Hey guys - had 05 electra glide in shop today to get its 40K service - the HD shop called and said it needed swingarm bushing - it was unsafe to ride it - they would fix it for $550.00 parts and labor - I haven't got to look at it yet - but bike rides just like it was new - no problems - I get feeling they are fishing for work - I have prepaid maintenance - for oil / filter / adjustments and bike goes in every 5K miles - the $550 would be extra - if need be I could do work myself - what do you think

 

I would go there and have them show you what is supposed to be wrong with it. If they cannot, then I would put on one of the many bagger braces that are out there. I use the Progressive Touring Link as it is the slickest setup without sticking out under the bike. They may be referring to the wobble that our pre-'09 bikes seem to have when cornering and such.

 

Sounds extremely high, as said above go in & have them show you the problem. I'm not even sure there is a problem since the 05 has the updated swingarm & I'm pretty sure that the bushings are all solid steel. I put one on my 00 about 6 yrs ago & 60K miles ago, I don't remember thinking there was anything to wear out like the old swingarm. If there actually is a problem it's not a very hard job so I would do it yourself, good luck.

 

Unfortunately I live in the UK, otherwise I have a pair of these I recently took out of a low mileage swingarm. They are pretty smart things and I can imagine are quite expensive. But having done it myself, getting the swingarm out of the bike and back in takes some time, so the labour will be a big part of that bill.

There are alternative bushings out there, but none of them are cheap. Also while a rear stabilizer kit will improve the bike's handling and ride, it won't fix the bushings! I have a True-Track Trackula kit in my Glide, which I used to upgrade the bushings, but mainly to get the other improvements.

 

Hard to believe, on the other hand it's a good time to install a Glide Pro.

http://www.glide-pro.com/stabilizing-system/

 

got 70k on mine and they r fine.

 

Everything may seem fine, but after you experience that first wobble !!!!!
I went to see Jake and he hooked me up, great guy.

 

I'm guessing if your bike was still under warranty they wouldn't have seen a problem.....

 

Which is why I suggested a Glide Pro, I had one of the other stabilizers and had it removed after a few thousand miles. I called Jake and asked if he had anyone installing them at Biketoberfest, he didn’t but he turned me on to a guy in St. Cloud who had one on hand. He installed the Glide Pro, a Thunder Max and a new starter clutch; I was so happy with his work I’m going to have him do a 103 upgrade in January.

The Glide Pro is one of the best improvements I’ve made and I would go to one even if my swingarm bushings were new. I only wish I had gone with one the first time out.

 

Makes a big improvement for sure