My experience with HD instructions is they are intentionally very difficult to comprehend even with easy to install items - they want you to pay the dealership to install it. I remember installing a detatchable backrest, luggage rack, and docking hardware on my old Road King. Each piece (backrest, luggage rack, and hardware) had multiple applications on multiple models with a lot of additional pieces. I had to study the instructions for 3 days and I finally figured it out. Terrible. It would be simple if they made instructions for your model only.

 

Installed smooth flamed leather tour pac on my RK, the template to drill holes for the lock , which u must buy seperately, was printed backwards. Thank god extra holes are on bottom where they can't be seen.

 

parts made in china and you know those chinesey people read and write from right to left. Maybe thats why the (orient)ation of the parts are wrong in the instructions.

 

Harleys instructions are purposely confusing and intended make owners give up and use dealers for parts/accessory installation. I read this in their marketing plan.

 

The forums here are huge help in situations like that. Many of us have been there before and are willing to prevent someone else from making the same mistakes.

You just have to ask

 

I have found that the included instructions with alot of the add on Harley products should be used as a base reference at best. When installing many of the parts I bought, I have found myself having to improvise to make them install properly. Finding a pic-by-pic tutorial that somebody else uploaded is a REALLY big help. Even with that said, put on - take off - rout - rerout - and alot of common sense goes a long way.