I have a 13 FLHX that I want to install stretched bags on. I don't ever plan on lowering it so that isn't going to be an issue but I do tend to scrape the boards from time to time. I don't want to spend all the money on buying and painting bags to lean into a corner and tear them up. I know that have plates for the bottoms. Anybody know how much extension I can get away with?

 

Mine are 5" from Fairing Factory. I'm not an aggressive rider, and I've never scraped a floorboard, but see how these are kind of "scalloped" on the bottom? I think if you scrape these bags, you have bigger problems than scraped bags. You can buy just the bags too, and use your existing lids.

 

I have 4" stretched w/ 18" rear wheel. Never an issue and I ride it like a dirt bike
If I had stock wheels I'd be scraping bags I bet.

 

I wouldn't go anymore than the CVO bags. I sold my old roadglide because the bags keep hitting. Totally spoiled the ride!!! Looked great though....

 

When stock the road glides are already lower than street glides. Probably need to grab a friend and the old measuring stick and get some idea of what I can get away with.

 

I have 4" extended Top Shop bags on my `09 FLHT.I scrape quite often,not bad,but there is no paint on the corners of the bags.

My bike is also 1" higher in the rear than a FLHX.

 

I am planning the Fat Bagger look on my '13. I think the CVO parts are nice, and unless you lower the bike, they will not scrape. You have to ask yourself what you want. I want 4 inch fully extended bags and a fender overlay. I will not settle for the look of a stock CVO because I "may" scrape. I'm want a specific look that only comes with fully stretched bags. I think any longer than 4 inches and your will scrape constantly in full leans. With 4's, you at least have a chance if you don't go crazy. I rode a bagger with 4 inch stretched bags and air ride pumped all the way up. The bike had plates under the bags, and though I could make them scrape, it took a lot of effort on an offramp, and I was specifically "trying" to scrape them (with permission of course)". That being said, when you can answer what's more important, carving corners or longer bags, you can reach the answer of how much stretch.

Also, what, if anything, do you plan to do with the fender?


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I recently found a good sized gouge/scrape on my left lower from some badass corner I can't recall. Mine are 4 inches at the back. 06 SG with stock wheel and tire height. I don't know how these people go any longer unless their rear wheel is considerably taller.

 

Same here, Fairing Factory 5" angle cut on the bottom. Scrape my floor boards, jiffy stand but not the bags. Dropped 3" in the back.

 

Biker law, as far as the fender goes I wasn't quite sure. That's the other piece of the puzzle I guess.