Is installing the docking hardware difficult?

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Aug 17, 2009 | 11:44 PM

skim1420

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Is installing the docking hardware difficult?

I bought the docking hardware kit for a detachable sissy bar. I had a conversation with the dealer where he advised that I have a harley mechanic do it, because it's really frustrating and time-consuming.

I've done similar installations on different bikes and understand how aligning holes, holding things up while re-assembling, etc. can be difficult.

Any of you guys do the installation on your own, share your thoughts? The dealership charges 2 hrs to do this work, which is unbelievable to me.

Aug 17, 2009 | 11:58 PM

PigironBob

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From:

Took me about 45 minutes to do mine, pretty simple to do.

Aug 17, 2009 | 11:59 PM

NAUIdvr1

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From: Port St Lucie, FL

I have an 09 Street Glide and it took me 10 minutes, and I stopped to drink a glass of iced tea. So 2 hours in BS, although I am not sure how hard it is to get your bags off your model bike. YMMV

Aug 18, 2009 | 12:17 AM

budnlucy

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From: Port Deposit, Md

Quote:

Originally Posted by NAUIdvr1

I have an 09 Street Glide and it took me 10 minutes, and I stopped to drink a glass of iced tea. So 2 hours in BS, although I am not sure how hard it is to get your bags off your model bike. YMMV

You must not of had the same kit I did cause ten minutes seems a little to quick.

Aug 18, 2009 | 01:52 AM

oinker02

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Yeah, it can be a little troublesome. Take care not to remove all the factory hardware at first or the fender and struts might want to distort and make it hard to install new bolts. If that happens, simply insert large phillips screwdriver and push stuff back into alignment.

The worst part is trying to see/understand their instruction pics........just hang in there and play with the parts till it all comes clear

Aug 18, 2009 | 02:32 AM

RKKY

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Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Oregon City, OR

What year is your ride?
09 and later is incredibly easy and quick. 08 and earlier requires more work.

*edit* Oops just saw your sig. On a 01 you will have to line things up and it can get frustrating if/when the plates drop. 2 hours seem like a little much to install the hardware. Are you also having the rest of the work done as far as the sissy bar, side plates and pad?

Last edited by RKKY; Aug 18, 2009 at 02:34 AM.

Aug 18, 2009 | 03:05 AM

leohd

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its easy you can do it no problem

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Aug 18, 2009 | 05:32 AM

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Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Charleston, SC

The 08's and below can be a bear to get everything lined back up after taking out the fender to frame bolts. Do a search and you'll find a TON of bloody knuckles right here on this forum. The Trick? DO NOT attempt to add the docking kit when the bike is on a jiffy stand. You end up spending hours trying to get the bolts back in. Total bitch! Instead, lift the bike up on a jack so everything is nice and straight before taking the rear top supports apart. The bolts and all will go right back in like butter. Also, throw away the directions found in the box. They about suck....

Good luck.

lp