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[KVSteve]

I've read through the manual and it shows a spring loaded attachement you just squeeze to remove from the bike.
There is no way this can be the same setup on the stock back rest with my new bike, it's solid and if it's "squeeze to remove" you must need to be superman.

Anyone know how to get these things out?

Thanks
Steve

[Dan_Lockwood]

Give this video a shot. 

It doesn't directly address your question, but it does show him easily removing the back rest and re-installing it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR4nt1mMnPo

[KVSteve]

Give this video a shot. 

It doesn't directly address your question, but it does show him easily removing the back rest and re-installing it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR4nt1mMnPo

The forward tilt and up/down adjustment I had no idea???
Is that the same on 2016 models?
Dealer didn't show me anythign about adjsuting the backrest.
If it does slide up like that then that could be covering the release mechanism.

My bike just left on the dealer's trailer to fix somehting they missed during PDI.
Will have to wait for a few days before I can try and adjust it up to see if that helps removal.

Thanks for the link.

Anyone have a pic of where that button is for the tilt forwards??

[bavery]

Not the same backrest in the video. The CVO one is not adjustable in the same way. Different method to get it out as well. Once you get it out you will see what the mech looks like.

[OBB]

Not a button to adjust the tilt (at least not on my '15) but an allen screw in the back of the backrest itself. Lift the little flap of material to access it. Also, that is a different model from what you have. The one on the newer bikes look like this...

Fast forward to the 5:44 mark

[KVSteve]

Not a button to adjust the tilt (at least not on my '15) but an allen screw in the back of the backrest itself. Lift the little flap of material to access it.

Saw the screw.
Have you taken the whole rest out of your '15?

[OBB]

Saw the screw.
Have you taken the whole rest out of your '15?

I edited my last post to add more info and a good video. I've taken mine out and it can be a pain if you have large hands. Essentially you have to squeeze the two bars together and then wiggle side to side to allow the nubs to come up one at a time. Unless you have a really strong grip then you can squeeze them together and lift it straight out.

 Here's a pix of what you're dealing with.

[OBB]

One more of the whole setup

[KVSteve]

I edited my last post to add more info and a good video. I've taken mine out and it can be a pain if you have large hands. Essentially you have to squeeze the two bars together and then wiggle side to side to allow the nubs to come up one at a time. Unless you have a really strong grip then you can squeeze them together and lift it straight out.

 Here's a pix of what you're dealing with.

Thank you OBB
I could t get my mitts on the thing to squeeze that hard. I will get some assistance from a set of large channel locks next time. Good to know how it connects when trying to remove!!! Video was very helpful!
Thanks again.

[CVODON]

These backrests have been manufacturered the same for at least the last 16 years. I find it much easier to push to one side vs trying to squeeze them together. If you push one side toward the other the one you are pushing will come out of its hole and then you can rock it up and out, or down if you want to lower it.
If someone is having trouble visualizing how to remove the backrest, take the rear seat screw out and lift the rear of the seat, if you look under the seat you will be able to see the mounting bracket and maybe get a better idea of how to remove the backrest.

[KVSteve]

These backrests have been manufacturered the same for at least the last 16 years. I find it much easier to push to one side vs trying to squeeze them together. If you push one side toward the other the one you are pushing will come out of its hole and then you can rock it up and out, or down if you want to lower it.
If someone is having trouble visualizing how to remove the backrest, take the rear seat screw out and lift the rear of the seat, if you look under the seat you will be able to see the mounting bracket and maybe get a better idea of how to remove the backrest.

Thanks Don.
I have a better idea now and I will try your suggestion when I get my bike back Friday.

Cheers
Steve.

[bigchuck]

I edited my last post to add more info and a good video. I've taken mine out and it can be a pain if you have large hands. Essentially you have to squeeze the two bars together and then wiggle side to side to allow the nubs to come up one at a time. Unless you have a really strong grip then you can squeeze them together and lift it straight out.

 Here's a pix of what you're dealing with.

