My new 2022 Freewheeler arrived yesterday. So naturally, I had accessories ordered before I had the bike. The first to come was a rider backrest from Grasshopper. I went out to install it this morning and found the two bolts that should have come on the bike needed for the installation...didn't. Now, is that just another Harley cutback, like the heel shifter and the extra fob? Luckily, I had two 1/4 x 20 bolts in the garage. Any other '22 owners encounter this?
Rider backrest on a new Freewheeler
- Thread starter Maxwell
- Start date
The only thing that's on the Harley is a cover plate that pops out exposing where the mounts go. If I'm understanding you correctly your rider backrest should have come with all the needed hardware.
There was no plastic cover plate. Just the mount holes with the nuts attached on the bottom. The only hardware with the backrest were two washers, and the base. The instructions said to use the stock bolts. I called Grasshopper and the gentleman said that Harley probably just neglected to put the bolts in at the factory. He said he'd never come across that before.
This is the diagram from HD. Just a cover plate.
This is the cheapo eBay backrest I got. Came with bolts, although mine is black.
I'm referring to the RIDER backrest. Not the passenger backrest.
Explains that. Don't use one, sorry can't be of help.
Pardon my ignorance but who or what is grasshopper?
Harley-Davidson doesn't put nuts and bolts into every available location for add-ons.
The bolts that "should have come on the bike" are included in the rider backrest mounting kit.
Old Road Dog
650+ Posts
Im calling for a Congressional Investigation into why HD left out a couple bolts during production causing irreparable truama to owners that must suffer a trip to the hardware store.
Harley-Davidson doesn't put nuts and bolts into every available location for add-ons.
The bolts that "should have come on the bike" are included in the rider backrest mounting kit.
The rider backrest mounting kit consisted of 2 washers and the mount. The instructions said to use the stock bolts. I called Grasshopper and was told that the bolts "should have come on the bike."
If you buy an engine guard for your Freewheeler, be sure to buy the bolts and steering damper bracket.
Thanks now I understand…The part wasn’t From Harley Davidson…But from an outside vendor who was the bad guy …Your post made it sound like Harley Davidson was the bad guy….?
No, I'm not saying or implying that anybody is a bad guy. The vendor says the bolts should have come with the bike, so I'm asking if anyone else with a '22 Freewheeler has those bolts? The vendor has been making these backrests for years and he said he doesn't include the bolts in the parts bag because they are already on the bike.
Thank you!! Now we know that the vender should be including the bolts. Convincing him might be another story.
Kneesinbreeze
50+ Posts
I put a HD riders backrest from a 2 wheeler I had. My 22 Free did not have the bolts you are speaking of. I had to use the bolts I removed with the backrest
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