Topic: Bushtec Hitch install on 2014 CVO Limited w/pictures (Read 13902 times)

Boatman · « **on:** July 10, 2014, 09:06:56 PM »

Have had Bushtec hitches on my 05, 10, and tonight installed one on my 14 Limited. Each time I have had to purchase a new hitch and wiring (my 10 hitch is for sale in the selling forum).

I thought long and hard about purchasing a McHitch from Todd because the install was easier but ultimately purchased another Bushtec as it is still the most hidden hitch I have found. I really didn't want to take the hitch off when not in use.

The downside of the MCHitch was the square receiver sticking out the back covered by a plastic cap and too much of the hitch stuck out on each side of the fender behind the filler panels for my taste (that is why it is easier to install).

When I purchased my 05 hitch, the box had foam cut out for each piece to sit in and was pleasantly surprised when the 14 was the same (my 10 hitch was just wrapped in paper)..

Boatman · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2014, 09:12:06 PM »

I was really happy that the receiver downtube now bolts to the cross brace frame between the muffler/saddlebag supports. Thought this is great, now you can unbolt just the receiver from the crossbrace and not see any hitch. That happiness didn't last long as the receiver drops down thru the crossbrace from the top and can't be removed-guess it keeps it from completely falling off if the 2 grade 8 bolts fall out. One side note is that this receiver is slotted and you can center the downtube exactly in the rear of the fender.

If you wanted to remove the receiver, you could weld the nuts to the crossbrace and cut the nuts off the receiver.

Boatman · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2014, 09:14:22 PM »

Here is a side view of the hitch behind the saddlebags.

The bolts that are hard to install are the bolts/nuts between the muffler and hitch brackety.

The McHitch is easier to install because the 2 bolts pictured (next to the muffler) are behind/under the fill panel on their hitch.

Boatman · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2014, 09:17:39 PM »

Here is a picture with the receiver installed. The pin is removeable so you can now use the pin or a ball depending on what type of trailer you have.

Boatman · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2014, 09:18:15 PM »

Side view.

Boatman · « **Reply #5 on:** July 10, 2014, 09:18:45 PM »

With bags.

Boatman · « **Reply #6 on:** July 10, 2014, 09:19:21 PM »

Closeup of downtube.

This is all I could see on my 2010 also. On my 05, you saw nothing.

Boatman · « **Reply #7 on:** July 10, 2014, 09:25:38 PM »

From Bushtec, with a CVO Limited you purchase a non canbus isolator wiring for $89.00..
It was plug and play and worked when I hooked the trailer up. The only wire you have to crimp is the positive inline fuse from the battery to the isolator. You hook up no negative to battery.
Besides the battery cables and this one positive wire I added, there are no wires hooked up to the battery terminals. The supplied battery tender is direct wired into the harness.

The Bushtec hitch was $399 and $89 wiring.

McHitch was $230 and would have had to purchase a pin kit from Bushtec for $40.. I can't remember the price of their wiring kit but I believe it was over $150 and I would have had to wire on the Bushtec plug.

You could always purchase the McHitch and Bushtec pin and wiring (if you have a Bushtec trailer).. Hope this helps someone.

johnbv · « **Reply #8 on:** July 11, 2014, 04:21:34 PM »

Hey Boatman, where did you find that chrome cap type cover over the muffler mount ? what a good look to cover up the mounting points for the muffler bracket !!

Fired00d · « **Reply #9 on:** July 11, 2014, 05:16:35 PM »

Quote from: johnbv on July 11, 2014, 04:21:34 PM

Hey Boatman, where did you find that chrome cap type cover over the muffler mount ? what a good look to cover up the mounting points for the muffler bracket !!

Looks like these - Muffler Bracket Cover Kit-80716-08

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

dmill · « **Reply #10 on:** July 19, 2014, 09:53:33 AM »

Did my installer install the cross brace upside down? It is hanging 3 inches or so below the bottom of the rear fender? Doesn't look like your clean install at all. My 2011 (installed myself) looked very much like yours.

