Just got done installing a front and rear quick detach dock setup on my SG, so I can run either a sissybar or a tourpack. It took me HOURS.

I'm shocked at how hard it was. I have had a bunch of bikes in my time, BMWs, Ducatis, KTM, Husqvarna, Hondas, etc. I have modded all of them, everything from pipes to carb stuff, bodywork, bars, etc. and I am pretty competent with bolt on stuff.

I absolutely love my SG but I gotta say, the MoCo parts make no sense. For instance - 3 take off bolts where the saddebag mounts had Torq heads, one size, and the 3 replacement bolts for the dock had 2 different size allen heads, and one bolt head. Why the guy who designed this kit thought it would be a good idea to go from one tool (stock) for removal, to 3 different types of heads, is beyond me.

Plus, a lot of stuff didn't line up correctly, so I had to grind several bolt holes where there wasn't enough clearance. The manufacturing tolerances on both the bike and on the MoCo parts were really wide, off 1/4 to 1/2 inch from one side of the bike to the next. This made the job a real bitch, thank God I have a comprehensive set of tools in my garage.

One (maybe) nice thing was that, because the kit can fit so many model years, you have tons of bolts and spacers left over (yeah, I installed all the ones required for my bike - there's still a bunch of extra stuff.) It was real confusing at first, trying to figure out what went where - you ask yourself, "Why does this need to be so complicated just to attach a sissybar?" etc.

The backrest pad (to match the SG) is a total hunk of crap - it mounts using these little plastic spacers which make no sense (why not just recess the screw into a hole and have the screw go down into it instead of putting some cheap sleeve between the 2 that keeps falling out?), and the pad itself has cutouts for the screws that are 1/2 off where the actual hole is. To charge 65 bucks for this piece of crap is a crime.

Like I said - love my SG - but without a doubt, in my experience, HD makes the cheapest quality aftermarket stuff I've ever mounted on a bike. Unfortunately, it does not have a price to match.

Anyone else share my pain? Or am I just ranting after a bad garage session?

 

This install drove me crazy !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Of all things....my da*n wife had to help with the that install. I was cussing up and down.

Ended up calling the dealer (prior to finding the great site if hdforums.com) and they told me to loosen the remainder of the back end in order to allow all parts to line up. They were right!

They could certainly change the design of/location of critical fasteners to make the install much much easier. It is a nightmare to say the least.

 

I guess you guys just had a bad day. I installed both sets of hardware in a little over an hour. Seemed pretty straight forward. But, the kits may have been modeled on a RKC.

 

i told the guy at the dealer if i can install in the parking lot he gave me a funny look and said its not a parking lot job boy he wasnt kiddin took the better part of a day to put it all on directions were horrible

 

Pretty simple install, I think it's a great system with the cam locks, good quality/design, solid and easy to use. Same goes for the rider backrest. Rider and passenger backrest pads are also comfortable and decent quality. In fact, the quality of all the "extra" HD parts I have purchased and installed is excellent. As for the prices...not bad if you shop at a discounting dealer!

 

Did you get the quick detach tourpack? If so I'd love to see some pics of it on the SG..thinking of picking one up myself

 

NO tourpac, don't like the look of the permanent detach bracket on the bike or the tourpac for that matter. Instead I got a detach luggage rack for the backrest and a Kuryakyn Grantour bag, works great. Way cheaper and more versatile than a tourpac.

 

I only installed the front mount for the passenger pad on my road glide, I will be adding the rear for a tour pack later. I agree about changing from torq to hex? The directions worthless other than the photos for reference. but I had no problems had it on in about 30 minutes. the trick is as stated above, you need to loosen the rest of the rear bag mounts ect. then everything falls in line, no filing needed.

 

the front was easy, it was the back that was the biggest bitch. and lining up the saddlebags afterwards was an assache too.