FL ADJUSTABLE RIDER BACKREST KIT
J019662007-08-25
GENERAL
Kit Number
52468-01B, 52473-01B, 52474-01B, 52475-01B, 52476-01B, 52622-03A, 52659-04A, 51632-06A
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).
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.
Additional Parts
A Retrofit Kit (part number 52332-08) is available for separate purchase if installing a 2007 or earlier Adjustable Rider Backrest Kit (part number 52468-01A, 52473-01A, 52474-01A, 52475-01A, 52476-01A, 52622-03, 52659-04 or 51632-06) onto a 2008 vehicle.
INSTALLATION - 1997 through 2007 MODELS
| 1. | Remove existing seat and grabstrap following the instructions in the Service Manual. Models equipped with a grab handle must leave the grab handle in place. Remove the nuts only. Save all hardware for installation. | |||||||||||
| 2. | Remove left side cover following instructions in the Service Manual. | |||||||||||
| 3. | See Figure 1. 1999 and Later Models: Remove the flange nuts (2) in location indicated if applicable. Leave the nylon retaining washers (1) in place. 1997-1998 Models: Remove bolts. | 
Figure 1. Remove Flange Nuts/Bracket Location | ||||||||||
| 4. | See Figure 2. Install the adjustment handle bracket (1) with the appropriate hardware: 2000-2007 Models: See Figure 12. Use the screw (6) and flange nut (12). 1997-1999 Models: See Figure 12. Use the self tapping screw (8). | |||||||||||
| 5. | Vehicles Equipped with Cruise Control: See Figure 12. Install the cruise control cable through the wire clip (9). Install screw (6 or 8) through wire clip. On 2000-2007 models, install flange nut (12). | |||||||||||
| 6. | See Figure 7. Ensure the cable end (1) is secure in the bracket (2) before routing the backrest cable. NOTE Over-tightening the adjustment handle screws may cause damage to the adjustment handle. | |||||||||||
| 7. | See Figure 3. Feed cable on handle through the adjustment handle bracket (1) and install the backrest adjustment handle (2) in the bracket as shown with the provided button head screws (3) (Item 14, Figure 12). Tighten screws securely. Feed the cable underneath the frame and up under the seat. | 
Figure 2. Installed Adjustment Handle Bracket 
Figure 3. Installed Backrest Adjustment Handle 
Figure 4. Install Speed Nut |
INSTALLATION - 2008 MODELS
Models without the Mid-Frame Air Deflector Accessory
| 1. | Remove existing seat and grabstrap according to Service Manual instructions. Models equipped with a grab handle must leave the grab handle installed. Remove the mounting nuts only. Save all hardware for installation. | |||||||||||||||
| 2. | Remove the left side cover following the instructions in the Service Manual. | |||||||||||||||
| 3. | See Figure 1. Remove the flange nuts (2). Leave the nylon retaining washers (1) in place. | |||||||||||||||
| 4. | California models with the evaporator canister tube: Pull plastic hose clip out of the hole in the frame plate at the location where the adjustment handle bracket is going to mount. Discard plastic hose clip. NOTE The following step(s) will provide a threaded backrest adjustment handle bracket mounting hole in the 2008 frame. The special self-clinching nut included in the kit is inserted into the upper left hex shaped hole in the frame plate (where the backrest mounts) and secured in place by deforming the nut with a screw. Care must be taken to ensure the nut is fully engaged in the hex hole when tightening the screw to clinch the nut into the frame plate. | |||||||||||||||
| 5. | See Figure 12. Obtain self-clinching nut (16) and screw (17) from kit. Install hex head screw into flanged end of the self-clinching nut until head of the screw just makes contact with the top of the nut. NOTE If necessary, clean any paint from the hex hole to fully engage the self-clinching nut in the hole. | |||||||||||||||
| 6. | Install the self-clinching nut and screw into the upper hex hole in the frame plate where the backrest bracket mounts. Engage hex shoulder of nut into the hex hole in frame. | |||||||||||||||
| 7. | Turn screw with a 7/16 wrench while holding the self-clinching nut firmly in place. The back of the self-clinching nut behind the frame plate will deform to clinch itself into the frame plate. | |||||||||||||||
| 8. | Tighten screw to 6.8–7.4 N·m (60–65 in-lbs) (approximately 2-1/2 turns). | |||||||||||||||
| 9. | Remove screw (17) and discard. | |||||||||||||||
| 10. | Hold shim (19) with hole in shim aligned with slot in bracket (2) and aligned with self-clinching nut in frame plate, and so shim gets sandwiched between the bracket and the frame plate. Install adjustment handle bracket and shim with flange screw (6) through bracket and shim and into the self-clinching nut. Make sure the hook/bent tab of the bracket engages the edge of the large oval hole in the frame. When aligned, tighten flange screw to 5.1–6.2 N·m (45–55 in-lbs). | |||||||||||||||
| 11. | California models with the evaporator canister tube: See Figure 12. Obtain the adhesive-backed clip (18) from kit. Clean the flat area of the adjustment handle bracket approximately in the location where the stock plastic hose clip was removed using isopropyl alcohol. Attach the clip to the bracket and route the evaporator tube through the clip. Fold clip down to capture the tube securely. | |||||||||||||||
