Need some advise here....second time in a year the rubber spacers on my 08 Heritage saddlebag supports have split apart. This has caused the plastic wall of the saddlebag to split on the top by the nut. Last year my dealer put both the rubber spacer and saddlebag under warranty. I expect they will do the same this year....my concern is WHY does this keep happening? Eventually, the warranty will expire and this is a hassle to keep dealing with. Anyone experience this? I did have the rear lowered. Not sure if this could be affecting it. Thoughts anyone? My husband had me weigh the contents of each of saddlebag and both were less than 10 pounds (I know surprising for a female.) I appreciate any feedback.
Thanks!

 

I've never had an issue with my saddlebags, but one option to eliminate that rubber spacer and the support arm on the saddlebags is to go with Easy Brackets.

 

No problem on my 07. $hit Now I will have to look closer. Just had them off last week to mount new tire.

 

Haven't had any problems with my bags/mounts yet ('04). Hope you find the cause and publish it.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

 

Didn't think I had any rubber spacers on my bags but you guys had me thinking maybe I'm getting senile. Had to go check. Nope, no rubber spacers on my 08 Heritage. Maybe I had them before I put the docking hardware on but I don't recall any.

 

You are not going senile....having docking hardware is the issue....if you have a squared "S" style bracket from the frame to your saddlebag support then it sounds like your docking hardware was installed correcly....I talked with Tech Support at HD Corp and then visited my HD dealer....when I bought my bike, last year, I had docking hardware for a tour-pak installed...the technician at the dealer never changed the mounting hardware for the saddlebag supports...the parts cost me $13.00...for my dealer it has cost them 2 new Heritage saddlebags ($700 retail) and dealing with me (LOL)....they were very apologetic for the hassle - I'm not complaining about my dealership - they are truly a great dealership and always step up....as a side note the same saddlebag support mounting hardward is required when installing the saddlebag guards...THANKS for the feedback...you have confirmed my research and findings

 

One of the reasons I do most of my own work. Great that they took full responsibility for it and hooked you up with all new stuff.

 

If your not holding that outside disc with a pair of pliers when looseing or tighting the acorn nut you'll tear the rubber spacer or twist it in such a manner that the vibration will tear it.

 

I hear you...that was lesson from year one with this issue...unfortunately it didn't cure the problem. The rubber spaces weren't twisted when they separated, they pulled straight back when they separated....with the installation of the docking hardware the bags are displaced further from the frame...although the support arm will reach rubber spacer the additional continuous tension and stress from the saddlebag pulls them apart. Picked the bike back up today and I have to say the brackets make for a cleaner look as well. Looking forward to seeing how it works!

 

So on my 2013 it's only the right side that seems bad is this from the heat of the exhaust tips?