DETACHABLE DOCKING KIT
J033752004-07-15
GENERAL
Kit Number
53450-97D
Models
This Detachable Docking Kit mounts in Position 2 (see Figure 1 ), and fits all 1997 and later FL Touring model motorcycles except FLHTC/I (Electra Glide® Classic) and FLHTCUI (Ultra Classic® Electra Glide).
1Docking Kits, H-D Part Numbers 53104-97B AND 53660-05 (when needed)
2Docking Kits, H-D Part Numbers 53450-97D (this kit) AND 53658-05 (when needed)
3Docking Kit, H-D Part Number 53746-97B
4Docking Kit, H-D Part Number 53127-96C
Figure 1. Docking Points
Additional Parts Required
For 1994 through 1996 models, Kit Number 53658-05, consisting of two 5/16-18 locknuts, will also be needed. This kit is available separately from a Harley-Davidson dealer.
WARNING
Rider 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.
Kit Contents
PREPARATION
  1. Refer to the Service Manual and follow the instructions given to remove the saddlebags.
  2. Remove the air fitting(s) from the bracket (below the right or left-side frame cover) and discard the bracket.
  3. See Figure 2. Remove and discard the three screws shown, from each side of the motorcycle. Keep the washer from the bottom screw for saddlebag and bracket installation.
1Fender support
2Saddlebag bracket
3Remove these three screws
4Weld nut behind
Figure 2. Removal of Original Equipment Screws (Left Side Shown)
INSTALLATION
NOTE
The installation instructions and hardware used will differ, depending upon whether this kit is installed alone or with the Detachable Docking Kits (Part Numbers 53746-97B and 53127-96C) in Positions 3 and 4 (see Figure 1 ). Follow the appropriate instructions to fit your situation.
1. See Figure 6 or Figure 7. Assemble the docking hardware as shown.
a. Position the mounting bracket (1) on one side of the motorcycle. Note that the mounting brackets are side-specific. The letters stamped near the lower holes must face outward, and identify the front (F) and rear (R) positions.
b. Without Docking Kit installation at positions 3 and 4 (see Figure 6 ): Install the mounting bracket using 5/16-18 x 1-inch (25 mm) long screws (8) in the upper two holes, with 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) thick spacers (5) placed on each screw, between the mounting bracket (1) and the original equipment saddlebag support bracket (A). With Docking Kit installation at positions 3 and 4 (see Figure 7 ): Install the mounting bracket using a 5/16-18 x 1-inch (25 mm) long screw (8) from this kit in the upper front hole, and a 5/16-18 x 2-1/4 in. (57 mm) long screw and lockwasher (D), docking point (C) and 0.386 in. (9.8 mm) thick spacer (E) from Docking Kit 53746-97B in the upper rear hole, through the rear docking bracket (B) from Docking Kit 53127-96C placed between the mounting bracket (1) and the original equipment saddlebag support bracket (A).
c. Finger-tighten both screws.
2. Install a 1/4-20 screw (item 9 or 11, depending on model) and the washer (F, saved in Step 3) through the slot in the saddlebag mounting bracket.
3. For FLHR, FLHT or FLTR models: Insert the threads through the bottom hole of the mounting bracket (1), right under the screws installed in Step 4b. For FLHRC or FLHRS models: Place a 9/16-inch (14.3 mm) thick spacer (12) onto the screw threads, and insert the threads through the bottom hole of the mounting bracket (1), right under the screws installed in Step 4b.
4. Place a 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) thick spacer (10) onto the screw threads, and insert the threads through the saddlebag support bracket (A) and into the clip nut. Torque the screw to 10-14 ft-lbs (13.6-19.0 Nm).
5. Torque both upper screws to 15-19 ft-lbs (20.3-25.8 Nm).
6. Repeat Steps 4 through 8 for the opposite side.
1Air hose
2Tie wrap
Figure 3. Air Hose Routing on 2003 and Later Models
7. For 1997 through 2001 models, fasten the two air fittings through the lowest two holes (marked "F" and "R") in the right-side bracket. 2002 models have only one air fitting, which must be mounted in the hole marked "F" on the RIGHT-HAND side bracket. For 2003 and later models, see Figure 3. Remove the left-side shock-absorber air hose from the air valve, and reroute it underneath the top shock mount. Locate the rearmost unused hole in the underside of the fender strut, just in front of the left shock. Use the tie wrap (2) to anchor the air hose to this hole and prevent it from getting kinked or pinched. Re-install the air hose to the air valve, and install the air valve in the hole marked "F" on the LEFT-HAND side bracket. Add air to the shock absorbers according to the instructions in the Service Manual.
