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[Canuckian117]

Being new to these "Touring" bikes, I'm in some confusion about frames/fenders.  I've searched and learned from numerous posts here, but...maybe I'm slow....

First off, does anybody have a 2008 SERK with a Bushtec vertical receiver hitch? 

In discussion with Bushtec, John said he'd add a V-rail to rear fender to help hide the hitch bracket.

Is the 2008 rear fender longer than previous years?

Is the rear frame wider than previous years?  Or just swingarm?  And fender?

I'd prefer to NOT add anything to bottom edge of fender if I can avoid it.

Does anybody have a receiver type or hidden hitch that is not noticeable (Not chrome, Not visible)?

The snow's almost gone, so I have to get a move on and get this rig ready for the road. I haven't turned a wheel since I bought it and I AM EAGER!!

thanks for any advise, tips, help, criticism, etc...Makes me feel at home!

wayne

[SBB]

Wayne


Welcome to the site.

There is a member here called lilbear that has a BushTec hitch on his 08 SERK.

I will let him know you have some questions.

SBB

[lilbear]

Wayne,

I have the Bushtec hitch on my '08 SERK and it is almost completely hidden from behind.  The fender is a bit longer than the '07, therefore a new hitch design was required for the '08.  The only thing I still really need to do is paint the two mounting nuts black which barely show beneath the rear fender. 

Here's a pic from behind.

[Canuckian117]

Hey lilbear....thanks much for the pic.  So this is the Bushtec hitch for the SERK with no mods, correct?

Perfect...just what I hoped for!!  I guess John @ Bushtec was confused when he replied with his suggestions.

I've got lots of black touch-up paint for those bolts!

I assume you are happy with the hitch design and performance.  Any other suggestions??   Yeah, I know....just ride it!!

I'm ready!!

wayne

[lilbear]

Hey lilbear....thanks much for the pic.  So this is the Bushtec hitch for the SERK with no mods, correct?

Perfect...just what I hoped for!!  I guess John @ Bushtec was confused when he replied with his suggestions.

I've got lots of black touch-up paint for those bolts!

I assume you are happy with the hitch design and performance.  Any other suggestions??   Yeah, I know....just ride it!!

I'm ready!!

wayne

Wayne,
Standard hitch without mods.  They actually used my bike to prototype the '08 SERK hitch.  Love the hitch and it looks great and functions perfectly. Suggestions: Get the plug in wiring harness vs. the one that splices in.  The folks at Bushtec are great and all of their products are certainly premium quality.

Craig

[Canuckian117]

Craig, excellent!!  Now that I've got your attention.....did you use Bushtec's isolator or did you get another product?  On my old FXR I just spliced into the wiring and ran the trailer from there, but after reading some comments about these new, "highly intelligent" electrical systems I think it would be wise to isolate.
I'm curious as to how much room is required to neatly hide the components under the seat.

I ASSume that you are close to Bushtec in TN...at least a whole lot closer than I am.  If things go as planned I may just treat the bride to a weekend trip to beautiful TN with a stop at Bushtec for a purchase!!

Thanks again,

wayne

[SBB]

Wayne

Here's a picture of Craigs bike when it was at BushTec.

[SBB]

Another!

[lilbear]

Wayne, the isolator is plug and play and only takes up about 1 1/2" x 2.5" x .7" or so.  They did an amazing job on the trailer too.  Perfect match with the SERK.  They even matched the wheel design for me.  Fortunately for me, I only live about a 5 hour ride away from Bushtec.
Here's a pic of the trailer so you can see the detail in the paint.

[Canuckian117]

Jeez Craig...that is sweet!!  Nice paint job, excellent match.  Unfortunately, my trailer will have to wait for a pro paint job...maybe I'll just flat black it until I can afford a proper job!

Thanks for the isolator info.  Obviously, no problem mounting it out of the way.  I'm going to contact John and arrange a quick trip down there by car in a couple of weeks to rid myself of some Canadian "funny money!!"

Hope to see you on the road some day...I'll look for the pipe!! The unfortunate part of these CVO's is the subtle differences between them.  Most owners keep the paint, some change to hard bags, fairings, etc but mostly they look the same.

Thanks again,

wayne

[popper]

I am thinking about a hitch too for my FLHRSE4. I was at the Bushtec site and they talk about having to put a bumper on to hide the hitch. It appears that your bike doesn't have the bumper and the hitch doesn't show. I'm wondering if you have closeup pics of the hitch and rear fender area. Is there pretty good clearance between the hitch and tire? Thanks

[Canuckian117]

popper:

I got another reply from Bushtec re: hidden hitch on our model bike.  I'll paste the response...

Wayne,

You are correct that the rear fender on the 2008 CVO Road King is longer than the 2007 CVO Road King and other baggers.  As such it does require a different hitch than both the 07 RK and all other baggers.  The hitch is designed to fit up to the bottom edge of the fender without a V-Rail.  The hitch center section sits approximately even with the fender edge of just slightly below it- no more than ¼ inch.

This should answer some of your questions.  I originally got the same advise as you got re: adding a bumper or V-rail, but as you can see the hitch sits right up close to lower lip of fender.

wayne