Topic: 4 point docking hardware and backrest, tourpak issues (Read 16434 times)

2018_FLTRXSE · « **on:** February 26, 2012, 12:59:08 AM »

Well, I got my 4 point docking hardware, backrest and pad, assembled the docking hardware on the bike to spec, and then tried the backrest.

It doesnt fit.. the backrest bracket is too narrow.

Tried my backrest on my wife's Road King, no issues.

I initially thought the powercoating was too thick, so I shaved it off at the mating points retried it... same thing... rechecked everything... everything seems right.

Got my tourpak rack from my '09.. will try that tomorrow.. anyone else got ideas?

GregKhougaz · « **Reply #1 on:** February 26, 2012, 01:18:00 AM »

I think I understand your problem. The way the backrest fits is a bit deceiving. It does not fit on the same attachment points as the tour pack. It attaches farther forward. The front attach points of the backrest attach it to the top of the shock towers. Once you do that, the rest is easy.

GK

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #2 on:** February 26, 2012, 01:51:48 AM »

Quote from: GregKhougaz on February 26, 2012, 01:18:00 AM

I think I understand your problem. The way the backrest fits is a bit deceiving. It does not fit on the same attachment points as the tour pack. It attaches farther forward. The front attach points of the backrest attach it to the top of the shock towers. Once you do that, the rest is easy.

GK

Greg,

I had an 09 FLTRSE3 that I had both tour pak and the original backrest , or neither at my choice. On that bike I had no issues other than the backrest was a little snug sliding into the docks.

The backrest uses the shock mounts for forward mounting location and the outer location of the forward docking point as the two docking points.

The two-up tour pak rack uses the inner front mount of the docking hardware and the rearmost docking point.

What I found when I finally took the tour pak rack outside to test fit was that the tour pak sat on the docks with no issues.

This led me to look closer at the forward mount on the docking hardware.

The inner spacer is too wide... by how much I have yet to determine... going to take it apart and measure... the problem is I dont know how wide its supposed to be!

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #3 on:** February 26, 2012, 02:39:53 AM »

The spacer (Part number 6946) measures at .550"

Does anyone have one they can measure for width or does someone have access to the correct dimensions for the spacer?

GregKhougaz · « **Reply #4 on:** February 26, 2012, 10:48:34 AM »

Sorry, I forgot about your '09.

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #5 on:** February 26, 2012, 02:22:18 PM »

Quote from: GregKhougaz on February 26, 2012, 10:48:34 AM

Sorry, I forgot about your '09.

No worries... I forgot I changed my screenname after I bought the new bike too... is that what they call part-heimers?

Skunky Dog · « **Reply #6 on:** February 26, 2012, 08:10:31 PM »

Im having the same issues with my shorty and 4 point, it fits really tight 2!!

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #7 on:** February 26, 2012, 09:34:45 PM »

Quote from: Skunky Dog on February 26, 2012, 08:10:31 PM

Im having the same issues with my shorty and 4 point, it fits really tight 2!!

I cant even get this one on with the stock metal spacers.

@ 0.550" they are too big, and dont allow the backrest docking points inboard far enough.

I found a pair of 0.750" OD spacers that were 0.400" wide, drilled the holes out to .400 (wound up being closer to 0.409)

Gonna try to fit them on now and see how it goes.... BRB

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #8 on:** February 26, 2012, 11:37:07 PM »

Quote from: 2012_FLTRXSE on February 26, 2012, 09:34:45 PM

I cant even get this one on with the stock metal spacers.

@ 0.550" they are too big, and dont allow the backrest docking points inboard far enough.

I found a pair of 0.750" OD spacers that were 0.400" wide, drilled the holes out to .400 (wound up being closer to 0.409)

Gonna try to fit them on now and see how it goes.... BRB

ok... 0.400" is too narrow.

I found some leftover plastic bushings from a softail detatchable backrest kit. The ones I used were 0.080" (only ones I had a pair of) Making the total width 0.480" ; Thats still too wide, but very close. I can get it to lock down with a little effort and the tour pak still fits...

I think 0.450" is the correct with, but it just started storming here.. I'm done for the night....

Skunky Dog · « **Reply #9 on:** February 27, 2012, 11:55:26 PM »

let me know how you finally get her fixed, pix would be great:-)

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2012, 12:06:51 AM »

Quote from: Skunky Dog on February 27, 2012, 11:55:26 PM

let me know how you finally get her fixed, pix would be great:-)

In a short nutshell the inboad spacers on the front docking point (The shiny chrome ones) are too wide.. you would need to shave them down to the width needed for your bike....

I'm almost certain that 0.450" is pretty close to being right... that means the spacers provided in the kit are too wide... trying to get confirmation on the thickness from HD and when I do will post up the correct dimensions for part number 6946 (spacer) for reference....

Skunky Dog · « **Reply #11 on:** February 28, 2012, 04:06:16 PM »

thanks

Ronbo22 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 28, 2012, 04:22:40 PM »

My question would be, why isn't Harley addressing this issue? Instead of you trying to make it fit why aren't they? It's their equipment isn't it? Just curious..