8. See Figure 4 , Table 1 , and Figure 6 or Figure 7. Place a washer (6) onto the threads of a button head screw (4) from this kit. Place a docking point (3), oriented as shown, over the screw threads, followed by a spacer (8).
9. For 1994 through 1996 models, insert the screw threads through the rearmost hole (H) in the mounting bracket (1) as shown. For 1997 and later models, insert the screw threads through the frontmost hole (H) in the mounting bracket (1) as shown. Insert the screw threads through the larger hole in bracket 53805-99 (item K, part of the Rack or Sissybar Upright Kit) and fasten loosely in place with a locknut (7). Leave the locknut slightly loose for docking-point adjustment in the next step.
Figure 4. Proper Alignment of Latch in Right-Side Docking Point (Viewed from the Rear)
Table 1. Proper Alignment of Latch in Right-Side Docking Point (Viewed from the Rear)
Item
Description
Numbers and letters are same as in Service Parts list.
1
Mounting bracket
3
Docking point
3a
Docking point neck
3b
Raised surface of docking point
4
Button head screw
6
Flat washer
7
Lock nut
8
Spacer
K
Bracket from rack or upright kit
Not in Service Parts list.
Y
Luggage rack or sissybar upright side plate
Z
Luggage rack or sissybar upright latch
  1. See Figure 5. Fasten the detachable passenger backrest uprights or luggage rack to the docking points as described in the instruction sheet for that accessory. Push the forward notches of the accessory completely into the docking points in position (1), then fasten the rear notches into the docking points in position (2). Torque the fasteners from Step 12 to 45-47 ft-lbs (61.0-63.7 Nm).
1Docking Kit 53104-97B (and 53660-05 if needed)
2Docking Kit 53450-97D (and 53658-05 if needed)
3Docking Kit 53746-97B
4Docking Kit 53127-96C
5Saddlebag support bracket
Figure 5. Touring Detachable Docking Point Kits (Right Side Shown)
SERVICE PARTS
Figure 6. Installation WITHOUT Docking Kits 53127-96C and 53746-97B
Figure 7. Installation WITH Docking Kits 53127-96C and 53746-97B
Table 2. Service Parts Table
Item
Description (Quantity)
Part Number
1
Mounting bracket, right side
Mounting bracket, left side (not shown)
53759-96B
53758-96C
2
Tie wrap
10073
3
Docking point (2)
53684-96A
4
Screw, button head, hex socket, 3/8-16 x 2 in. (51 mm) long (2)
4215
5
Washer, hardened, 3/8 in. I.D., 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) thick (6)
6532
6
Flat washer, chrome, 3/8-in. I.D., 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) thick (2)
94067-90T
7
Hex locknut, Nylok, thin, 3/8-16 (2)
7667
8
Cap screw, hex head, 5/16-18 x 1 in. (25.4 mm) long (4)
4017
9
Cap screw, hex head, 1/4-20 x 7/8 in. (22.2 mm) long (2)
(for all models except FLHRC/I and FLHRS/I)
3802W
10
Spacer, 1/4 in. I.D., 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) thick (2)
5735
11
Cap screw, hex head, 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 in. (38.1 mm) long (2)
(for models FLHRC/I and FLHRS/I)
2872W
12
Spacer, 1/4 in. I.D., 9/16 in. (14.3 mm) thick (2)
(for models FLHRC/I and FLHRS/I)
5839
Items mentioned in text, but not included in kit:
Item
Description
A
Original equipment saddlebag support bracket
B
Rear docking-point bracket from Docking Kit 53127-96C
C
Docking point from Docking Kit 53746-97B
D
2-1/4 inch (57 mm) long button-head screw and lockwasher from Docking Kit 53746-97B
E
0.385 in. (9.8 mm) thick spacer from Docking Kit 53746-97B
F
Original equipment spacer
G
Original equipment Saddlebag mounting bracket
Notes:
H
The docking point on each side must be mounted in the front (forward) hole for 1997 and later models,
and in the back (rearward) hole for 1994 through 1996 models.
J
For 1997 through 2001 models, the two air fittings mount in the two bottom holes.
For 2002 models, mount the single air fitting in the front (forward) hole on the RIGHT-SIDE bracket.
For 2003 and later, the air fitting must be relocated to the forward hole on the LEFT-SIDE bracket.
K
Bracket from Luggage Rack or Sissybar Upright Kit.
L
Detachable Docking Kit 53104-97B
M
Lock nut from kit 53658-05 (for 1994 through 1996 models).
Weld nut on saddlebag support bracket (A) (for 1997 and later models).
N
Weld nut on saddlebag support bracket (A)