HD Rider Backrest Install

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Oct 21, 2013 | 02:38 PM

FenderGuy53

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From: New Jersey

HD Rider Backrest Install

I just received a HD Rider Backrest from the Classifieds and I have some questions about the installation.

This is what I have:

Once installed, it appears that only the pad will roll forward. Is that correct?

The spring, which holds the legs apart on the pad, doesn't seem to have sufficient tension to stay attached, once the pad is installed. Has anyone had issues with the backrest pad detaching? Should I be buy a stronger spring?

What is the purpose of the 3/16" hex key fitting, and how does it work?

Thanks, guys.

Oct 21, 2013 | 02:47 PM

Guitardude

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From: San Angelo, Texas

Once the backrest is in place, the spring is more than sufficient to keep it in place.

Oct 21, 2013 | 02:56 PM

fordhd2005

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Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 863

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From: Athens, AL

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenderGuy53

Once installed, it appears that only the pad will roll forward. Is that correct? Yes

The spring, which holds the legs apart on the pad, doesn't seem to have sufficient tension to stay attached, once the pad is installed. Has anyone had issues with the backrest pad detaching? No, all the spring does is lock it in place. If it was any stronger you will have a very hard time getting it in and out of the mount. Should I be buy a stronger spring? No

What is the purpose of the 3/16" hex key fitting, and how does it work? It adjusts the back rest. If I remember correctly, if you screw it in I think it tilts the top of the pad back.

Thanks, guys.

Enjoy..

Oct 21, 2013 | 03:42 PM

Terrabella

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Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 903

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From: California

Once the legs are engaged in the slots on the based which is attached to the rear fender that should hold the backrest in place. The backrest itself is sort of floppy but that is the way they designed. Once pressure is applied to the backrest, it firms up without any movement at all . In my opinion, it is a terrible design compared to other slot type backrest, IE; Mustang, Corbin, Ultimate Seat, etc.

Oct 21, 2013 | 04:56 PM

fat daddy

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Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 825

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenderGuy53

I just received a HD Rider Backrest from the Classifieds and I have some questions about the installation.

This is what I have:

In the center of the backrest there is a hex head bolt. Lift up the material and you should be able to see it. The purpose of this is it will allow you to change the angle of the pad forward or reverse. Make sure not to turn the bolt out to far I t's kind of a pain in the *** to get back in. Hope this helps you out.

Last edited by fat daddy; Oct 21, 2013 at 04:58 PM. Reason: Spelling

Oct 21, 2013 | 05:06 PM

santajim

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Joined: Dec 2008

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From: Tonopah Az

The spring will hold but sometimes it's a PITA to get in place. I changed to a mustang when I got my mustang seat and that is ten times better assy.

Oct 21, 2013 | 05:15 PM

LS Bob

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 1,291

Likes: 211

From: Independence, Missouri

If you haven't seen these instructions, they should be sufficient:
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...ts/-J04734.pdf

I have this set up and it is not loose, as you describe. As stated above, the spring tensioned support should be sufficient to hold it in place.

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Oct 22, 2013 | 11:04 PM

FenderGuy53

Thread Starter

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 2,023

Likes: 6

From: New Jersey

Well, guys, I got my new, used rider backrest installed today. You can see the setup in my new avatar and sig pic.

I got a chance to take two shorts rides, and all I can say is, "WOW". Why didn't I do this two years ago? My new bagger apes and backrest already have me hankering for next Spring! Geez... Those two additions have made my Street Glide MUCH more comfortable.

Thanks for the help, guys.

Oct 23, 2013 | 09:56 AM

#10

Guitardude

Club Member

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 2,697

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From: San Angelo, Texas

I just installed one on our Ultra, and love it! Have had them on every other bagger I've had, just been out of the bagger biz for a few years. I forgot how sweet it is!

Now if I could just find a mount for my iPad on the bars or dash, and an easy to reach cooler for the tour pack, I could set the cruise, sit back, enjoy a cold beverage and stream a movie or the shows off my tivo while running the twisties!