I have a Leatherworks bag and have decided to get saddlebags, so removed my swingarm bag last night.
When pulling it off, it looks like the finish is scratched pretty badly where all four straps were connected to the swingarm. The bottom of the swingarm was also damaged where the back of the bag rubbed on the swingarm. This caused the worst damage, rubbing all of the way through the powdercoat down to metal.

Have any of you with these bags had this happen? Is it possible to repair the damage, or will I either have to replace the swingarm, have it refinished, or go with a chrome one?

 

send it out to powdercoat

 

I agree. When you get it back, get some wide velcro with adhesive backing and wrap the swingarm under the bag with the soft side. If you ever want to take it off just use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm it up a little first.

 

Make a bracket like mine has and you will not get any paint damage. The guy I bought mine from made a bracket out of aluminum that mounts the bag to the rear foot peg hole and one of the strut bolts. I'll get pics next time I take it off for you.

 

Thta's stinks - I've had mine for quite a while now, and just replaced it for one with a different color - no issues with my swingarm...I had the straps pulled pretty tight.

 

I had a leatherworks bag and removed it because it was starting to scuff up the swingarm. I was pretty pissed and just tossed it to the side of the garage where it has sat ever since. It wasn't very bad but I knew it would get worse if I left it on there. I just roll with a backpack when I need to carry something.

 

Wrap the swingarm with black electrical tape.

 

Oh and have the old swingarm powder coated, chrome swingarms look horrible, ruin the illusion of a hardtail.

 

Thanks guys. I've seen some of the pics of guys with a chrome swingarm and it just isn't for me. I'll see if I can find a local powdercoater that can redo the swingarm for me. The only thing good about this is that I'll get a chance to try out the lift I got for Christmas.

 

Talk to the guys at your HD dealer and indy shops to see who they use for powder coating. They can steer you in the right direction if there's a quality shop in your area.