Shocks eating bags after lowering 2014 SGS
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: N.E. Ohio
Here's what I used with my Arnott Air Ride kit.
http://www.dkcustomproducts.com/1-Lo...-TRG02UP-B.htm
I bought the bagger Werx kit as well, but they were to close to the bags for me to not worry. I did take my Dremel and remove a very small amount of material from the lowering blocks, but a washer at the bottom would also suffice. Since the aluminum is so shiny it makes it look like a lot was removed, but very little was. If using the HD air shocks I don't think it's even a problem. I have 1800 miles on the Tamarack kit sold by DK. Most with the wife on, as well as plenty of luggage on a couple 200-300 mile trips.
http://www.dkcustomproducts.com/1-Lo...-TRG02UP-B.htm
I bought the bagger Werx kit as well, but they were to close to the bags for me to not worry. I did take my Dremel and remove a very small amount of material from the lowering blocks, but a washer at the bottom would also suffice. Since the aluminum is so shiny it makes it look like a lot was removed, but very little was. If using the HD air shocks I don't think it's even a problem. I have 1800 miles on the Tamarack kit sold by DK. Most with the wife on, as well as plenty of luggage on a couple 200-300 mile trips.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From:
I used a similar setup and during the first ride I checked and showed the bags were rubbing. I added 1/2"rubber grommets whre the stock pins held the bags in place and I haven't had any issues since. I am currently hitting 14k stress free, feet touching miles. I am 5'4".
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,921
Likes: 199
From: Skunk Hollow, TX
Anyone else that has used Bagger Werxs Adjustable Rear shock lowering kit # 598157 might want to check their saddle bags.
I had this installed by the dealer along with Stage 1 Air cleaner, Screaming Eagle Super Tuner, True Dual Head pipes and mufflers on my 14 SGS prior to picking up.
Fortunately, I had everything done by the dealer because the shocks have rubbed against my saddle bags on both sides and have eaten a hole into both bags.
Prior to purchasing the SGS I asked about lowering it (I am 5' 5" and needed it lower to feel comfortable) and what was the best way to go about lowering it I was told that a rear lowering kit would give me the lowering that I needed. I also asked if there were any problems caused by lowering it and was told there would be NO PROBLEMS, it wouldn't void the warranty or mess up the ride or the bike and was told they had used the Bagger Werx Adjustable Rear Shock Lowering Kit # 598157 on several other SGS.
Well I must be the only one to take the bags off to clean it because I am the only one reporting that the shocks are eating holes in my saddle bags.
They have covered the bags under warranty and ordered new bags for me and are working hard to resolve the issue. Went to pick up the new bags and asked them to make sure the issue was resolved. They said they had fixed it. I drove home went to clean the bike and took the bags off. Guess what in that short distance ( I only live about 20 miles from dealer) they had already started to rub again. They came and picked up the bike and are now talking about putting the the regular street glide air ride shocks on it now.
I can't believe I am the only one having this problem. Any suggestions please let me know!
Thanks
I had this installed by the dealer along with Stage 1 Air cleaner, Screaming Eagle Super Tuner, True Dual Head pipes and mufflers on my 14 SGS prior to picking up.
Fortunately, I had everything done by the dealer because the shocks have rubbed against my saddle bags on both sides and have eaten a hole into both bags.
Prior to purchasing the SGS I asked about lowering it (I am 5' 5" and needed it lower to feel comfortable) and what was the best way to go about lowering it I was told that a rear lowering kit would give me the lowering that I needed. I also asked if there were any problems caused by lowering it and was told there would be NO PROBLEMS, it wouldn't void the warranty or mess up the ride or the bike and was told they had used the Bagger Werx Adjustable Rear Shock Lowering Kit # 598157 on several other SGS.
Well I must be the only one to take the bags off to clean it because I am the only one reporting that the shocks are eating holes in my saddle bags.
They have covered the bags under warranty and ordered new bags for me and are working hard to resolve the issue. Went to pick up the new bags and asked them to make sure the issue was resolved. They said they had fixed it. I drove home went to clean the bike and took the bags off. Guess what in that short distance ( I only live about 20 miles from dealer) they had already started to rub again. They came and picked up the bike and are now talking about putting the the regular street glide air ride shocks on it now.
I can't believe I am the only one having this problem. Any suggestions please let me know!