| 12. | See Figure 12. Obtain adjustment handle and cable from kit. | |||||||||||||||
| 13. | See Figure 7. Ensure the cable end (1) is secure in the bracket (2) before routing the backrest cable. | |||||||||||||||
| 14. | See Figure 8. Route the backrest cable through the large opening in the adjustment handle bracket, then through the large oval slot (2) in the frame cross-member plate (3) and down through the lower drain hole (1) located at the bottom corner of the frame cross-member plate where the cross-member plate meets the rear frame. | |||||||||||||||
| 15. | See Figure 9. Route cable (1) between the battery compartment and the fuse/electrical box. It may be necessary to loosen electrical box to fit the cable between the frame and the electrical box. Continue routing the cable (1) up from the rear of the electrical box to between the frame and the rear fender, and finally up to the top of the rear fender and to the backrest bracket. | 
Figure 5. 2008 Models: Fastener Locations - View of Frame Rearward of Rear Cylinder (Engine Removed for Clarity) |
Models with the Mid-Frame Air Deflector Accessory
| 1. | Remove existing seat and grabstrap according to Service Manual instructions. Models equipped with a grab handle must leave the grab handle installed. Remove the mounting nuts only. Save all hardware for installation. | |
| 2. | Remove left side cover following instructions in the Service Manual. | |
| 3. | See Figure 1. Remove the flange nuts (2) in location indicated if applicable. Leave the nylon retaining washers (1) in place. | |
| 4. | California models with the evaporator canister tube: Pull plastic hose clip out of the hole in the frame plate at the location where the adjustment handle bracket is going to mount. Discard plastic hose clip. NOTE If installing the Mid-Frame Air Deflector Accessory Kit also, follow Step 5 then skip to Step 7. If the Mid-Frame Air Deflector Accessory has already been installed, skip to Step 6. | |
| 5. | Follow the instructions included with the Mid-Frame Air Deflector Kit to install the four self-clinching "special" nuts. | |
| 6. | See Figure 5. Remove the left air deflector (1) and hardware (2 and 3). | |
| 7. | See Figure 12. Obtain adjustment handle bracket (2) from kit. NOTE The air deflector mounting hardware should be used/reused to mount the adjustment handle bracket. | |
| 8. | See Figure 12. Insert cable (part of Item 3) through opening in adjustment handle bracket (2) as shown. Install adjustment handle (part of Item 3) into bracket (2) using the two button head screws (14). Tighten screws securely but do not over-tighten. | |
| 9. | See Figure 7. Ensure the cable end (1) is secure in the bracket (2) before routing the backrest cable. NOTE Over-tightening the adjustment handle screws may cause damage to the adjustment handle. | |
| 10. | While holding the left side Mid-Frame Air Deflector and the adjustment handle bracket with adjustment handle and cable in their as-mounted orientation, and so air deflector will end up captured between the adjustment handle bracket and the frame cross-member, align the deflector upper mounting hole (2nd hole from top of deflector) with large slot in adjustment handle bracket. Align bottom mounting hole in air deflector with bottom hole in adjustment handle bracket. | |
| 11. | See Figure 5. Place air deflector and adjustment handle bracket into position while feeding backrest cable through large oval slot (7) in frame cross-member plate (5) and down through bottom frame opening (6) in the compartment behind the frame cross-member plate. NOTE With adjustment handle already installed in bracket, it may be desirable to access the bracket mounting hardware from the right side of the vehicle. Do not use Loctite on the fasteners used to secure the mid-frame air deflector to the frame. If Loctite contacts the air deflector, damage will occur. | |
| 12. | Using hardware from Mid-Frame Air Deflector Kit, install 7/8 inch long button head screw with lock washer and 1 inch OD flat washer through slot in adjustment handle bracket and through upper mounting hole (2nd from top) of air deflector. Install screw into upper self-clinching nut (installed as part of air deflector kit or as part of adjustable backrest kit). Tighten screw snugly, but do not fully tighten. | |
| 13. | Install 3/4-inch long button head screw with lockwasher and 5/8 inch OD flat washer (from air deflector kit) through lower hole in adjustment handle bracket and through lower mounting hole of air deflector. Install screw into lower self-clinching nut in frame cross-member plate (installed as part of air deflector kit). While holding bracket and air deflector aligned, and with hook/bent tab of adjustment handle bracket tight against upper edge of large oval slot in frame, tighten screw to 2.8–3.9 N·m (25–35 in-lbs). | |
