Trouble with detachable back rest/sissy bar
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 109
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From: Tulare County, CA
Trouble with detachable back rest/sissy bar
I've got a detachable sissy bar/backrest with 4 point docking hardware on my Street Glide. Problem is, it's next to impossible to put it on the bike.
It's extremely tight fitting at the docking points. I finally got it almost on, after pressing in on the sides with all I had to get it to fit on the docking lugs width-wise, but then I couldn't push it far forward enough to latch in.
I know it fits, it's been on before. The dealer installed the docking hardware and backrest - when I picked it up at the time, and they showed me how the quick release hardware worked, they noted then how tight it was but said it would loosen up with use. I took it off a couple days later and haven't tried putting it back on until now.
Has anyone else had this problem? Could there be a trick I'm missing? Is it possible it's the wrong model backrest, or would it even come close to fitting if it were for a different model? Btw, I've got a '13 street glide.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Bill
It's extremely tight fitting at the docking points. I finally got it almost on, after pressing in on the sides with all I had to get it to fit on the docking lugs width-wise, but then I couldn't push it far forward enough to latch in.
I know it fits, it's been on before. The dealer installed the docking hardware and backrest - when I picked it up at the time, and they showed me how the quick release hardware worked, they noted then how tight it was but said it would loosen up with use. I took it off a couple days later and haven't tried putting it back on until now.
Has anyone else had this problem? Could there be a trick I'm missing? Is it possible it's the wrong model backrest, or would it even come close to fitting if it were for a different model? Btw, I've got a '13 street glide.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Bill
Advanced
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Seems to be a recurring problem. I had the same problem with mine at first. It has gotten better. I bought a stealth luggage rack this past weekend and didn't think I was going to be able to get it on at all. No real suggestions, perhaps some lube and pulling out on the sides?
I guess as long as it is somewhere in the range they call it good.
I guess as long as it is somewhere in the range they call it good.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 669
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, Arizona
I've had one on my Heritage since 08 and it's always been finicky if you don't get it just right. But you shouldn't have to fight with it every time.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 460
Likes: 1
From: Frisco TX
Once you get it lined up try pushing/rolling the black latches around the docking points. It works for me, pushing on the backrest does not. I do have to flex it out to line it up btw.
Last edited by Energy-Dude; Oct 17, 2012 at 05:03 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 314
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From: Jack, AL...LV,NV
Mine has loosened up and goes on easier the more I use it. I had the use a folded rag and hammer to "adjust" it the first time and then use a hammer and flat head to get the latches to roll forward. If it's only the 2nd time being on...try putting it on and off more.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 109
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From: Tulare County, CA
Thanks for the replies - I feel a little better about it, sounds like it's not just me, or my hardware. I'll work at it a bit after work when I have more time to fool with it.
Bill
Bill
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 172
From: Clarksville, TN
When I got my Street Glide it had two point docking hard wear on it from a dealer trade. When I got the sissy bar and went to put it on, I couldn't get it on. After looking at the mounting points they had washers on the inside keeping the sissy bar from docking. Maybe you need to washers to move the points out a bit where I needed to take them off the move them in some.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 3
From: Moline, IL
mine does the same thing, i have the 2 point hardware and was able to get it lil easier by adjusting the hardware on the bike and retightened it
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 518
Likes: 8
From: Biloxi Ms
Buy 4 nylon spacers from Lowes and replace the metal one supplied with the 4 point dock system. Put two on each side. see pic below (I painted mine blue just to match the pinstripes)
* take the metal spacer with you and size the nylon washers a tad smaller. I forgot what size i bought.
* take the metal spacer with you and size the nylon washers a tad smaller. I forgot what size i bought.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 109
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From: Tulare County, CA
I finally had some time to fool with it a bit tonight. Figured out I was doing it wrong. Didn't realize there was a third set of lugs further forward that the front hooks of the backrest hooked into.
It took my wife to stand back and look at it and ask why the backrest was so far back from the seat. DUH! It figures.
Well, I got it on, as well as my new hammock seat. That seat TOTALLY changes the look. Not sure if I like the look - but it sure is waaay more comfortable. It does raise me up a good 2" though - I'm wondering how that will affect the short windscreen's usefulness. I guess we'll see if it breaks in and settles a little bit before changing anything.
I'll post some before & after pics in a bit.
Bill
It took my wife to stand back and look at it and ask why the backrest was so far back from the seat. DUH! It figures.
Well, I got it on, as well as my new hammock seat. That seat TOTALLY changes the look. Not sure if I like the look - but it sure is waaay more comfortable. It does raise me up a good 2" though - I'm wondering how that will affect the short windscreen's usefulness. I guess we'll see if it breaks in and settles a little bit before changing anything.
I'll post some before & after pics in a bit.
Bill