I consider myself a decent weekend mechanic! However, I just got my **** kicked by the docking kit for the HD solo rack. The holes will not line up to install the bracket. They simply wont line up no matter what I do. I have tried every trick I know, even standing the bike up. The rear bolts will line up, but the front will not.

Any ideas from the guys that have done this before? Will a lift help? I don't want to pay the dealer to do this.....

 

problem is, you followed the instructions and took all the bolts out first didnt ya? [:-][][:@]

 

The instructions are terrible. Parts leftover are OK.

 

This is the docking kit for the detachable backrest?

When I installed mine I had a problem lining up the holes also, but I thought it was the rear mounting points. Regardless, I had to apply a bit of pressure to the fender and/or saddlebag support in order to get them lined up to accept the bolt. It was the worst part of the job. Well, other than the fact that the retention clip broke off of one of the blind nuts on the saddlebag support and I had to make a run to get a new one.

 

Welcome to our world. I was pulling my freaking hair out trying to install that damn docking hardware. The SM at the local dealer said installing docking hardware was initiation for all new techs that they hire.

 

The instructions caution you against doing that. They tell you to work one side at a time.

You say it's the docking kit for the solo rack, so you're removing the bolts on the rear fender, dropping the old backing plate out, installing a new one then putting the new bolts with the mount points on. Are you doing the turn signal relocation too?

Double-check your part numbers to make sure you have the right kit for your bike. Then take the new backing plate and compare it to the one you take off. If the holes line up, then it's just a muscle job... Make sure the backing plate is oriented correctly. Start a bolt in and just give it one or two turns. Then get the next one started. I have a vague recollection that it took some better than average profanity to coax them in, but nothing that would kill grass or harm small animals.

 

I'm istalling the HD 53803-06 Front Docking Kits as required for the Solo rack in the MOCO catalog. My only problem at this point, is that I cant get the front triangle hole to align with the bolt. The rear bolts are on (loose), but I'm going to have to take off the rear bag support bolts as well to release the side chrome brackets.

 

When I put mine on I couldn't it mounted either. So I threw the instructions away, grabbed a bottle of my favorite brew, and just used common sense (wifey says I have none), everything went together.

 

Loosen (don't remove) the torx bolts for the saddle bag & fender supports. Two on each side at the bottom of rear fender. This willallow you to deflect the fender alittle andalign all the holes to catch the dock mounting bolts. Just don't forget to retighten the bolts when done.



Ez

 

I had the same problem. I think it's some sort of sick joke. Best thing to do is go get a cold beer and then try again later.