Install a adjustible backrest

[Ohio Eddie]

I've got an adjustible backrest coming soon (HD 54099-10 and HD 52423) is there any tricks I should know about installing them or just follow the instructions.

 

[Livin2Ride]

I added the adjustable rider backrest to my TG and did not find it very difficult to do. I followed in instructions, but also realized HD has you taking off more than you need to for the install so I cut some corners in the instructions. Should be no problem for you to do it.

 

[MontgomeryLittle]

I put one on my wifes 2011 TG with no issue. Not sure what the part numbers were and at the time they did not list as fitting the TG. But it did fit just fine. Only thing I did a little different was to leave the bracket loose until I got all the bolts started.

 

[msocko3]

I've done it a couple times, its a pretty simple task if you follow the directions. The 1st time I took a couple short cuts and in the end spent more time fiddling around than if I would have just done it by the book.

 

[screwball]

I made a minor change. Mounted the backrest unit under the seat like usual. They provide a bracket that goes where the heat shield on the left side is. I removed the shield, and using a Dremmel tool I cut the shield and installed the adjusting switch in the heat shield. Makes a cleaner install

Good Luck.

 

[Ohio Eddie]

Thanks everyone for the info and I really like how Screwball modified his.

 

[GARYD]

I have always thought about buying a backrest even though I really don't need one. Do they really help? On long trips I use my Saddleman seat bag as a backrest. I'm just curious about getting my leg over the backrest since I still have to use the rider floorboard th get my leg over the seat.

Does Harley have a non adjustable backrest? I don't want to spend that much money if I do decide to get one. I didn't see one in the Harley P&A catalog.

Save the wave.

 

[KindaOldTriker]

I got one as a throw-in with my deal on my 2012 along with some other stuff ( the two manuals and a bumper). I did spend a bit of time trying to figure out how to mount the adjustment bracket with the routing of the cable the way they showed it on the exploded view. they show it backwards. It just wouldn't mount! Then I finally noticed in a smaller drawing the cable coming out the other side of the bracket. I guess once you've done one you don't really need to look at the drawing so HD dealer mechanics don't seem bothered by incorrect drawing.
It is comfy, and adjusts nice, BUT, was disappointing in the fact that IT WON'T LAY DOWN on the TG seat like shown in their literature. Only on some models of bikes w/ different seats. If you try it might tear the fabric. So, for anyone to get off/on you pretty much need to pull it out each time.

P.S. Screwball, nice install, but I never thought it was really hard to reach the way they mount it normally?