I just bought a new Harley Sidekick #52849-04 and it does not fit my 2009 XL 1200C the catalog says 52849-04A the seats look the same but the one I bought does not fit even thogh it states fits 04 and higher 1200C and 883C is the A designation a key factor? thanks

 

[QUOTE]is the A designation a key factor?

could be. could also mean the diff. tank sizes. did you go back to the dealer or online where you bought it and ask?

 

How doesn't it fit?

The only thing different is the grabstrap between the 04 and 04A. The 04A has a more adjustable grabstrap with more holes. Do you mean the seat will not fit under the grabstrap ... or the grabstrap is too long?

If it is too long leaving a space between the seat and grabstrap, you can make your own holes for the bolt fit through to tighten it up a bit.

If it is too short, You may have to leave it off ... or pick up a new grabstrap.

52849-04 came with grabstrap 51295-04

52849-04A comes with grabstrap 51312-07.

With the 04 versions they were using three different grabstraps to fit the different seat models because of the difference in the hole spacing.

The 04A has adjustable spacing and they only produce one grabstrap instead of three to fit the various seats.

 

Also ... the 04 designation was produced around '06 and earlier. The 04A was produced later, and is made for the EFI bikes. The '06 earlier bikes need less space under the seat, while the '07 later have the bulkier ECM under the seat.

 

Cool bike, well the seat does not fit or should I force it down? the new seat has a more pronounced dip than the standard seat I will take phot so you can see later today, thanks for all your help
JR

 

I had a Sidekick seat on my '07Low previously. The first time I put it on, it was a pain in the butt. It seemed as if it wouldn't fit. I ended up needing help to put it on! One guy to hold the seat down, while another put the rear screw in the fender mount. After that first time though, it was easy. It just seemed real tight and stiff the first time.
If everything lines up on yours, you may just need to use a little "persuasion".

 

Appreciate that that may be the way to go, the seat cost $300 it will fit

 

I have found out that if I use my throwover saddlebags the seat does not fit worth a crap. The mid yoke of the saddlebag raises up the saddle so the contour of the seat does not meet up as nice with the contour of the fender ... causing the saddle to slide a bit and the rear portion to raise as posted earlier. As you see my choice was to go without saddlebags. It may just need to "form" or break in.

Currently, I have the Sidekick Custom with the taper 52871-04 ... which is no longer made. I also have the Rally Runner 52916-04A, which I use for traveling and when I know I am going to carry a passenger.

I think it just needs a little persuasion until it breaks in.

 

The ECM is what is preventing the seat from fitting, i took off ECM and bingo, not the solution but HD should not advertise the seat to fit with ECM module under the seat.

 

That seat was made prior to the 04A and the model year '07. Actually, at the time of print the seat did fit all '04 and later models, EFI on a Sportster was still in planning stages. Remember, the 04A did not come out until late '06.

If you bought from an HD dealer you can take it back. It should have been sold as new old stock. If you bought from E-bay you are probably out of luck.