Removable tour pack question....

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 30, 2012 | 07:46 PM

hattitude

Thread Starter

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 14,143

Likes: 11,219

From: San Diego, CA

Removable tour pack question....

I have a 2012 FLHTK. I've been toying with the idea of making the tour pack removable with the HD kit(s). I have three questions that have popped up while I have been researching this mod........

I have been told that when the tour pack is removed, you lose the ability to use the CB radio. Something about a part in the tour pack that the CB antenna needs to function properly. I'm not with the bike at the moment or I'd look in the tour pack to see if there's anything connected to the CB antenna. While I don't use the CB, I'm just curious about this....

Today, a Harley service manager said (I doubt this just because of the source) that converting the bike to a removable tour pack system takes 6 hours of labor.... damn, I've looked at the kit(s) and that seems high. I was thinking I could do it myself in about 4 hours, am I dreaming?

The same service manager also said that the limited radio is programmed for four speakers. He said that running it without the rear speakers connected will cause the bike to throw a code that will activate the check engine light..... That doesn't sound right at all.... I actually said, "Are you serious? A radio issue throws A CEL?" and he insisted that it's true.

I'd appreciate anyone with that mod to comment on these three questions...

Thanks in advance

Last edited by hattitude; Jul 30, 2012 at 07:49 PM.

Jul 30, 2012 | 08:33 PM

trailmaster308

Advanced

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 69

Likes: 0

I have a 2012 Limited EG. I had the stealer put the kit on because it was a major PITA per a good wrencher friend of mine.

If done right the CB and Radio antena just screw off with the supplied kit when your remove the tour pack. The rear speakers have a disconnect pin that is actually stuffed inside each speaker. Remove those, then just stuff your rear intercom connection under the seat.

I have yet to actually disconnect mine. If no one responds I will test the radio question this weekend.

Dealer never mentioned to me.

Jul 30, 2012 | 08:45 PM

riteway

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 13,023

Likes: 989

From: Just Outside Chicago

I can try to walk you thru the removal and addition of detach (roughly)
Take off your saddlebags....
1. Remove tour pack from stationary mount. Lights/Speakers are quick disconnect. Unscrew antennas. 1.5 hours
2.Remove stationary tour pack bracket from bike.1/2-3/4 hour.
3.Install detach brackets on bike and mount detach bracket to tour pack. 1-1.5 hours
4. Install tour pack to bike and re-hookup lights and speakers 3/4 hour.
As far as antennas you should be able to screw them back on or get different brackets so they are mounted to SB rails or other spots. As far as radio antenna you could get an antenna that mounts under your fairing.
Good Luck... Not a hard job,the thing about doing a job yourself is you should feel good that the job was done right.Not that the dealer wont do it right but who knows..Also use locktite on those bolts for the detach kit that mounts to your bike!!

Jul 30, 2012 | 08:48 PM

mkguitar

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 14,744

Likes: 402

From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins

so- I have the FLHTC ( no cb, no rear speakers).

installing the kit took maybe 2 hours* going very,very slowly- checking and re-checking the work (as the instructions could have been more clear

I changed a bunch of the wiring to suit my needs ( I work with electronics)- and installed the am/fm radio mount down by the left saddlebag.

if you are at all handy--- NEXT TIME I will spare my self the expense of buying the kit from H-D.
My typical use is to put the tour pak on for weeks at a time, take it off for weeks at a time.

to bolt and unbolt the whole shebang takes only about 30 minutes a time.

and the wiring needs are the same either way

if you think you will be tour pak on/off many times a year, then get the kit.

for my needs, I coulda saved the cash.

Mike

*dealer labor rates are not "actual elapsed time" the rate is based on what they think they can bill for this service

Jul 30, 2012 | 09:07 PM

hattitude

Thread Starter

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 14,143

Likes: 11,219

From: San Diego, CA

Thanks for all the input...

I thought the 6 hours was pretty inflated. Based on what I've read here, I'll do the install myself. I've got the service manual and I'm pretty handy with my tools.

I will probably use the HD kit, only because I'd like to have the detachable sissy bar on, when the tour pack is off.

Has anyone had any experience with a check engine light when their rear speakers are not plugged in?

Thanks again for the info....

Jul 30, 2012 | 09:28 PM

Harsh1828

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 314

Likes: 7

From: Greeley Colorado

No check engine light will come on when you use the kit. Put one on my 06, only took the pack off twice in 6 years so it was not worth the money for me. Like the storage for stuff like a helmet, water botTles, etc.