Installing Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Running Boards

Running boards on a Harley-Davidson are not only a terrific custom feature, but they are truly functional as well. They significantly reduce fatigue in the lower leg caused by foot pegs. Be aware that some custom running boards require modified brake and shifter arms. Ask the retailer if this is the case with the boards you choose. There are countless different manufacturers of custom running boards for a Harley-Davidson. Research the manufacturers and view their products so that the chosen running board design blends with the customizing concept. The running boards must be purchased for the specific model they are to be installed on. There are some differences between models. Running boards are easy to install when following the manufacturers instructions.

Instructions

1

Inspect the current running board or peg installation. The frame has two single mounting eyelets or posts with a hole in it that centers between the two eyelets on the running board. Notice how the old boards are secured to the frame. It has either a smooth shank bolt and nut combination or a straight pin through the eyelet securing it. The new running boards have two eyelets on each end of the running board. These two eyelets have room between them for the single eyelet on the frame. The bolt or pin passes through the outboard eyelet, the frame and the inboard eyelet securing the board and allowing it to swivel upwards in the event it makes contact with the road. Remove the running boards. If bolts were used to secure it, use a wrench to hold the bolt and another wrench to remove the nut. Pull the bolt out plus the washer, the sleeve, another washer and the nut. Save these parts in the event they are needed on the new running boards. Remove the second bolt in the same manner. If a pin is being used, just pull the cotter pin out of the end of the pin and pull the pin out, and the board will be free

2

Lay the new running boards out along with the hardware necessary to install them. Some boards will not include the hardware, the old hardware is to be reused. Pass the bolt or pin through the board to make sure it is a good fit. There must not be any free play or a rattle will result.

3

Place the running board brackets between the two frame brackets. Place a washer on the bolt and begin to push it through one of the brackets. Place the sleeve between the bracket. Push the bolt through the sleeve and out the opposite side. Spread some thread lock compound on the threads. Install a washer and loosely install the nut. Do the same to the opposite bracket. If the new running boards use pins, push them through the running board eyelets, the frame eyelet and the inboard running board eyelet and install the wire lock or cotter pin to secure it.

4

Tighten the two bolts using a wrench on the bolt head and another on the nut. Test the floorboards by lifting them up and releasing them. They should return to the horizontal position on their own.