELY IGNORE everything else in the instructions! Your head will be spinning before you even touch the bike.
3. Before you start the install look at the parts diagram and identify how all parts should work together.
4. I lifted my bike slightly so it was up straight however the rear tire was still on the ground. I think this helped prevent things from shifting once I removed bolts.
5. Have a thin screwdriver on hand so if things do shift after you remove a bolt you can try to align them again before inserting the bolt back in.
6. Keep the bolts for the saddlebag mounting points loose until you try to reinstall the bags. You'll probably need to shift the mounting points a bit until you have them lined up correctly for bags installation.
I didn't have to re-route any hoses and both my backrest and tour pack go on and off real easy, good luck!
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: illinois
I finished my backrest install on friday. Had to install the docking hardware and backrest. What a pain in the di*k. I had every problem that everyone has had. Nothing lining up right and instructions issues. I personally think H-D made the instructions crappy on purpose, so one would have to spend the cash and have the dealer tech fight it. I just noticed today the the saddlebag lid is hitting f one of the bracket bolts. But just barely. So time to remove and adjust the mounting. Ill get eventually. Lol.
Cheers!!
Cheers!!
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