Hey all, curious if anyone has solved or run into this problem.

I was aiming to replace the red reflector on my 2020 road glide special's saddlebags with darker smoked out version. Watched a few videos of individuals using a heat gun to remove it, just like the front forks. When I went to check it out however, I realized the latch the reflector is attached to is plastic instead of metal. Is this new to the 2020's? Has anyone figured out how to remove the reflector without using a heat gun, or is it safe? My obvious concern is that I'll melt the plastic around reflector.

I saw someone installing the custom dynamic lights in place of the reflector, but they drilled that back of the latch after removing entirely, and I'd like to avoid any drilling if possible since it's just a quick glued on replacement.

Thanks in advance.

 

Can't answer if 2020 model latches are plastic or not, but you can use fishing line or dental floss to remove them, thats how I did the reflectors.

rk classic.

 

The reflector is essentially two parts - the lens and the backing plate. Both are plastic.

My preferred method of removal is to use a 1/4" drill bit and drill through the lens a few times. Then I use a screwdriver and/or pick tool to bust out the entire lens from the back plate. The lens is what gives the reflector it's rigidity.

After the lens is removed, you can use an automotive trim tool to remove the backing plate. Even just heat from a hair dryer to help soften the 3M adhesive tape will be a benefit. Be careful, take your time and make sure to use heat uniformly, not just sit the heat at one place for a long period of time.

Any residue can be removed with lighter fluid (Ronsonol, yellow bottle). Also, the adhesive tape also behaves a lot like command strips - if you can stretch it while removing it, it comes off very easily and leave no residue behind.

 

Go to 3:09 in this video:

 

I use waxed dental floss for emblem removal and reflectors when possible. The reflectors on the bag latches though are recessed - unfortunately it won't work in this case.

 

Google for the reflectors for your bike, I forget who I got mine from, they are thin and go right over the stock reflector and do not stick out, almost flush.

 

I carefully used a heat gun to replace the bag reflectors. Zero issues, looks great now.