Progressive Touring Link Review
Harley partially addressed the issue in 2009, by moving the upper stabilizer link forward (which increases the leverage it provides), and by doubling up the forward motor mount.
On the 08-older bikes, it's easier to add the touring link (bagger brace, etc) than it is to fab a downtube boss and mill your head to accept the forward stabilizer. Changing your forward motor mount to a stiffer, urethane version also adds chassis stability, in a similar fashion as the doubled-up mount used on the newer bikes. These upgrades will help control the side-to-side movement of the swingarm.
I've also changed to better tires (including a wider rear tire), and billet trees. All of these things incrementally address handling, and the cumulative effects are very noticeable.
On the 08-older bikes, it's easier to add the touring link (bagger brace, etc) than it is to fab a downtube boss and mill your head to accept the forward stabilizer. Changing your forward motor mount to a stiffer, urethane version also adds chassis stability, in a similar fashion as the doubled-up mount used on the newer bikes. These upgrades will help control the side-to-side movement of the swingarm.
I've also changed to better tires (including a wider rear tire), and billet trees. All of these things incrementally address handling, and the cumulative effects are very noticeable.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Harley moved the top stabilizer to the front head to make room for the bigger 6 gallon tank, nothing to do with the rubber mount system. They did the same with the '08 bikes, which used the old frame.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,925
Likes: 8,027
From: poway
On the 08-older bikes, it's easier to add the touring link (bagger brace, etc) than it is to fab a downtube boss and mill your head to accept the forward stabilizer. Changing your forward motor mount to a stiffer, urethane version also adds chassis stability, in a similar fashion as the doubled-up mount used on the newer bikes. These upgrades will help control the side-to-side movement of the swingarm.
I've also changed to better tires (including a wider rear tire), and billet trees. All of these things incrementally address handling, and the cumulative effects are very noticeable.
Its funny but HD screwed up the 09 frame IMO.. They stamped out the rear section so that it is only a half tube not a full round.. Some think the rear don't flex on the later bikes?
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
I agree with Bwoltz and the route he is looking at to address the problem. The whole suspension system has to be addressed to keep these beasts in check. Grbrown has done a lot of research and work on his bike. I'm lookin forward to his report on the CCE triple tree upgrade. I have upgraded my swingarm to the latest version for pre 09 baggers and added Bitchin Bagger's solution for the missing link and so far this seems to work for me. If the bike isn't setup properly sitting still, you can't depend on it behaving at speed. One of the worst bikes I've had that wobbled was a mid 80's metric that didn't have a solution to resolve the problem. Looked great standing still but no fun to ride.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Layton Utah
Next question: Why does Progressive sell links that don't fit stock bikes? I have a friend who bought one over a month ago and can't use it because [Progressive rant goes here]
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Thanks, GRBrown! Great article! er, post, whatever. Great to read something from someone who obviously knows what he's talking about..
Next question: Why does Progressive sell links that don't fit stock bikes? I have a friend who bought one over a month ago and can't use it because [Progressive rant goes here]
Next question: Why does Progressive sell links that don't fit stock bikes? I have a friend who bought one over a month ago and can't use it because [Progressive rant goes here]
Give them a call they will send out the proper bracket to your friend free, I did feel the same way when I received the Link, but they will send you the bracket quickly at least that was my experience.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Layton Utah
He's been on the phone with them several times. They told him they were on backorder. It's been several weeks now. Maybe I'll offer to buy it from him. I don't have stock pipes.
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From: Bedford UK
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Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Santa Clarita
Ordered it...got it...installed it...not a half hour installation as advertised...took an extra hour plus to loosen the exhaust enough to get the swing arm cap off & the new one on. Otherwise easy peasy.
Took an extended ride on twisty canyon roads. Cannot describe the difference as 'night and day' but the difference was noticeable. It was well worth the money and time spent!
Took an extended ride on twisty canyon roads. Cannot describe the difference as 'night and day' but the difference was noticeable. It was well worth the money and time spent!