I'm going to see about getting an extra spring. It seems like it would come out easily and get lost when not on bike.

[OBB]

These backrests have been manufacturered the same for at least the last 16 years. I find it much easier to push to one side vs trying to squeeze them together. If you push one side toward the other the one you are pushing will come out of its hole and then you can rock it up and out, or down if you want to lower it.
If someone is having trouble visualizing how to remove the backrest, take the rear seat screw out and lift the rear of the seat, if you look under the seat you will be able to see the mounting bracket and maybe get a better idea of how to remove the backrest.

My '02 had the old style like in the first video. That would only be 14 years ago.

[Joel]

I haven't had any problems squeezing mine to remove it. But a friend said if both his arms were broken and he needed to pee he would call me. And  I'm ok with that.

[ultrarider123]

I removed mine before taking it home from the dealer...never used one.  It didn't have a spring but I've come to learn it was suppose to have one.  When I sold it to a member here on the site, they asked about the spring (that's how I found out it should have one).  I had never had a drivers backrest on any of my bikes so the spring was a new thing. 
The backrest was easy to remove HOWEVER that may be because of lack of said spring....

Speaking of backrests, if anyone requires the mounting hardware for the drivers backrest to fit a '14 on, I removed mine and it's available....

[TNCarters]

I liked mine all the way down as low as it would go to just rest against my lumbar back area but found I could not get a good enough grip to get it back out that low.  I've taken to leaving mine up at least one notch higher so I can grip the spring loaded post better if out on the road.  I've had to use channel locks on the spring post more than once to get it out.  HD makes a fancier spring loaded support with adjustment lever but don't think it fits under our stock seat.

[JoeVibe]

I removed mine before taking it home from the dealer...never used one.  It didn't have a spring but I've come to learn it was suppose to have one.  When I sold it to a member here on the site, they asked about the spring (that's how I found out it should have one).  I had never had a drivers backrest on any of my bikes so the spring was a new thing. 
The backrest was easy to remove HOWEVER that may be because of lack of said spring....

Speaking of backrests, if anyone requires the mounting hardware for the drivers backrest to fit a '14 on, I removed mine and it's available....

Hang on to it for me! If it'll work on my Road King I can use it.

[RGlideKid]

You think removing it is tough?  Wait till you try to get her back in!   

Seriously though, just be advised that you have three heights to set the rest at, plus 3 different forward/aft settings you can use.  Once you get the seat off, you'll see what I mean.

Everyone fiddles with that darn backrest...   

[ACfixer]

It fits nicely in the trash can once removed. 

[ultrarider123]

Hang on to it for me! If it'll work on my Road King I can use it.

You got it, Joe.  I replied to your PM.

[ultrafxr]

It fits nicely in the trash can once removed. 

Each to his / her own for sure.  That's why they make Fords and Chevys, Coke and Pepsi, chocloate and vanilla. heel shifters and toe shifters.  But for me the back rest is a must have item.  Just can't ride comfortably without it.   

[KVSteve]

I liked mine all the way down as low as it would go to just rest against my lumbar back area but found I could not get a good enough grip to get it back out that low.  I've taken to leaving mine up at least one notch higher so I can grip the spring loaded post better if out on the road.  I've had to use channel locks on the spring post more than once to get it out.  HD makes a fancier spring loaded support with adjustment lever but don't think it fits under our stock seat.

I'm thinking that it's just down too low to grab with my hands and finger tips aren't strong enough to compress the spring.
I'll try the channel lock when I get the bike back from the dealer.

[DesertHOG]

I've read through the manual and it shows a spring loaded attachement you just squeeze to remove from the bike.
There is no way this can be the same setup on the stock back rest with my new bike, it's solid and if it's "squeeze to remove" you must need to be superman.

Anyone know how to get these things out?

Thanks
Steve

ah, takes me back to 2007 when I bought my first Road Glide. How in the world do you remove that damn backrest? 
Let alone putting it back in place @@@! 