| 14. | While holding bracket and air deflector aligned, and with hook/bent tab of adjustment handle bracket tight against upper edge of large oval slot in frame cross-member plate, tighten upper screw to 2.8–3.9 N·m (25–35 in-lbs). | |
| 15. | California models with the evaporator canister tube: See Figure 12. Obtain the adhesive-backed clip (18) from kit. Clean the flat area of the adjustment handle bracket approximately in the location where the stock plastic hose clip was removed using isopropyl alcohol. Attach the clip to the bracket and route the evaporator tube through the clip. Fold clip down to capture the tube securely. | |
| 16. | See Figure 9. Finish routing cable (1) between the battery compartment and the fuse/electrical box. It may be necessary to loosen electrical box to fit the cable between the frame and the electrical box. Continue routing the cable (1) up from the rear of the electrical box to between the frame and the rear fender, and finally up to the top of the rear fender and to the backrest bracket. NOTE Over-tightening the adjustment handle screws may cause damage to the adjustment handle. | |
| 17. | See Figure 3. Install the backrest adjustment handle (2) in the adjustment handle bracket (1) as shown with the provided button head screws (3)(Item 14, Figure 12 ). Tighten screws securely. |
| 1 | Backrest bracket |
| 2 | Flange nuts |
| 3 | Electrical connector |
Figure 6. Attach Backrest Bracket with Flange Nuts and Screw
| 1 | Cable end |
| 2 | Adjustment handle bracket |
Figure 7. Seat Adjustment Cable Position (View from Under Installed Handle)
FINAL INSTALLATION - ALL MODELS
| 1. | See Figure 4. Install speed nut (1) in location shown. | |||||||||||
| 2. | 1999 and Later Models: See Figure 12. Install backrest bracket (1) as shown using the flange nuts (12), washers (4) and screw (6). 1997-1998 Models: Use hex screws (5) and washers (4). | |||||||||||
| 3. | See Figure 6. Slide the electrical connector (3) to the side so that the bracket does not interfere with it. | 
Figure 8. Route Backrest Cable Through Frame (2008 Models Shown) | ||||||||||
| 4. | See Figure 10. Attach the release cable (1) to the backrest mounting bracket (2) as shown. Carefully secure the cable to the shaft of the gas spring (4) with the provided cable strap (3). | |||||||||||
| 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) | ||||||||||||
| 5. | Install seat and grabstrap (if equipped) with the previously removed hardware. | 
Figure 9. Backrest Cable Routing 
Figure 10. Attach Cable to Backrest Bracket |
BACKREST INSTALLATION - ALL MODELS
| 1. | See Figure 11. Press on tab located on backrest bracket as shown. Insert backrest and press gently until it snaps into place. | |
| WARNING After installing backrest, pull upward to be sure it is locked in position. While riding, a loose backrest can shift causing loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00386a) | ||
| 2. | For operation of backrest, see Features Sheet included with kit, part number 99981-98. | |
| 3. | See Figure 12. For kits that come with a cover (15), the cover should be used whenever the backrest is not in use. |  Figure 11. Press Back on Tab to Install or Remove Backrest |
NOTE
For illustration purposes, Figure 12 shows a generic style backrest.
SERVICE PARTS
Figure 12. Service Parts: Adjustable Rider Backrest
Table 1. Service Parts Table: Adjustable Rider Backrest
Item | Description (Quantity) | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
1 | Backrest bracket | 52482-01 |
2 | Bracket, for adjustment handle 3 | Not Sold Separately 3 |
3 | Adjustment handle and cable | 52479-01A |
4 | Washer (2) | 6223 1 |
5 | Screw, hex flange, 0.312-18 x 0.88 inch (2) (1997-1998 models) 1 | Not sold separately 1 |
6 | Screw, flange (2) 1 | 3921 1 |
7 | Speed nut 1 | 8108 1 |
8 | Screw, self tapping 0.312-18 x 0.75 inch (1997-1999 models) 1 | 4328 1 |
9 | Wire clip (1997-2007 cruise control models only) | Not sold separately |
10 | Backrest (kit 52476-01B) | 52477-01 |
Backrest (kit 52475-01B) | 52471-01 | |
Backrest (kit 52474-01B) | 52472-01 | |
Backrest (kit 52473-01B) | 52470-01 | |
Backrest (kit 52468-01B) | 52469-01 | |
Backrest (kit 52622-03A) | 52623-03 | |
Backrest (kit 51632-06A) | 51656-06 | |
Backrest (kit 52659-04A) | 52661-04 | |
11 | Cable strap | Not sold separately |
12 | Flange nut 0.25-20 (3) (2000 - 2008 models) 1 | 8021 1 |
13 | Features sheet (not shown) | Not sold separately |
14 | Screw, button head, self-tapping, #6-32 x 0.63 (2) 2 | 94243-03 2 |
15 | Cover, (kit 52474-01) (not shown) | 52882-01 |
16 | Nut, special, self-clinching, 0.25-20 (2008 models) 1, 3 | Not Sold Separately 1, 3 |
17 | Screw, hex head cap, 0.25-20 x 1.0 (2008 models) 1, 3 | 2551W 1, 3 |
18 | Clip, adhesive backed (California Models Only) 1, 3 | 10103 1, 3 |
19 | Shim, adjustment handle bracket (2008 models) 3 | Not sold separately 3 |
1Items included in hardware kit part number 52002-00A. | ||
2Items included with part number 52479-01A. | ||
3Items included with part number 52332-08. | ||
The following Service Kits are available: | ||
Hardware kit | 52002-00A | |
Bracket, pivot weldment repair kit | 53047-01 | |
Retrofit kit (to mount 1997-2007 Backrest kit on 2008 models) | 52332-08 | |