Detachable Passenger-Backrest Docking Hardware Kit
J031142003-08-20
GENERAL
Kit Number
53450-97C
Models
This kit fits 1994 and later FLHR, FLTR, FLHT, and FLHTC model motorcycles.
NOTE
For FLHTC models, and 1996 and earlier FLHT models, a FLHR-style replacement license-plate bracket (Part Number 47440-92) must be installed after the luggage rack is removed as described below. This bracket is sold separately through any Harley-Davidson dealer.
NOTE
The installation instructions described below, and the hardware quantities used during installation, differ depending on whether this kit is installed with the FLHR Rear Docking Kit (Part Number 53746-97A), or installed by itself. Follow the appropriate instructions below to install your kit.
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 required for this installation and is available from a Harley-Davidson Dealer.
INSTALLATION
Installation Without FLHR Rear Docking Kit Part Number 53746-97A
| 1. | Remove the saddlebags. | |||||||||||
| 2. | On models equipped with Tour Paks, remove Tour Pak and luggage rack according to Service Manual instructions. | |||||||||||
| 3. | On 1997 and Later models, remove the air fitting(s) from the bracket and discard the bracket. | |||||||||||
| 4. | On FLHTC models, and 1996 and earlier FLHT models, install FLHR-style license-plate bracket, part number. 47440-92, in place of the license-plate bracket removed with luggage rack. | |||||||||||
| 5. | See Figure 1. Remove and discard the three screws from each side of the motorcycle. Note the fastener configurations described in the illustration. Keep the spacer for saddlebag and bracket installation. NOTE If the end of a 1-inch screw (3) contacts the fender during installation, use the 3/4-inch long screws (4) from this kit. | |||||||||||
| 6. | See the Service Parts illustration. Assemble the docking hardware as shown. a. Install mounting brackets on each side of the motorcycle. The right-side bracket (8) has two extra mounting holes for 1997-2001 air fittings. 2002 and 2003 models are equipped with one air fitting, however on 2003 and later models the air fitting must must be relocated to the (forward) front hole on the LEFT-HAND side bracket. b. Use the 5/16-18 x 1-inch screws (3) in the upper two holes with two chrome washers (2) placed on each screw and between the mounting bracket and the saddlebag support bracket. These chrome washers replace the rear docking kit bracket that is not installed on this application. c. Install a 5/16-18 flange locknut (6) behind the screw that does not screw into a weld nut. Torque to 15-19 ft-lbs (20.3-25.8 Nm). | 
Figure 1. Stock Bolt Removal | ||||||||||
| 7. | Install on each side of the motorcycle a 1/4-20 x 7/8 in. screw (1) and stock washer through the bottom hole of the mounting bracket and the saddlebag support bracket. Torque the fastener to 10-14 ft-lbs (13.6-19.0 Nm). | 
Figure 2. Airhose Routing on 2003 Models  Figure 3. Proper Alignment of Latch in Right-Side Docking Point (Viewed from Rear) | ||||||||||
| 8. | On 1997-2002 models, fasten the air fittings through the lowest two holes in the right-side bracket. On 2003 and later models, See Figure 2. Remove the left side shock air hose from the air valve and reroute it underneath the top shock mount. Locate the rear unused hole in the underside of the fender strut, just in front of the left shock. Use a tie wrap (HD Part Number 10073) to anchor the air hose to this hole and prevent it from getting a kink or getting pinched. Reinstall the air hose to the air valve and install the air valve in the bottom front hole of the left-hand bracket. Add air to the shocks according to the applicable Service Manual. | |||||||||||
| 9. | See the Service Parts illustration and Figure 3. Fasten docking points (9) and spacers (12) to the mounting brackets as shown, on each side of the motorcycle, using buttonhead screws (10), washers (2), and locknuts (7). Leave the locknuts slightly loose for docking-point adjustment in step 10. |
Table 1. Latch Components
Item numbers match numbers in Service Parts Illustration | |
|---|---|
2 | Washer |
7 | Locknut |
8 | Rear mounting bracket |
9 | Rear docking point |
10 | Screw |
12 | Spacer |
Items mentioned in text, but not included in kit. (Reference only) | |
A | Bracket P/N 53805-99 from detachable backrest kit |
B | Backrest side plate |
C | Backrest latch |
D | Neck |
E | Raised surface of docking point |
| 1 | Kit 53127-96B, Detachable Rear Docking Hardware Kit |
| 2 | Kit 53746-97A, Two-Up Detachable Rack Front Docking Kit |
| 3 | Kit 53450-97C, Detachable Passenger Backrest Docking Kit |
| 4 | Kit 53104-97A, Detachable Front Docking Hardware Kit |
| 5 | Saddlebag support bracket |
Figure 4. Touring Detachable Docking Hardware Kits (Right Side Shown)
| 1 | Replace spacer 53747-97, included in kit 53746-97A, with spacer from this kit when installing with FLHR Rear Docking Kit |
Figure 5. Docking-Point Spacer Location
- On 1997 and later models, the docking point fastens through the mounting-bracket front hole.
