I bought a knockoff of the Paughco swingarm bearing kit, which looked exactly like the one you installed, and I had the same exact problem. I had it all buttoned up and the swingarm just parked straight out the back of the bike with VERY difficult resistance to actuate it. After a lot of similar trial and error I discovered a number of things were causing it, one of which was the nuts on the swingarm pivot bolt being too tight, which pressed the puck into the swingarm itself, causing friction.

Another thing I noticed was there's no actual roller bearings in that kit. I wouldn't even really call it a bearing.

I think I've finally figured out how I want to mount the bags. The mounts need to come out another 5/8" or so, and the rear mounting hole on the bag is farther forward than on the stocker.

I'd played around with all sorts of ideas for making filler/offset blocks, but it eventually hit me that the simplest thing to so was just remake the rear mounts from scratch.

The stock mount is on the right. The left mount is the one I made.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...eeaaebec42.jpg
Looks like it should work.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...b1069f6fd3.jpg
I really need to get a bandsaw. Cutting that sort of thing with an angle grinder is a pain and takes forever. I'm going to get both of the rear mounts buttoned up and then see about the fronts. I'm thinking I might get lucky and have the holes line up close enough that I can get away with some little PVC spacers and longer mount screws.

Purrfect !

It's called Fabrication..... Nice job!!!

Looking good!

Now you have me wanting the Glide-Pro system. LOL I like that idea over adding more parts like one of the links. That new Lithium battery should do you well. I have a Shorai lithium still running in one of my bikes for about 8 years now. Just ordered another for my Harley as the lead acid took a dump on Christmas day. Ended up having to ride my Kaw instead.

Clever solution for the rear bags mount, l did exactly the same with mine.
​​​​​​For the front mount you can use steel pipes, measure right distanse for both sides, and use longer bolts.

The links are the way ahead and indeed the original rubber-mount design. Every Buell has three, as do the rubber-mount Sportsters. They're grrrrrreat!

There's no doubt. I'll be interested to see how this (CCE + GlidePro) runs. Jake assures me that his system doesn't require that extra link, but we'll see.

Not like I've ever had any trouble with "bagger wobble" anyway. Can only think of one time, maybe, it might have happened.

Anyway, time will tell...

I am going to guess to get a real firm stable platform you will need the 3rd link anyway.
There is not enough mechanical advantage the way HD did things.
The advantage goes to the axle 18 inches away, that is a pretty big fulcrum when you stack over 400 lbs on it and ask
it to keep the numbers straight and true laterally.
JMO