Boatman · « **Reply #11 on:** July 19, 2014, 10:56:34 AM »

It sounds as if the cross brace is installed upside down as stated. My 2010 looked the same as the 2014 once installed. Take him the pictures and have him change it. Sad that bushtec doesn't have any pictures on their website of the install to go by.

Jock · « **Reply #12 on:** July 19, 2014, 03:24:41 PM »

That's a sweet set up and I love the hidden look!

dmill · « **Reply #13 on:** July 20, 2014, 09:53:02 PM »

Boatman,

I think they sent the wrong hitch. Either the one for the Street Glide or Regular Ultra Limited. Both have longer fenders.

dmill · « **Reply #14 on:** July 20, 2014, 09:58:36 PM »

I think it is installed correctly, but the wrong center brace. The struts appear to be the same as yours.

dmill · « **Reply #15 on:** July 20, 2014, 10:05:34 PM »

It can only be installed one way really!

Boatman · « **Reply #16 on:** July 20, 2014, 10:27:03 PM »

The part # on my invoice is 944212-2PIN 2014 Harley pin hitch.

If you look at my 2nd picture of the crossbrace laying on the ground, mine is installed turned over from what it is in that picture. If you look at your pictures, your crossbrace is upside down than mine. Yours is installed the way mine is laying loose on the ground.

But. From looking at your last picture, it looks as if you have the ear over the inside saddlebag support/muffler brace bolt like it should be.

So, I would say you have the hitch for a rear bumper as that is about the gap you have. (Like you stated)..

It looks bad that way.

You will probably have to send them pictures of what you have so it can be figured out more readily.

dmill · « **Reply #17 on:** July 20, 2014, 10:54:17 PM »

Problem solved! My invoice is 944212-1pin. For Street Glide as suspected! I was suspect when I first saw my bike with the hitch on but then I saw yours and knew something was up. Thanks for your help. I will deal with Bushtec tomorrow.

nudels2u75 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 24, 2014, 06:02:35 AM »

Did you know that VOIDS your warranty from Harley Davidson....Soon as you start having warranty issues, you will have to put your bike back to stock to have it re-instated....

Rooster · « **Reply #19 on:** July 24, 2014, 09:21:54 AM »

To bad they don't have quick disconnect for a hitch. There's an idea for someone who can make one.

Fired00d · « **Reply #20 on:** July 24, 2014, 10:48:40 AM »

Quote from: nudels2u75 on July 24, 2014, 06:02:35 AM

Did you know that VOIDS your warranty from Harley Davidson....Soon as you start having warranty issues, you will have to put your bike back to stock to have it re-instated....

Voiding the warranty is true for a lot of the things we do to our bikes... including fixing the factory "F" ups that come stock on them.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

dmill · « **Reply #21 on:** July 25, 2014, 10:48:30 PM »

Quote from: Boatman on July 20, 2014, 10:27:03 PM

The part # on my invoice is 944212-2PIN 2014 Harley pin hitch.

If you look at my 2nd picture of the crossbrace laying on the ground, mine is installed turned over from what it is in that picture. If you look at your pictures, your crossbrace is upside down than mine. Yours is installed the way mine is laying loose on the ground.

But. From looking at your last picture, it looks as if you have the ear over the inside saddlebag support/muffler brace bolt like it should be.

So, I would say you have the hitch for a rear bumper as that is about the gap you have. (Like you stated)..

It looks bad that way.

You will probably have to send them pictures of what you have so it can be figured out more readily.

The problem (Bushtec version 1) on left, and the solution (Bushtec version 2) on right. The CVOs require version 2. If you get version 1 your hitch will hang about 2 inches below the fender. (See previous pics)

dmill · « **Reply #22 on:** July 25, 2014, 10:53:14 PM »

The finished installed hitch, (Version 2). The center section should be just about even with the bottom of the fender.

dmill · « **Reply #23 on:** July 25, 2014, 10:57:03 PM »

The plug tucks neatly up out of view when not in use.

dkl032 · « **Reply #24 on:** July 29, 2014, 07:14:37 AM »

For those with vance and Hines monster rounds, the bushtec won't fit. Took multiple go arounds with bushtec to discover why mine did not fit. Had monster ovals on old bike and it did fit. I went with mchitch due to ease of install and removal. Both are high quality. Did keep the hitch pin and wiring harness from bushtec.

dmill · « **Reply #25 on:** July 30, 2014, 10:53:49 AM »

Quote from: dkl032 on July 29, 2014, 07:14:37 AM

For those with vance and Hines monster rounds, the bushtec won't fit. Took multiple go arounds with bushtec to discover why mine did not fit. Had monster ovals on old bike and it did fit. I went with mchitch due to ease of install and removal. Both are high quality. Did keep the hitch pin and wiring harness from bushtec.