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #13 on:** February 28, 2012, 04:44:53 PM »

Quote from: Ronbo22 on February 28, 2012, 04:22:40 PM

My question would be, why isn't Harley addressing this issue? Instead of you trying to make it fit why aren't they? It's their equipment isn't it? Just curious..

I have the dealership parts guys checking on the engineered dimensions for this... however, in the meantime you think I should just sit and twiddle my thumbs?

IMHO, the same set I bought for my '09 did not have this issue.. it was snug, but not uninstallable tight like this was.

The backrest for my new bike fits the wifes bike, the only difference being one is PC'd black. That bike has the 2 point kit.

Does anyone else have this kit with no fitment issues that can measure the width of #2 in the drawings with a caliper?

Ronbo22 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 28, 2012, 05:38:49 PM »

Just asking the question. Thought thats what forums were for, share information, tips, issues, solutions etc.. maybe asking the question of what Harley was doing about it was a bit much. I ask because my bike will be shipped on the 14th and I will be adding some of the same accessories and want to know so I don't run into the same problem. Good Luck.

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #15 on:** February 28, 2012, 05:48:58 PM »

Quote from: Ronbo22 on February 28, 2012, 05:38:49 PM

Just asking the question. Thought thats what forums were for, share information, tips, issues, solutions etc.. maybe asking the question of what Harley was doing about it was a bit much. I ask because my bike will be shipped on the 14th and I will be adding some of the same accessories and want to know so I don't run into the same problem. Good Luck.

When I get an answer from HD I will post it.. but for now this is what I am doing to rectify the problem.

Maybe I'm overthinking this (I normally do) but if there is an issue then HD needs to fix it.

The bushing on the tour pak mount is only .400 wide so I need to figure out why the spacer it mounts to is .550

GaLonghair · « **Reply #16 on:** February 28, 2012, 06:52:48 PM »

While I'll admit I'm not sure what your exact problem is, I have noticed that the tolerances of docking hardware and the things that dock (tour packs, back rests, luggage racks, etc.) are very sloppy at best, and adjustments are often necessary. Having been thru quite a few bikes I have found that what fits one may or may not fit another and that if you have more than one docking piece that they may not all fit the same bike

Good luck!

2timen · « **Reply #17 on:** February 28, 2012, 07:02:39 PM »

I just installed the four point hardware on my new skunk and the back rest fits. It's tight but does seem to work OK

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #18 on:** February 28, 2012, 08:31:15 PM »

Went to my dealer today.. my 09 was still on the floor so I took my dial caliper with me... the spacer measures the same 0.550"...

So.. tried my new backrest on my old bike... 4 point docking hardware, only chrome.

The problem is the same.... it appears the 2 point dock mounts just fine....

Pics tomorrow.. I'm off... gonna put it back to how its supposed to be then tweak the backrest to fit...seems thats where the issue is.

Guthrie52 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 29, 2012, 12:00:01 AM »

I measured my #2 spacer at 0.50 inch with a ruler. I have the 4 point docking system in black. Luggage rack and passenger back rest mount with no problems. Don't have a tour pack. I hope that helps.

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #20 on:** February 29, 2012, 03:36:27 AM »

Quote from: G-52 on February 29, 2012, 12:00:01 AM

I measured my #2 spacer at 0.50 inch with a ruler. I have the 4 point docking system in black. Luggage rack and passenger back rest mount with no problems. Don't have a tour pack. I hope that helps.

G-52,

Thanks for your input... are you using the chrome or black backrest?

scttgr8 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 29, 2012, 07:50:40 AM »

i had mine powder coated tomatch the strut covers and mine works fine. will get a pic in a bit

Guthrie52 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 29, 2012, 10:40:14 AM »

Quote from: 2012_FLTRXSE on February 29, 2012, 03:36:27 AM

G-52,

Thanks for your input... are you using the chrome or black backrest?

I have the chrome backrest, bought in 2009 for my Street Glide.

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #23 on:** February 29, 2012, 03:03:23 PM »

Quote from: scttgr8 on February 29, 2012, 07:50:40 AM

i had mine powder coated tomatch the strut covers and mine works fine. will get a pic in a bit

I saw that color PC... was nice but I thought a little overkill for my taste.

I opted for black

PJinHouston · « **Reply #24 on:** March 01, 2012, 02:59:32 PM »

I have a 4 point docking kit going on next week. My dealership is going to do the install since I am not mechanically inclined. So, I'm sure I'll pick it up and never be made aware of any of the spacer width problems ... jus sayin

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #25 on:** March 01, 2012, 03:43:45 PM »

Quote from: PJinHouston on March 01, 2012, 02:59:32 PM

I have a 4 point docking kit going on next week. My dealership is going to do the install since I am not mechanically inclined. So, I'm sure I'll pick it up and never be made aware of any of the spacer width problems ... jus sayin

Seems its not the spacer as it is the backrest.... when I checked the docking of the backrest on my wife's RoadKing, I forgot it was the 2 point dock.