- On 1994-1996 models, the docking point fastens through the mounting-bracket rear hole.
- See Figure 4. Fasten the detachable passenger backrest to the docking points as described in the backrest instruction sheet. Push the forward notches of the backrest sideplates completely into the front docking points (kit number 53104-97A), then fasten the backrest rear notches into the backrest docking points (kit number 53450-97C). Torque the fasteners from Step 9 to 45-47 ft-lbs (61.0-63.7 Nm).
Installation with FLHR Rear-Docking Kit Number 53746-97A
Follow all the steps in the previous procedure, but:
- Replace the eight chrome washers (2), between the mounting brackets and fender supports, with the rear-docking bracket from the Rear Docking Kit as shown in Figure 3. Replace spacers, part number 53747-97 from kit 53746-97A, with the spacers (5) from this kit. Spacers in this kit are narrower to accommodate the added thickness of the mounting bracket (8). Refer to the instruction sheet for kit 53746-97A to correctly install the docking points.
SERVICE PARTS
Figure 6. Service Parts: Detachable Passenger-Backrest Docking Hardware
Table 2. Service Parts Table
Item | Description (Quantity) | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
1 | Screw 1/4-20 x 7/8 inch (2) Attach mounting brackets and saddlebag mounting brackets to fender supports | 3802W |
2 | Chrome washer, 3/8 inch (10) 10 used without Rear Docking Kit 53746-97A; 2 used with Rear Docking Kit | 94067-90T |
3 | Screw, 5/16-18 x 1.0 inch (4) Attach two top holes, in mounting brackets, to fender supports | 4017 |
4 | Screw, 5/16-18 x 3/4 inch (4) To replace item 3 if 1.0 inch screw is too long | 3987 |
5 | Spacer (2) Install with Rear Docking Kit 53746-97A;replaces spacer 53747-97 | 53760-97 |
6 | Locknut, flange (2) Install under fender | 7531 |
7 | Locknut (2) Attaches docking points to mounting brackets | 7667 |
8 | Mounting bracket, right side Mounting bracket, left side (not shown) | 53759-96B 53758-96C |
9 | Docking point (2) | 53684-96A |
10 | Screw, buttonhead, 3/8-16 x 2.0 inch (2) Fasten docking points to mounting brackets | 4118 |
11 | Tie wrap (not shown) | 10073 |
12 | Spacer (2) | 6532 |
Additional items, not part of kit 53450-97C: | ||
13 | Docking point from kit 53746-97A | |
*14 | Stock spacer | |
*15 | Stock saddlebag mounting bracket | |
*16 | Stock Saddlebag support bracket | |
17 | Rear docking-point bracket from kit 53127-96B | |
* Items with asterisk are stock (original equipment) items | ||
Model Specific Information | ||
A | Use one additional chrome washer (two total, item 2) at each top-bolt location, on both sides of the vehicle, on vehicles not equipped with kit 53746-97A. | |
B | Use the front hole in bracket for 1997 and later models. | |
C | Use the rear hole in the bracket for 1994-1996 models. | |
D | On 1997-2002 models, install air fitting(s) on right side as shown. On 2003 and later models, install air fitting on the left side bracket. | |