See previous picture of Vance and Hines Monster rounds with Bushtec hitch installed.

dkl032 · « **Reply #26 on:** August 02, 2014, 04:50:24 PM »

that is interesting. dealer installed my monster rounds and the mounting bracket comes off the muffler horizontally (towards tire) which doesnt allow the bushtec to be installed without removing the bracket and then pounding the hell out of it in order to reattach. direct quote from bushtec that their hitch wont work with monster rounds.

i wonder if there are different slip ons in the monster rounds. mine definitely have a side mounting configuration where as yours seem to mount from the top as do the stock slip ons.

lmahs92 · « **Reply #27 on:** August 17, 2014, 11:02:55 PM »

Quote from: nudels2u75 on July 24, 2014, 06:02:35 AM

Did you know that VOIDS your warranty from Harley Davidson....Soon as you start having warranty issues, you will have to put your bike back to stock to have it re-instated....
WHERE IS IT "WRITTEN" THAT IT VOIDS THE WARRANTEE? IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO VOID IT MAGNASUN-MOSS ACT (ITS ALL HEAR SAY BAD STORY THAT HAS GOTTEN OUT OF CONTROL) I ASK YOU TO PROVE ME WRONG!!!!!! NOT HEAR SAY I WANT TO SEE WRITTEN!!!!!!

Twolanerider · « **Reply #28 on:** August 18, 2014, 12:53:36 AM »

Quote from: lmahs92 on August 17, 2014, 11:02:55 PM

WHERE IS IT "WRITTEN" THAT IT VOIDS THE WARRANTEE? IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO VOID IT MAGNASUN-MOSS ACT (ITS ALL HEAR SAY BAD STORY THAT HAS GOTTEN OUT OF CONTROL) I ASK YOU TO PROVE ME WRONG!!!!!! NOT HEAR SAY I WANT TO SEE WRITTEN!!!!!!

A little excited?

Far be it for me to seem to be defending Mother Harley. But there is something to be said for recognizing standards and what we've agreed to and not behaving like petulant children when we don't get more than we were promised or contractually agreed to.

I assume you're suggesting that a trailer hitch must be specifically proscribed in the warranty document? It doesn't. The owner's manuals and full warranty documents (if you request them) have language that has varied over the years but they've always had some version of "unapproved accessories" or "unauthorized use" language. And.... whether we like it or not, towing is a use outside the MoCo's accepted standards. Why? Because they say so.

The warranty is a contract we accept by buying the motorcycle. So, like it or not, we're stuck with it. That some dealers may be more or less lenient on such things and either look the other way or void everything and blackball the bike only means that the dealers don't all follow the rules the same way; and that's actually a bad thing. MMWA says and/or suggests a lot of things. But it doesn't help with use of a vehicle that is outside the manufacturer's approved mode of operations.

If you step beyond the warranty to the extended service agreement their language goes so far (yes, in writing) to specifically say you are rightfully and religiously f^(*&*d if you pull a trailer. It's in their section 2 of the attached document.

So, yeah, whether we like it or not we know this crap is going in and it's the standard we must live within. We accept it by buying the bike. That leaves as the only real options to either not buy the bike or man up and go along with the terms of the warranty contract you accepted when you bought the bike.

DICKW · « **Reply #29 on:** August 18, 2014, 06:36:50 AM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on August 18, 2014, 12:53:36 AM

A little excited?

Far be it for me to seem to be defending Mother Harley. But there is something to be said for recognizing standards and what we've agreed to and not behaving like petulant children when we don't get more than we were promised or contractually agreed to.

