this fell out when i removed by rear fender bolts. i assume it is some type of brace, but i really cant see any need for it. it looks like it will trap dirt and cause rattles, anyone know what it is actually for and if it really needs to be there? i put it back since i didnt know. thanks

 

Welcome to the forum from Texas.

That's the rear fender license plate support bracket.

There are very few superfluous parts on the bike. If it's there, it's there for a reason. You made the right call by reinstalling it, especially if you didn't know what it is.

 

thanks for the welcome. i thought license bracket at first, but the slim uses a side mount licence plate

 

It is for the rear license plate mount. The side mount isn't legal in all countries and even some of the earlier USA slims had a rear mounted plate. Mine did. I took it all off and switched to a side mount. Weird that they would put it on a Slim with a side mount.

 

Even though the Slim may come with a side mount, it is likely included because it is a stock FLS part and may be used if someone wants or needs to convert to a rear mount.

 

looks optional to me LOL....I'll check it out an probably ditch mine when I do a 160 rear tire when the current tire wears out.

 

That makes sense, but not "HD sense". HD is known for purposely not giving you all the parts so in order to make the modification you would need to buy the extra parts. I agree with you, it just isn't their usual practice.

 

Heck throw it away HD doesn't know what they are doing . Stuck it on there to confuse you and charge you more money. Of course when fender cracks from vibration down the road you can still blame HD. Most do

 

thats not for a license mount. that is the rear fender support..

 

From Ronnie's Parts Finder, it is HD part number 69200356. The description is "BRACKET ASSEMBLY, LICENSE PLATE SUPPORT".

A rose by any other name... The fact is it supports something and would be best to keep it in place.