Installation Help...Adjustable Backrest
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Novice
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 16
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Installation Help...Adjustable Backrest
Santa got me an Adjustable Backrest for my 2010 Ultra Classic. Looking at the directions (which are very hard to follow) I can't see how the "actuator switch" would be reachable with the air deflector in place. Am I missing something? Also it looks like I would need to remove the battery to install the lower mounting bracket although the instructions don't reference this step. I've verified I have the correct Installation Kit (09 and Later Touring Models). Does anyone have any pointers?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
I installed one on a buddy's Street Glide. The instructions SUCK. We didn't have to pull his battery. And he either didn't have heat shields or I don't remember them, but that bracket was a bitch to mount anyway. Take your time and look at the parts, you'll figure it out faster that way than by reading those instructions.
Gonzy
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 7
From: Foggy Coastside California
I installed one on my RK. Did not have to remove the battery, I don't know about installing it with heat shields. You can probably do it but it appears that it would be a real B to access though. Like another poster said, keep at it, you'll figure it out. Good luck.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 609
Likes: 14
From: Mount Airy, MD
Heat shield has to come off to get the adjuster in there then you can put it back on. Also, I didn't notice until it was too late but the cable will rub the paint off your fender over time so if you ever do a solo seat you gonna have a places on the fender where the paint is screwed up. Just an FYI.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 3
From: Stamford, CT
The actuator is accessible for adjustments with the heat shields. I know since I have both. You may only have to remove 1 screw from the heat shield to install the actuator but it is a tight fit if you have big hands. Take your time. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the mounting screw! It won't take much to strip it. Also take up the slack on the metal tab on the bottom of the actuator when tightening. This thing really needs 2 screws to hold it in place, not 1.
I zip tied the cable to prevent rubbing on the fender. Not sure if it was succesful but I will know next time the seat is removed. You can play with the routing. I think I even ran the cable inside the adj bracket too but make sure it doesn't put too much of a bend in the cable or it will be too tight for the actuator.
The only thing I don't like about the backrest is that it flops around like a bobble head. I need to shim it on the post to take up some slack.
I did not need to remove the battery for the install.
I zip tied the cable to prevent rubbing on the fender. Not sure if it was succesful but I will know next time the seat is removed. You can play with the routing. I think I even ran the cable inside the adj bracket too but make sure it doesn't put too much of a bend in the cable or it will be too tight for the actuator.
The only thing I don't like about the backrest is that it flops around like a bobble head. I need to shim it on the post to take up some slack.
I did not need to remove the battery for the install.
Last edited by Jags93; Dec 27, 2010 at 02:28 PM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 3
From: Stamford, CT
Inside.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 193
From: Las Vegas, NV
No need to remove the battery. The heat shield needs to have one screw removed to get it in and it is accessible once the heat shield is back on. Also since the switch is under the shield no one can see it which I like. If you need me to; shoot me a PM and I'll take a couple pictures of how mine is mounted.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 583
Likes: 2
From: Eaton, OH
I have one of these on my bike and the adjuster is not difficult to access when riding (at least for me).
I did not have to remove the battery to install.
I noticed the cable to the adjuster did lay on the rear fender under the seat so I placed several layers of electrical tape on that spot so the cable would not be rubbing directly on the paint.
I did not have to remove the battery to install.
I noticed the cable to the adjuster did lay on the rear fender under the seat so I placed several layers of electrical tape on that spot so the cable would not be rubbing directly on the paint.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 6
From: Indiana
With the heat shields in place, just understand that it takes time. I know a lot of people that grew frustrated after hours of trying and not getting it, and gave up or just took the shields off permanently.
I tried, stopped, tried, stopped...for a couple of hours. Finally said heck with it, and left it for the next day to try. Next day, first try, the bolt goes in perfectly (no kidding). It just takes patience, since everything has to line up exactly right, and it's a very hard angle to see/work with.
I tried, stopped, tried, stopped...for a couple of hours. Finally said heck with it, and left it for the next day to try. Next day, first try, the bolt goes in perfectly (no kidding). It just takes patience, since everything has to line up exactly right, and it's a very hard angle to see/work with.