I ended up removing mine after I laid the bike down back in June. The bars got scratched, the support bar underneath was bent, and the guard ended up pushing back into the saddlebag lid, popping it open and letting it scrape across the ground. I was just going to replace the guards with powder coated black ones, but ended up getting the stealth support brackets instead (on accident actually, but ended up liking the look, wife liked the extra foot room, and it was cheaper).

I priced all the parts out, and it would've been pretty much the same to replace the entire bag as the lid, support bracket, and guard. An entire saddlebag can be had for about $350; the guards, support and lid ended up about $400 (list prices - at Chicago HD it's cheaper, but about the same still). The only real consideration would be the time constraints (getting painted parts shipped out).

 

Bike looks great. Love the color.
Marsh

 

I'm doing it. You guys with the bikes without them, thanks. Your scoots look great. I appreciate all the help with this decision.. I haven't dropped a bike since 1965 when I got a brand new Norton 750 that weighed 425lbs. I had ridden nothing but light weight Jap bikes and I dropped it on the way home from the dealers.
Having said this I must go "knock on wood" or it will happen again.
Marsh

 

marsh my email is leonjeepcj@yahoo.com

 

Bag guards, aka leg guards. Your saddle bags and your legs, four things you'd miss if you didn't have em. I have a SG and before ridin 100 mi, I put a set of guards on. If you don't like the look with em on, try the blacked-out version from the HD P&A catalog, gives you a low profile / stealth mode look.

 

Not sure if you are aware, but HD makes a replacement bar that still protects the bag and eliminates the problem with the bar digging into the back of the passenger's leg.

Andy

 

Hey Andy.....you aint got a link to that part or a HD Part# handy do you??

 

yea but it is butt ugly. I removed mine 63,000 miles ago and never regretted it as it looks 100% better. The RoadGlides and StreetGlides don't have them. I guess if I drop my bike I will just replace/repair a saddlebag knowing that I have had at least 63,000 miles of enjoying the way my bike looed without the crash bars. Heck I know lots of guys that pull the front crash bars off.

 

Put em back on dude. I like the guards ...

 

Thanks to leon anthony for the good turn he is doing for me. A true Harley biker pal. Stand by for a new sig pic, sans the ugly guards. Oh, and my wife Kay thanks you too.
Thanks again Leon,
Marsh