I tried to install the BRP drivers backrest...

[VryGryFox]

The instructions were very simple. Emplace the locking wire into the holder, slide the panel nut onto the holder, put the 'black slider' into the holder, and then use the bolt to attach the slider to the panel nut...

Unfortunately, the hole in the slider and the panel nut were nowhere close to alignment. It seemed impossible to bolt everything together...

After I ran out of ideas of how to close the gap, I asked my wizardly neighbor to take a look at the problem. After studying the problem for a couple of minutes, he left and came back with a hammer and a fat punch, and he beat the holder into submission. The slider was still not perfectly aligned, so he used a thin metal rod though the holes and gently used the rod to pull the slider into perfect alignment. The bolt then easily used to lock everything down, whew!

Am I just unlucky?

 

[JayBros]

Year and model of your Spyder would help. If you put that in your signature, it would help when you ask future questions.

 

[spyderladyf3]

The instructions were very simple. Emplace the locking wire into the holder, slide the panel nut onto the holder, put the 'black slider' into the holder, and then use the bolt to attach the slider to the panel nut...

Unfortunately, the hole in the slider and the panel nut were nowhere close to alignment. It seemed impossible to bolt everything together...

After I ran out of ideas of how to close the gap, I asked my wizardly neighbor to take a look at the problem. After studying the problem for a couple of minutes, he left and came back with a hammer and a fat punch, and he beat the holder into submission. The slider was still not perfectly aligned, so he used a thin metal rod though the holes and gently used the rod to pull the slider into perfect alignment. The bolt then easily used to lock everything down, whew!

Am I just unlucky?

I'd say you were more lucky than unlucky to have such a wizardly neighbor

 

[VryGryFox]

Year and model of your Spyder would help. If you put that in your signature, it would help when you ask future questions.

You are correct, I have a 2023 RTL

 

[Kromm]

The instructions were very simple. Emplace the locking wire into the holder, slide the panel nut onto the holder, put the 'black slider' into the holder, and then use the bolt to attach the slider to the panel nut...

Unfortunately, the hole in the slider and the panel nut were nowhere close to alignment. It seemed impossible to bolt everything together...

After I ran out of ideas of how to close the gap, I asked my wizardly neighbor to take a look at the problem. After studying the problem for a couple of minutes, he left and came back with a hammer and a fat punch, and he beat the holder into submission. The slider was still not perfectly aligned, so he used a thin metal rod though the holes and gently used the rod to pull the slider into perfect alignment. The bolt then easily used to lock everything down, whew!
Yylpo
Am I just unlucky?

I have a '22 RTL, and got the BRP factory backrest when I purchased it, which I installed myself. It was fairly easy to do. Remove both seats and install the bracket that bolts under the back of the front seat. Put the seats back on and slide the backrest into place. I found the hardest part was getting my hands in to slide the retaining "spring". that locks the backrest in place. I am having a hard time picturing your description of your installation process.

 

[baxter]

Sounds like my F3L is lot easier to install and remove at will.

 

[VryGryFox]

I have a '22 RTL, and got the BRP factory backrest when I purchased it, which I installed myself. It was fairly easy to do. Remove both seats and install the bracket that bolts under the back of the front seat. Put the seats back on and slide the backrest into place. I found the hardest part was getting my hands in to slide the retaining "spring". that locks the backrest in place. I am having a hard time picturing your description of your installation process.

I used this BACK REST KIT I did not have to even remove the front seat. Sounds like you might have used a different kit.

 

[Kromm]

I used this BACK REST KIT I did not have to even remove the front seat. Sounds like you might have used a different kit.

That is the same one I installed. I had just purchased my RTL and I think the hardest part was figuring out how the rear seat came off. I didn't want to "force" anything.