Among a few other black and orange goodies, there was a Tri-Bar tail light under the tree this year. I've done some searching around here and noticed the early posts about this install say it's a simple plug and play with no mention of removing the fender, but the instructions show removing the fender.

I'm fairly mechanically inclined so removing the fender doesn't worry me too much, other than never having worked on any motorcycle before.

Whats the best way to do it, removing the fender or not?

It's a common mod around here but I'm looking forward to seeing my bike with the new light. Will be on the lookout for a sidemount plate bracket as well. Have heard some mount to the shock mount and some to the axle bolt. Either work better than the other?

 

tri-bar tail light? actually, unless im mistaken, all you have to do is pull of the stock tail light and plug in the new on. but then again im not 100% sure of which light to you are referring to (HD or aftermarket)

 

There is a little more to it than pulling the old light off and putting the tribar on. You have to change the bracket that holds the old light in place and put the tribar bracket on. You do not have to remove the fender, just loosen the nuts a bit so you can get a wrench down there to get a wrench in there. Easy install, my tribar was the hardest to get on as it was not properly manufactured but the dealer made good and corrected the issue. I did have to remove the seat to pull the wire through a little but very easy to do. First thing I did on my bike and I am not handy with tools and have never worked on a bike in my life.

I love the look, cleans up the rear really nice

 

1st buy the factory service and parts manuals.