GOnna take it all apart and try again.. and take pics along the way...

93-331-29psi · « **Reply #26 on:** March 03, 2012, 06:11:07 AM »

My TP is getting painted now, and the 4point and TP rack getting powder. What did you do about the stock antennae mount? Did you relocate to fairing or

? Pics would be nice as well please and thanks.

PJinHouston · « **Reply #27 on:** March 03, 2012, 06:57:54 AM »

Harley sells an antenna relocation kit ... the back antenna is disconnected and the new one is located behind the fairing.

93-331-29psi · « **Reply #28 on:** March 03, 2012, 09:45:25 AM »

Quote from: PJinHouston on March 03, 2012, 06:57:54 AM

Harley sells an antenna relocation kit ... the back antenna is disconnected and the new one is located behind the fairing.

Yeah I don't really care to pull the fairing off yet, but when I do I'm planning on a splitter and hidden fairing mounted antennae so I can maintain and use the rear antennae when not using the tour pack so I can get a little better reception when I'm riding the edge of signal area (where i live).

PJinHouston · « **Reply #29 on:** March 03, 2012, 02:23:03 PM »

Quote from: 2012_FLTRXSE on March 01, 2012, 03:43:45 PM

Seems its not the spacer as it is the backrest.... when I checked the docking of the backrest on my wife's RoadKing, I forgot it was the 2 point dock.

GOnna take it all apart and try again.. and take pics along the way...

Just snapped in my sissy bar ... It was tight, but it eventually worked ... LOL there's a joke in there some where.javascript:void(0);

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #30 on:** March 03, 2012, 03:34:45 PM »

Quote from: 93-331-29psi on March 03, 2012, 09:45:25 AM

Yeah I don't really care to pull the fairing off yet, but when I do I'm planning on a splitter and hidden fairing mounted antennae so I can maintain and use the rear antennae when not using the tour pack so I can get a little better reception when I'm riding the edge of signal area (where i live).

The antenna relocation kit differs from the hidden antenna kit.

Antenna relocation kit moves the antenna to the tour pak hidden antenna moves it to the fairing. (or wherever you choose to hide it)

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #31 on:** March 15, 2012, 08:30:53 AM »

Closing out this topic:

It wound up being as simple as the backrest being too narrow (duh) so it took a little tweakting... I basically stood on one side with it in the grass, then pulled gently on the other side until it fit with all the proper hardware...

Talk about overthinking a project...

XCESS · « **Reply #32 on:** March 31, 2012, 05:06:41 PM »

I just bought a black standardheight and the dealer told me that the brown back rest pad will only fit the short upright. Being stubborn I went ahead and guess what the brown fits fine and the standard upright fitted perfect. Now I have a more usuable back rest that i can strap a large bag to instead of the somewhat useless but better looking shorty.

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #33 on:** April 01, 2012, 12:05:25 AM »

Quote from: XCESS on March 31, 2012, 05:06:41 PM

I just bought a black standardheight and the dealer told me that the brown back rest pad will only fit the short upright. Being stubborn I went ahead and guess what the brown fits fine and the standard upright fitted perfect. Now I have a more usuable back rest that i can strap a large bag to instead of the somewhat useless but better looking shorty.

the area the pad mounts to is all the same.. why should it matter?... talk about a dealer blowing smoke up someones behind.

CVCVORG · « **Reply #34 on:** February 16, 2013, 02:03:11 PM »

I had the exact same issue and basically pulled the backrest mounts further apart by approx 1/16th of inch.
Initially the front doc point , the plastic spacer had a small chip.

No other issues since

dieseldennis · « **Reply #35 on:** May 24, 2013, 12:36:40 AM »

Aha! I thought I was crazy. It's not me after all. I spent an hour screaming at my bike yesterday ( it still refused to listen ) trying to get it to snap in. Now I know it's an easy fix. I was thinking I'd have to take the docking hardware off or something.

THANKS!

andrejak · « **Reply #36 on:** May 24, 2013, 01:31:50 PM »

Quote from: dieseldennis on May 24, 2013, 12:36:40 AM

Aha! I thought I was crazy. It's not me after all. I spent an hour screaming at my bike yesterday ( it still refused to listen ) trying to get it to snap in. Now I know it's an easy fix. I was thinking I'd have to take the docking hardware off or something.

THANKS!

My buddy has a 2013 Street Glide with the 4 point docking hardware and a standard height sissy bar. I have a 2013 CVO Road Glide with the 4 point docking hardware and shorty sissy bar. We swapped to see why mine was so tight and his wasn't. As it turns out the shorty sissy bars are too narrow and need adjustment. I would have to have my girlfriend twist the locking clamps while I pulled the sissy bar apart to remount it. PITA. Will try the put in the grass and spread it wider method others have mentioned above. The detachable sissy bar I had on my 2003 Heritage Softail was a breeze to put on and off. This one I have to think long and hard if I want to take it off because alone getting it back on was never fun.

Author Topic: 4 point docking hardware and backrest, tourpak issues (Read 16434 times)

Guthrie52

Guthrie52