ROAD ZEPPELIN AIR ADJUSTABLE SEAT
J051232010-03-30
GENERAL
Kit Numbers
52333-97E, 52341-97E
Models
For model fitment information, see the P&A retail catalog or the Parts and Accessories section of www.harley-davidson.com (English only).
Possible Additional Requirements
If additional accessories are to be connected to the accessory circuit connector, a Switched Circuit Adapter Harness (H-D Part No. 70264-94A) is available separately from a Harley-Davidson dealer.
NOTE
For FLHT Models With Tour-Pak® AND Rear Speakers: Because the Tour-Pak may need to be moved slightly back in order to install the seat, the help of an assistant could be needed to perform the seat exchange procedure.
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 refers to service manual information. A service manual for this year/model motorcycle is required for this installation and is available from a Harley-Davidson dealer.
Electrical Overload
NOTICE
It is possible to overload the vehicle's charging system by adding too many electrical accessories. If the combined electrical accessories operating at any one time consume more electrical current than the vehicle's charging system can produce, the electrical consumption can discharge the battery and cause damage to the vehicle's electrical system. (00211d)
WARNING
When installing any electrical accessory, be certain not to exceed the maximum amperage rating of the fuse or circuit breaker protecting the affected circuit being modified. Exceeding the maximum amperage can lead to electrical failures, which could result in death or serious injury. (00310a)
This Road Zeppelin seat requires up to 6.0 amps additional current from the electrical system.
Kit Contents
See Figure 9 and Table 1.
NOTICE
There are no serviceable parts inside the unit; leave all servicing to qualified service personnel. Disassembly of the unit could result in equipment damage and/or equipment malfunction. (00172a)
  • Disassembly of the seat will void the manufacturer's warranty.
See Troubleshooting near the end of these instructions.
CURRENT SEAT REMOVAL
NOTE
Cover painted surfaces with H-D Service Covers or clean shop towels to prevent scratching the finish.
1. Refer to a Touring Models service manual and remove the left and right side saddlebags.
2. For models with Tour-Pak: Open the Tour-Pak to move the passenger seat backrest out of the way.
3. ALL models: Refer to the service manual and remove the passenger grab strap, if equipped. Remove the saddlebag front mounting brackets. Save the hardware for installation.
4. See Figure 1. Remove the screw (1) to detach the seat rear mounting bracket (2) from the rear fender.
1Seat mounting screw
2Seat mounting bracket
3Bracket mounting screw (2)
Figure 1. Seat Rear Mounting Bracket
5. See Figure 2. For models with Tour-Pak but NO rear speakers:For models with Tour-Pak AND rear speakers:For models WITHOUT Tour-Pak: Slide the seat rearward to free the tongue (1) at the front of the seat from the slot (3) in the frame backbone (4), then remove the seat from the frame.
a. Cover the rear seat mounting bracket to protect the Tour-Pak finish.
b. While pushing the seat forward, raise the rear of the seat until the bracket clears the top of the Tour-Pak.
c. Slide the seat rearward slightly to free the tongue (1) at the front of the seat from the slot (3) in the frame backbone (4), then remove the seat from the frame.
d. Cover the rear seat mounting bracket to protect the Tour-Pak finish.
e. Slide the seat rearward slightly to free the tongue (1) at the front of the seat from the slot (3) in the frame backbone (4), then remove the seat from the frame.
6. See Figure 1. Remove two screws (3) to free the rear mounting bracket (2) from the bottom of the seat.
1Tongue
2Seat bottom
3Slot
4Frame backbone
Figure 2. Seat Front Mounting
ROAD ZEPPELIN SEAT INSTALLATION
1. Fasten the original mounting bracket to the bottom of the new seat using the original screws, and tighten securely.
2. See Figure 3. Remove the rubber plug from the accessory circuit connector (1) located under the seat. Plug the seat electrical connector into the accessory connector. The connectors should lock together with an audible click.
NOTE
If another accessory is already using the accessory circuit connector, use a Switched Circuit Adapter Harness (H-D Part No. 70264-94A, available separately from a Harley-Davidson dealer) as a Y-adapter.
Do not let the seat hang by the electrical connection or damage will occur.
1Accessory connector
Figure 3. Accessory Connector Location (Under Seat)
3. Position the seat on the frame, making sure the electrical harness and connector are not pinched between the seat and frame.
