Saddlebag Lid Tether Kit
J007942013-11-01
GENERAL
Kit Numbers
53579-01
Models
For model fitment information, see the P&A retail catalog or the Parts and Accessories section of www.harley-davidson.com (English only).
Kit Contents
Table 1. Kit Contents
Quantity
Description
Part Number
1
Tether, lid, saddlebag
Not sold separately
INSTALLATION
  1. Remove Saddlebag Lid Tether from packaging and flex it several times to reduce the stiffness of the new part.
  2. Open saddlebag lid on the side that you want saddlebag lid tether installed on. Remove the two Self-Tapping screws securing saddlebag tether to saddlebag lid. Gently lower lid and let hang.
  3. Remove the two #8-32 x .50 inch screws securing saddlebag tether to sidewall of saddlebag.
  4. Remove the steel reinforcing plates from the hemmed ends of the existing lid tether. Note the orientation of the hole vs. the slot in the plate.
  5. Insert reinforcing plates into the hemmed ends of the new tether. Orient the new tether so the Bar & Shield silkscreen is upright and facing you. Insert the reinforcing plates in the same orientation as they were in the original tether (i.e. hole to the left, slot to the right).
  6. Using the same screws removed in step 3, secure saddlebag lid tether to the inside wall of the saddlebag by first installing both screws loosely, then tighten the screw corresponding with the round hole in the plate, and finally tighten the screw corresponding with the slotted hole in the plate. Tighten both screws to 16-20 in-lbs (1.8-2.3 N-m).
  7. NOTE
    Be very careful when torquing the fasteners, especially the thread-cutting screws going into the saddlebag lid. Over-torquing any of these fasteners can cause cracking of the fiberglass saddlebag.
  8. While holding saddlebag lid up and keeping tether straight, insert both of the self-tapping screws through the remaining two holes in the tether. Install the screw corresponding with the round hole in the reinforcing plate into the plastic mounting boss of the saddlebag lid. Leave loose for now. Install the other screw (corresponding with the slot in the reinforcing plate) into the corresponding saddlebag lid plastic mounting boss. Tighten both screws to 20-23 in-lbs (2.3-2.6 N-m), starting with the screw corresponding with the round hole in the reinforcing plate.
  9. NOTE
    Be very careful when torquing the fasteners, especially the thread-cutting screws going into the saddlebag lid. Over-torquing any of these fasteners can cause cracking of the fiberglass saddlebag.
  10. Try closing the saddlebag lid. If it is difficult to do so, the lid tether may need to be "trained" to fold inward the correct way. Do this by slowly closing the lid while pushing inward on the lid tether. (Be careful not to pinch fingers.)
  11. Open and close the saddlebag lid several times before installing tools, etc. into the lid tether to "break in" the tether materials. The saddlebag lid tether may need "help" the first few times the lid is closed or when no components (tools, etc.) are stored in the tether.
  12. If installing two lid tethers, repeat procedure for the other side.
  13. NOTE
    Do not exceed a total weight of 2.0 lbs. (0.91 kg) of components placed in the Saddlebag Lid Tether. Exceeding this weight limit may cause damage to the lid tether, saddlebag lid, and/or saddlebag.
  14. The saddlebag lid tether is now ready to accept a wide variety of small tools and/or components including, but not limited to, a mini flashlight, tire pressure gage, spark plugs, screwdriver, wrenches, spark plug socket, etc.