Need Freewheeler Passenger backrest docking Hardware

Kneesinbreeze

50+ Posts
Aug 28, 2022
56
28
Independence, mo usa
I bought a new passenger backrest upright with the pad but it did not come with the dock assembly hardware. Numbers 2 on the parts diagram. It also needs #4 and #5.

Is there any way to mount it without the Harley quick detach docking hardware? I would rather install it permanently anyway. I've never seen anything that resembles this HD part but I doubt it was made just for them.

I've seen Chinese backrest kits on the rain forest and fleabay but never just the docking parts. Harley wants 92 bucks for the kit.

Any ideas on something to use to fabricate docking hardware that the upright will fit into or did I throw money down a rabbit hole?
 

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Any ideas on something to use to fabricate docking hardware that the upright will fit into or did I throw money down a rabbit hole?

My experience is by the time you try to fabricate something you’re going to regret you just didn’t buy the OEM part in the first place.
 
I bought the hogworks version a couple years back. Quality was horrible and I returned it. Bought the hd version which is fine but expensive.
 
I bought a new passenger backrest upright with the pad but it did not come with the dock assembly hardware. Numbers 2 on the parts diagram. It also needs #4 and #5.

Is there any way to mount it without the Harley quick detach docking hardware? I would rather install it permanently anyway. I've never seen anything that resembles this HD part but I doubt it was made just for them.

I've seen Chinese backrest kits on the rain forest and fleabay but never just the docking parts. Harley wants 92 bucks for the kit.

Any ideas on something to use to fabricate docking hardware that the upright will fit into or did I throw money down a rabbit hole?

I think the docking kit is well worth $92. It looks great and fits perfectly. I bought the backrest upright for my 2015 when the kit first became available. It didn't come with the plugs #5 back then, but the only time I took it off was to put in on my 2020. I bought new shiny screws and replaced the o rings when I installed it on my 2020, the chrome looks new even after over 60K miles. The screws probably would have if I hadn't scratched one trying to get it out.
 
I think the docking kit is well worth $92. It looks great and fits perfectly. I bought the backrest upright for my 2015 when the kit first became available. It didn't come with the plugs #5 back then, but the only time I took it off was to put in on my 2020. I bought new shiny screws and replaced the o rings when I installed it on my 2020, the chrome looks new even after over 60K miles. The screws probably would have if I hadn't scratched one trying to get it out.

I have had the HD kit on 3 different Freewheelers now, it still looks good from when I first bought it in 2015

I am cheap, before I trade my rides I remove all my add ons, if you go this route be sure to save the OEM plastic covers
 
I bought the cheap one on eBay in black. Border line junk. The latches are crunchy feeling and you have to make sure they lock up 'cause they often don't. The finish is crap. Had to paint the screws. Did come with plugs, but they didn't fit so I had to wrap electrical tape around them to keep them in the holes. Came with a pad and mount that started bending when I tightened the pad to it. I don't carry a passenger, the wife can't ride anymore and she would prefer I not pick up strange women, so it's never mounted on the trike. It does do the job, but it's a just in case thing. If I needed one on a regular basis I'd go for the Harley parts.
 
I'm fairly certain the parts I bought are from the knock off kit. The upright seems well built but the back pad and bracket seem cheap. I've got a HD back pad and bracket off my Road King that will work but I still need screws, O'rings and caps besides the mounts.

The winter road salt and brine are only a month or so away and spring is a long ways away. I'll save up for the real HD kit. Thanks for the replies.
 
I'm fairly certain the parts I bought are from the knock off kit. The upright seems well built but the back pad and bracket seem cheap. I've got a HD back pad and bracket off my Road King that will work but I still need screws, O'rings and caps besides the mounts.

The winter road salt and brine are only a month or so away and spring is a long ways away. I'll save up for the real HD kit. Thanks for the replies.

Surdyke.com has the OEM docking for $62 plus tax and shipping. Mine cost total $80. A late in replying but maybe this will help others. The 4 screws are 1/4-20 1 inch. Stainless at Lowes for $3.20. Will look for some chrome plugs. H-D has gotten too much of my $$$ over the years.
 
Surdyke.com has the OEM docking for $62 plus tax and shipping. Mine cost total $80. A late in replying but maybe this will help others. The 4 screws ar 1/4-20 1 inch. Stainless at Lowes for $3.20. Will look for some chrome plugs. H-D has gotten too much of my $$$ over the years.

Measure the holes, you can get chrome or stainless plus @ Lowes or Ace Hardware
 
Surdyke.com has the OEM docking for $62 plus tax and shipping. Mine cost total $80. A late in replying but maybe this will help others. The 4 screws are 1/4-20 1 inch. Stainless at Lowes for $3.20. Will look for some chrome plugs. H-D has gotten too much of my $$$ over the years.

Thanks for the tip however do to Harley's stupid policies they wont sell to me. I get this:

We are so sorry, due to Harley-Davidson corporate policy we can no longer sell or ship Genuine Harley-Davidson Parts and Accessories

to customers outside our approved dealer territory. Please remove those parts from your cart to check out.

Anymore HD'S policies really sucks. To bad I like the motorcycles. I think I'll put a solo seat on it and forget the passenger all together. That will show them.
 
Myy order from Surdyke should be here any day now....and as it turns out, I no longer need the docking hardware. If you want, I will send them to you for what the hardware cost me...$80 postage included. Let me know. Genuine H-D parts apparently ordered before the foot of H-D Corporate stepped on Surdyke.
 
Myy order from Surdyke should be here any day now....and as it turns out, I no longer need the docking hardware. If you want, I will send them to you for what the hardware cost me...$80 postage included. Let me know. Genuine H-D parts apparently ordered before the foot of H-D Corporate stepped on Surdyke.

I don't believe this is Harley's corporate decision, more like all the other dealerships were complaining that it was cutting into their sales/profits. I'm sure your local dealer is not upset about this decision. That being said, it's still a major pain in the rear end for the consumer.
 
I don't believe this is Harley's corporate decision, more like all the other dealerships were complaining that it was cutting into their sales/profits. I'm sure your local dealer is not upset about this decision. That being said, it's still a major pain in the rear end for the consumer.

This makes me wonder just how much mark up there is on HD parts
 
Thanks for the tip however do to Harley's stupid policies they wont sell to me. I get this:

We are so sorry, due to Harley-Davidson corporate policy we can no longer sell or ship Genuine Harley-Davidson Parts and Accessories

to customers outside our approved dealer territory. Please remove those parts from your cart to check out.

Anymore HD'S policies really sucks. To bad I like the motorcycles. I think I'll put a solo seat on it and forget the passenger all together. That will show them.

My order from Surdyke arrived today. Up for sale, come one come all....price just what I paid for them $80. @ Genuine OEM H-D Chrome docks Part #52300326A. Thought I needed them only to realize the FLRT purchased has them attached already.
 
Email sent

Sent you 2 replies...pissed at Surdyke but perhaps it is my mistake. I opened the package a few minutes ago only to discover that the order contained ONE dock. I thought my order was for TWO...but apparently H-D places a value on this piece of Hardware slightly more than it's weight in gold. $80 with shipping from Surdyke for ONE. If one were to order two @ $68/each plus $26 shipping still ridiculous. Walk into Stealer and they want $92 per Dock...again I stupidly thought there would be a pair based on the schematic shown on the H-D website Installation instructions. Buyer beware. H-D = Hundred Dollars. If you happen to be in the St. Louis area...might be more than worthwhile to stop in at that Dealership.
 

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