Thanks
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From:
Any way to correct this? I assume its the top mounting bolt because its close already, I bought the kit, haven't installed it yet, what if I just use a thinner spacer on the top, or none at all? The pins to hold the bags on are too short to add thicker spacers there, or maybe i should just send them back...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,921
Likes: 199
From: Skunk Hollow, TX
Any way to correct this? I assume its the top mounting bolt because its close already, I bought the kit, haven't installed it yet, what if I just use a thinner spacer on the top, or none at all? The pins to hold the bags on are too short to add thicker spacers there, or maybe i should just send them back...
Last edited by MikeyTX; Sep 21, 2014 at 08:33 AM. Reason: PDF replaced by video
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,921
Likes: 199
From: Skunk Hollow, TX
Update
There has been no rubbing of my shocks on the back of the saddlebags since the kit was reinstalled correctly. Even LA Choppers has revised the install instructions to make sure the kit is installed correctly. 
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 17
From: Rosamond, Cali
The only downside to shorter shocks is usually a shorter stroke (that, and getting things too low so the rear tire rubs the inside of the fender). With a shorter stroke (less shock travel) that usually means you want a little stiffer spring (more pre-load, I believe) to keep the shock from bottoming-out as easily. This results in a firmer ride. Whether it's harsh or not depends on your perceptions.
I had an 04 on which I installed Ohlins (from Howard) shocks. The shocks were 13" with over a 3" stroke. I used an LA Choppers block lowering kit. This lowered the bike 1" in the rear, while also retaining the shocks' full travel.
I had to space the bags out about 1/2" (over the 'standard' spacing, i.e., the Ohlins came with some top spacers that I retained), using 1/2" spacers (top and bottom) and longer grade 8 bolts. But the bags didn't rub. I ran it this way for over 20K miles without any issues. It rode great. (The Ohlins shocks are pretty fantastic).
Then again…the new Ultra Limited Low is a sweet bike. I sat on one. It was a little cramped for me, but it's built reportedly for folks around your height…so if you don't have any aversion to spending $28.8K+ for a new touring bike set up for your needs off the showroom floor...cut right to the chase…
Alan
I had an 04 on which I installed Ohlins (from Howard) shocks. The shocks were 13" with over a 3" stroke. I used an LA Choppers block lowering kit. This lowered the bike 1" in the rear, while also retaining the shocks' full travel.
I had to space the bags out about 1/2" (over the 'standard' spacing, i.e., the Ohlins came with some top spacers that I retained), using 1/2" spacers (top and bottom) and longer grade 8 bolts. But the bags didn't rub. I ran it this way for over 20K miles without any issues. It rode great. (The Ohlins shocks are pretty fantastic).
Then again…the new Ultra Limited Low is a sweet bike. I sat on one. It was a little cramped for me, but it's built reportedly for folks around your height…so if you don't have any aversion to spending $28.8K+ for a new touring bike set up for your needs off the showroom floor...cut right to the chase…
Alan
Last edited by AlanStansbery; Sep 21, 2014 at 09:56 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,921
Likes: 199
From: Skunk Hollow, TX
The only downside to shorter shocks is usually a shorter stroke. With a shorter stroke (less shock travel) that usually means you want a little stiffer spring (more pre-load, I believe) to keep the shock from bottoming-out as easily. This results in a firmer ride. Whether it's harsh or not depends on your perceptions.
I had an 04 on which I installed Ohlins (from Howard) shocks. The shocks were 13" with over a 3" stroke. I used an LA Choppers block lowering kit. This lowered the bike 1" in the rear, while also retaining the shocks' full travel.
I had to space the bags out about 1/2" (over the 'standard' spacing, i.e., the Ohlins came with some top spacers that I retained), using spacers (top and bottom) and longer grade 8 bolts. But the bags didn't rub. I ran it this way for over 20K miles without any issues.
Then again the new Ultra Limited Low is a sweet bike. I sat on one. It was a little cramped for me, but it's built reportedly for folks around your height so if you don't have any aversion to spending $28K+ for a new bike
Alan
I had an 04 on which I installed Ohlins (from Howard) shocks. The shocks were 13" with over a 3" stroke. I used an LA Choppers block lowering kit. This lowered the bike 1" in the rear, while also retaining the shocks' full travel.
I had to space the bags out about 1/2" (over the 'standard' spacing, i.e., the Ohlins came with some top spacers that I retained), using spacers (top and bottom) and longer grade 8 bolts. But the bags didn't rub. I ran it this way for over 20K miles without any issues.
Then again the new Ultra Limited Low is a sweet bike. I sat on one. It was a little cramped for me, but it's built reportedly for folks around your height so if you don't have any aversion to spending $28K+ for a new bike
Alan