Rider Backrest Kits
J007222006-12-01
GENERAL
Kit Number
51631-06, 51719-06, 52276-05, 52382-07, 52530-88F, 52572-03, 52649-04, 52695-04, and 52914-98A
Models
For model fitment information, please see the P&A Retail Catalog or the Parts and Accessories section of www.harley-davidson.com (English only).
Additional Parts Required
WARNINGRider and passenger safety depend upon the correct installation of this kit. Use the appropriate service manual procedures. If the procedure is not within your capabilities or you do not have the correct tools, have a Harley-Davidson dealer perform the installation. Improper installation of this kit could result in death or serious injury. (00333b)
NOTE
This instruction sheet references Service Manual information. A Service Manual for your model motorcycle is available from a Harley-Davidson dealer.
INSTALLATION
| 1. | 1988-1990 models: Remove saddlebag covers from both sides of vehicle. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. | Remove seat mounting bolt(s), one for 1991-later and two for 1988-1990 models. Note hardware sequence for reassembly. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. | Remove seat according to the instructions in the Service Manual. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4. | Remove and discard two bolts securing handrail mounting plate to rear fender. NOTE Check nut threads in fender. Some 1994 and later models have coarse threads (5/16-18). Make sure the 5/16-18 x 7/8 in. bolts are used in these applications. Attempting to use fine thread bolts (5/16-24) in coarse holes or coarse thread bolts in fine thread holes will damage threads in holes and on bolts. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5. | 1998 and earlier models: See Figure 1. Obtain two 5/16-24 x 7/8 in. bolts (5) (or 5/16-18 x 7/8 in. bolts on some 1994 and later models). Add one flat washer (6) and one lockwasher (6) to each bolt. 1999 models: Continue with Step 5. These models will not use Items 5 or 6. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6. | Position backrest mounting bracket (7), with tab toward front of vehicle, over holes in handrail mounting plate. NOTE See Figure 2. Four holes are provided in each side of backrest mounting bracket for adjustment purposes. Use set of holes best suited for riding position. | 
Figure 1. Typical Backrest Mounting and Adjustment 
Figure 2. Backrest Support and Bracket Position 
Figure 3. Leave Bottom Washer Attached (1999 Models) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7. | 1997 and 1998 FLTR models without handrail: Place large 1-1/8 in. O.D. washers under backrest mounting bracket and secure with 5/16-18 x 7/8 in. bolts and washers. Tighten bolts to 19 ft-lbs (25 Nm). 1998 and earlier models: Secure backrest mounting bracket and handrail mounting plate to rear fender with hardware previously removed. Tighten bolts to 19 ft-lbs (25 Nm). 1999 and later models: See Figure 3 and Figure 4. Remove plastic protective cap and locknut from stud. Leave the small plastic washer in place or the stud plate will fall out. Attach the backrest mounting bracket to stud plate with stock locknuts from stud plate. If the stud plate should fall down: slip a piece of common battery vent tube through the hole in the fender. Attach the tube to one of the studs as shown in Figure 4. Pull the tube up and maneuver the stud plate back into place. Secure with the small plastic washers. Removing the rear wheel may ease the installation of the stud plate. See Service Manual for instructions to remove and install rear wheels. | 
Figure 4. Stud Plate Retrieval (1999 Models) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8. | 1996 and earlier models: See Figure 1. Remove stock bolt, nut, and lockwasher (8) securing rear fender to frame member. Use this nut, lockwasher and bolt to attach backrest mounting bracket support (9) to frame member. 1997 and later models: See Figure 5. Slip clip nut over center hole of frame cross member behind battery. Attach bracket support (5) to frame cross member by installing 1/4-20 x 1/2 inch bolt (12) through hole in bracket support (5) and threading bolt into clip nut (11). Tighten bolt securely. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9. | Bend bracket support (5) up to meet tab on backrest mounting bracket. In some cases, it will be necessary to flip the bracket support over to accommodate the backrest. Attach support to backrest mounting bracket with flange bolt (9) and flange nut (10) through hole in support that lines up with hole in backrest mounting bracket. Tighten securely. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10. | Replace the seat and saddlebag covers. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| WARNING After installing seat, pull upward on seat to be sure it is locked in position. While riding, a loose seat can shift causing loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00070b) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11. | See Figure 5. Hold slit between rider and passenger seat open. On rider backrest, compress backrest rods and spring. Insert rods into backrest mounting bracket. NOTE If possible, do not remove the Allen screw since it is difficult to reinstall. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12. | See Figure 1. Adjust to one of three sets of holes in bracket to achieve desired backrest height. Using 3/16 inch Allen wrench, adjust backrest pad, at Allen screw (1) on back of pad, to desired angle. |
SERVICE PARTS
Figure 5. Service Parts: Rider Backrest Kits
Table 1. Service Parts: Rider Backrest Kits
Item | Description (Quantity) | Part Number | Item | Description (Quantity) | Part Number | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Items 1-4 used on 1998 and earlier models only. | 9 | Flange bolt, 5/16-18 x 5/8 in. | Not Sold Separately | |||
1 | Bolt, 5/16-18 x 7/8 in. (2) | 3991 | 10 | Flange nut, 5/16-18 | Not Sold Separately | |
2 | Bolt, 5/16-24 x 7/8 in. (2) | 3996 | Items 11 and 12 are used on 1997 and later models only. | |||
3 | Washer, flat 5/16 (2) | 6702 | 11 | Clip nut | 8108 | |
4 | Lockwasher, 5/16 (2) | 7041 | 12 | Bolt, 1/4-20 x 1/2 in. | 3728 | |
Item 4a used on 1997 and 1998 FLHR models without handrail only. | Items 13-15 are stock on 1999 and later models and are not included in kit. These items are available as Service Parts. | |||||
4a | Washer, flat 1/2 in. (2) | Not Sold Separately | 13 | Stud plate (stock) on 1999 and later models only | 59174-99 | |
5 | Bracket support | 52539-88B | 14 | Washer, retaining (stock) on 1999 and later models only | 7480 | |
6 | Backrest bracket | 52567-93B | 15 | Seat nut (stock) on 1999 and later models only | 3638 | |
7 | Backrest | Not Sold Separately | A | Frame cross member (1997 and later only) | ||
8 | Spring | 40938-93 | B | Relays (1997 and later only) | ||