4. See Figure 2. For models WITHOUT Tour-Pak: Firmly push the front of the seat downward and rearward until the tongue (1) engages the slot (3) in the frame backbone (4). For models WITH Tour-Pak:NOTE for models WITH REAR SPEAKERS: If necessary, have an assistant stand behind the motorcycle and firmly grasp the Tour-Pak.Loosen or remove the screws that hold the bottom of the Tour-Pak to the support railTake care to not pull the Tour-Pak back far enough to begin pulling wires through the grommets, as the wires may be damaged. Have the assistant carefully slide the loose Tour-Pak back SLIGHTLY and hold in that position until the new seat is installed.
a. Make sure the rear seat mounting bracket remains covered to protect the Tour-Pak finish.
b. With one hand, raise the rear of the seat approximately 76 mm (3 in).
c. Use the other hand to firmly push the front of the seat downward and rearward until the tongue (1) engages the slot (3) in the frame backbone (4).
5. ALL models: Push the seat forward until the rear fender seat retention nut is centered in the hole of the seat mounting bracket.
6. Refer to the service manual and install the original saddlebag front mounting brackets and the new grabstrap using the original hardware.
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)
7. See Figure 1. Install the screw (1) through the seat mounting bracket hole and into the retention nut, and tighten to 2.3–4.5 N·m (20–40 in-lbs).
8. If the Tour-Pak was loosened, slide the loose Tour-Pak forward into position. Attach the Tour-Pak to the support rails with the screws loosened or removed earlier. Tighten the screws to 10.8–13.5 N·m (96–120 in-lbs).
OPERATION
The seat will operate with the ignition switch ON or in the ACCESSORY position. For vehicles with a fairing, verify the accessory switch in the fairing is ON. At start up, the compressor may operate briefly.
Press the raised surface of each rocker switch to inflate the chambers. The flat side of the rocker switch deflates the chambers.
When inflating, the rider lower back zone and the rider and passenger thigh zones fill from left to right.
Rider Thigh Zone
See Figure 4. The forward rocker switch on the rider seat control panel inflates and deflates the rider thigh zone chambers.
Figure 4. Rider Thigh Zone Adjustment
Figure 5. Rider Tailbone Zone Adjustment
Rider Tailbone Zone
See Figure 5. The middle rocker switch on the rider seat control panel inflates and deflates the rider tailbone zone chamber.
Rider Lower Back Zone
See Figure 6. The rear rocker switch on the rider seat control panel inflates and deflates the rider lower back zone chambers.
Figure 6. Rider Lower Back Zone Adjustment
Figure 7. Passenger Thigh Zone Adjustment
Passenger Thigh Zone
See Figure 7. The forward rocker switch on the passenger seat control panel inflates and deflates the passenger thigh zone chambers.
Passenger Tailbone Zone
See Figure 8. The rear rocker switch on the passenger seat control panel inflates and deflates the passenger tailbone zone chamber.
Figure 8. Passenger Tailbone Zone Adjustment
Riding Recommendations
WARNING
Do not adjust seat while riding. Adjusting seat while riding can distract the rider and lead to loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00598c)
Before you ride:
  • Deflate all chambers completely.
  • Adjust the thigh chambers to press firmly, but comfortably against you.
  • Adjust the lower back chambers to press comfortably against you.
  • Adjust the tailbone chamber to press very lightly against you.
City Riding: When riding requires frequent stops, it may be more comfortable to keep the thigh chamber only slightly filled or empty.
Touring:
  • Adjust the thigh chamber to apply firm but comfortable pressure against you.
  • It may be desirable to adjust the tailbone and lower back chambers while your feet are in a touring position.
  • On long rides, it may be desirable to adjust the seat at every rest stop to change position. This will improve blood circulation in your legs resulting in less fatigue and improved long distance comfort.
Passenger Comfort. While seated but not moving:
  • Practice finding the switches without looking.
  • Deflate all the chambers completely.
  • Adjust the thigh chambers to press firmly, but comfortably against you.
  • Adjust the tailbone chamber to press very lightly against you.
The Road Zeppelin seat is provided with a nylon cover (raincoat) that should be used in wet conditions when not riding. To install:
  • Slip the front of the raincoat around and slightly under the front of the seat.
  • Stretch the raincoat back and around the rear of the seat, then tuck in both sides until the seat is completely covered.
Clean and dry the raincoat prior to storage. Do not use the raincoat while riding.
Troubleshooting
  • If the compressor continues to run without pressing the inflation switches, disconnect power to the seat immediately.
  • If the seat does not inflate either the rider or the passenger areas when the inflation switches are pressed, check all electrical connections.
If any of these conditions persist, disconnect the seat electrical power and contact a Harley-Davidson dealer for further investigation.
For warranty and repair information, consult Warranty Bulletin W126C.
SERVICE PARTS
Figure 9. Service Parts, Road Zeppelin Air Adjustable Seat
Table 1. Service Parts
Item
Description (Quantity)
Part Number
1
Seat
Not sold separately
2
Grab strap
52967-97A
3
Rain cover (not shown)
52952-97
4
Leather Care Kit
(with seat 52333-97E only)
Not sold separately