Ok, so I bought a knockoff set of the 4-point docking hardware on eBay. I know, I know.....but for $25 I figured why not? Well, the backrest which IS an authentic HD product doesn't wanna fit on it....like it will but I have to really shove it on and the clamps are kinda chewing up the rubber bushings because it's almost as if the spacers are too wide. So my question is, how easy/hard is it supposed to be to mount or release your backrest from the 4-point docking hardware? I was expecting it to just slip on there and the clamps click into place but that's far from acuality. Could it just be that the cheap knockoffs aren't really worth a crap? I mean, I can get the backrest on, but it's almost as if once it's on, I don't even wanna remove it because of how much of a pain it is to put back on....I like to ride without the backrest but like to take my kids every now and then so I would like to be able to mount or dismount it quickly and easily.
Knockoff 4-point docking hardware
- Thread starter FtWorth_Glide
- Start date
I have authentic docking hardware and passenger backrest (came on my 14 FLHXS when I bought it used) . The first several times I put it on, I had to more or less pry it apart while aligning the quick release hardware to get it on. It still takes some effort, but the backrest does eventually conform to the docking hardware.
On a related note: I've had many bolts fall out of third party knock off components, including my luggage rack. I'd strongly recommend some mild loktite or nail polish so you don't lose anything more important!
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I got a knock off docking set up as well. The rubber on the bushings on the knock-off much softer than the plastic on the HD docking hardware. When I first went to hook on my tour pack, the rubber on the bushing on the dock it stretched and bound up the latch. I wiped a bit of silicone grease on the bushings and the tourpack and standard rack locked in pretty easily.
-gsh
-gsh
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I don't know about the aftermarket docking hardware, but the black bushing on OEM docking hardware are elliptical and therefore adjustable up to 90°. Might be something to check on.
Also, a tiny bit of grease, vasoline or dielectric grease on front and rear points will help it slip on easier. (docking and shock supports for bkrest)
You might also try locking your rack on the docking hardware before tightening the 4 bolts that hold docking hardware, sometimes it helps.
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Also, a tiny bit of grease, vasoline or dielectric grease on front and rear points will help it slip on easier. (docking and shock supports for bkrest)
You might also try locking your rack on the docking hardware before tightening the 4 bolts that hold docking hardware, sometimes it helps.
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Well, just a quick update....I broke down and got the HD docking hardware today. Just put it on.....backrest slips on like a glove and snapped onto place!!! I guess it WAS the knockoff hardware....good thing I only spent $25 on it.