[OBB]

I'm thinking that it's just down too low to grab with my hands and finger tips aren't strong enough to compress the spring.
I'll try the channel lock when I get the bike back from the dealer.

Careful with those around the seat. You don't want to scratch or tear it up.

[KVSteve]

Careful with those around the seat. You don't want to scratch or tear it up.

I will tape the jaws with duct tape or electrical tape
 

[CVODON]

Sorry, but my 2000 RK had the same backrest and mount that my new bike has. You must have had an adjustable one on your earlier bike (14 years ago) but I was correct in my 16 year comment. I had a 2000, 2005, 2009, 2011 & 2015 and all were the same.

[Major Tom]

Have run with a backrest ever since I gave up exercise. I take mine off every time I remove the seat. Some are a little more difficult than others. Best not to squeeze them as it will only lead to tears. OBB has it right. If you slide your thumb down inside the gap in the seat as far as you can and push one side towards the other then rock until it engages the next notch up. Keep doing that and it will come out. Same deal reinstalling. Bit of stuffing around I know but it works and once you get the hang of it the process is pretty easy.

Cheers Tom

[King Glide]

I install and remove mine by removing the seat screw in the back and reaching under the seat. I found that method a hundred times easier than reaching into the hole from the top.

[CVODON]

This is amazing, how can something that is so easy confuse people to the point that one guy wants to throw it in the trash. I washed my bike today, it took less than 3 seconds (watched my clock) to remove the backrest from the lower mounting hole. No vise grips or channel locks, no removing the seat to gain access.
Look at the bracket and the backrest while you have the seat off, try it a few times without the seat in your way. This is too easy to cause this much grief.
I can't ride over a hundred miles without one due to the two back surgeries. As mentioned above been using one for 16 years and never had a problem getting it out, or in.

[KVSteve]

This is amazing, how can something that is so easy confuse people to the point that one guy wants to throw it in the trash. I washed my bike today, it took less than 3 seconds (watched my clock) to remove the backrest from the lower mounting hole. No vise grips or channel locks, no removing the seat to gain access.
Look at the bracket and the backrest while you have the seat off, try it a few times without the seat in your way. This is too easy to cause this much grief.
I can't ride over a hundred miles without one due to the two back surgeries. As mentioned above been using one for 16 years and never had a problem getting it out, or in.

Bike comes home tomorrow, will try it again as suggested now that I know a bit more about how it's installed
Part of the problem is that you can't see how it attaches, this post has made it clear so should be no problem now.

[OBB]

This is amazing, how can something that is so easy confuse people to the point that one guy wants to throw it in the trash. I washed my bike today, it took less than 3 seconds (watched my clock) to remove the backrest from the lower mounting hole. No vise grips or channel locks, no removing the seat to gain access.
Look at the bracket and the backrest while you have the seat off, try it a few times without the seat in your way. This is too easy to cause this much grief.
I can't ride over a hundred miles without one due to the two back surgeries. As mentioned above been using one for 16 years and never had a problem getting it out, or in.

Are you related to GRC? You have about as much compassion for people as he does MoCo. 

[ultrarider123]

Are you related to GRC? You have about as much compassion for people as he does MoCo. 

Now that's phuny rat dare.....

(no offense meant to Jerry or Don.... )

[bigchuck]

This is amazing, how can something that is so easy confuse people to the point that one guy wants to throw it in the trash. I washed my bike today, it took less than 3 seconds (watched my clock) to remove the backrest from the lower mounting hole. No vise grips or channel locks, no removing the seat to gain access.
Look at the bracket and the backrest while you have the seat off, try it a few times without the seat in your way. This is too easy to cause this much grief.
I can't ride over a hundred miles without one due to the two back surgeries. As mentioned above been using one for 16 years and never had a problem getting it out, or in.

I agree to an extent. I have never had a problem removing, installing or adjusting my backrest and have never read that section of the manual. I don't see the big deal. How ever I am extremely grateful that others don't take that stance when helping me with a problem that probably seems very simple to them.