I assume you're suggesting that a trailer hitch must be specifically proscribed in the warranty document? It doesn't. The owner's manuals and full warranty documents (if you request them) have language that has varied over the years but they've always had some version of "unapproved accessories" or "unauthorized use" language. And.... whether we like it or not, towing is a use outside the MoCo's accepted standards. Why? Because they say so.

The warranty is a contract we accept by buying the motorcycle. So, like it or not, we're stuck with it. That some dealers may be more or less lenient on such things and either look the other way or void everything and blackball the bike only means that the dealers don't all follow the rules the same way; and that's actually a bad thing. MMWA says and/or suggests a lot of things. But it doesn't help with use of a vehicle that is outside the manufacturer's approved mode of operations.

If you step beyond the warranty to the extended service agreement their language goes so far (yes, in writing) to specifically say you are rightfully and religiously f^(*&*d if you pull a trailer. It's in their section 2 of the attached document.

So, yeah, whether we like it or not we know this crap is going in and it's the standard we must live within. We accept it by buying the bike. That leaves as the only real options to either not buy the bike or man up and go along with the terms of the warranty contract you accepted when you bought the bike.

When I put mine on my 09, the dealer said technically it voids the warranty but we will honor any claim unless directly responsible due to towing. Fair is fair and I accepted that. As stated above "Man up".

Twolanerider · « **Reply #30 on:** August 18, 2014, 09:58:29 AM »

Quote from: DICKW on August 18, 2014, 06:36:50 AM

When I put mine on my 09, the dealer said technically it voids the warranty but we will honor any claim unless directly responsible due to towing. Fair is fair and I accepted that. As stated above "Man up".

That's great they're willing to extend the courtesy. But it's a courtesy that's only good at that particular shop's whim and only so long as some other dealer (or the same one later on when some new service writer does otherwise of the shop just changes its mind) doesn't blackball the bike in the system. Rather the warranty version of walking on egg shells.

harley.2016 · « **Reply #31 on:** February 23, 2016, 02:25:48 PM »

Boatman,
What was difference between the '10 hitch and the '14 hitch that you installed that made purchasing a new one a necessity ?
I thought they were all version 2 hitches and that the Harley frames had not changed at all.
I have currently a version 2 on my 2012 Ultra Classic, and have just purchased a 2016 CVO Limited. I thought I could just swap the hitches between them (I would check to make sure the harnesses were compatible though....)
Please advise
Harley.2006

dayne66 · « **Reply #32 on:** February 23, 2016, 02:52:29 PM »

The reason I'd put a 'hitch' on my '12 SG would be to have a golf club rack mounted...it would also require wiring as the golf bag would block the brake and signal lights.

I can't seem to find the hitch-mounted style that I was referring to...but, did find a couple that work on the detachable plates. http://www.golfhograck.com/site/photo-gallery.html But, still need to address the brake/signal light issue.

Boatman · « **Reply #33 on:** February 23, 2016, 02:56:59 PM »

Quote from: harley.2006 on February 23, 2016, 02:25:48 PM

Boatman,
What was difference between the '10 hitch and the '14 hitch that you installed that made purchasing a new one a necessity ?
I thought they were all version 2 hitches and that the Harley frames had not changed at all.
I have currently a version 2 on my 2012 Ultra Classic, and have just purchased a 2016 CVO Limited. I thought I could just swap the hitches between them (I would check to make sure the harnesses were compatible though....)
Please advise
Harley.2006

They told me they were different so I took their word. I wasn't smart enough to match them up or try the 2010 hitch. If you have a 2009 to 2013 hitch, I would try it first. There can't be that much difference. Good luck and let us know what you find.

harley.2016 · « **Reply #34 on:** June 11, 2019, 02:25:53 AM »

DKL032,

I Think you will find that they were trying to install V and H Propipes which mount on the side, not Monster Rounds. (which have a top mount)
Has anyone had success with mounting the Prop Pipes which have the mount on the side???

Author Topic: Bushtec Hitch install on 2014 CVO Limited w/pictures (Read 13902 times)