Honda Gold Wing Accessory Install #4: Honda Passenger Armrests

1. Remove the passenger grab rails to release the seat. Then remove the seat and passenger backrest.

2. Unscrew the two screws under the lid that attach to the stock armrest.

3. Unscrew the three screws under the armrest.

4. Lift up the assembly and disconnect the two speaker wires.

5. Separating the two halves of the armrest/speaker assembly is tricky. You have to remove these two clips…

6. …and free these tabs.

7. You have to destroy these locknuts to get them off.

8. Once the locknuts are off, the pad just slips right off the upper cover.

9. Use a 1/2" drill bit to enlarge the holes in the upper cover. Use a round file to smooth out the edges.

10. Hold the upper cover over the new passenger armrest to make sure the holes are big enough to fit over the tabs.

11. Attach the rod to the armrest pad with the two 5mm long screws.

12. Reattach the speaker assembly halves and screw the new armrest pad to it with the 5mm short screws.

13. This is what it should look like.

14. Cut out the two templates from the instructions and tape them as shown. Mark the drilling points with a pointed object.

15. I hold the bracket up to the templates, just to make sure everything lines up correctly.

16. Use a 5/16" drill bit to drill out the holes and smooth them with a round file.

17. Use the 6mm screw, flange washer and 6mm cap nut to secure the bracket. Use a 5mm Allen wrench on the outside…

18. … and a 10mm box-end wrench inside the trunk.

19. Place the armrest on the bike. Use the nylon washers, collar, metal washer, and 6mm short screw to secure the bracket to the rod.

20. Reattach the speaker assembly with all the saved screws. Open and close the trunk lid several times and tighten any loose screws.

The Honda Passenger Armrests come out a little and leave enough clearance for the speaker sound to still come through.