Based on pics, it seems 2014 and later got a redesign of the saddlebag bar, it dips down some vs the straight across design of earlier. Does anyone know if these fit 2009-13 or do you have to go the Comfort bar route? Are the redesign passenger friendly?
Update: Successful install of 2014 and later bars on 2013 EGC. Details at bottom.
2014
2013
Comfort
Last edited by GregGillette; 09-24-2016 at 12:22 PM.
I've read here on the forum that the newer bars will not work on pre '14 bikes. Bummer too.
Yes it would be. The comfort bars are not very good looking. The newer bars are acceptable. I have the support bar coming to eliminate the bar all together for comfort but I have concerns wanting to avoid bag damage if dropped. Current bar is not working as is for passenger comfort.
Just went through this ...... The Rushmore SB guards are a no go on earlier models. I put SB guards on my SGS and wanted to do the same on my 12' Ultra, eliminating my rails. I too don't like the comfort so I purchased a used set off a 12' RK on eBay.
Funny thing, the guards for 09' - 13' model bikes are pricey. Don't know why, you can actually get them much cheaper for a 14 when going after market and used prices are higher to for the 09'-13' models too.
My research, could be wrong....It seems mount points for the front guard is the same as there were no frame changes in 14. The support bracket did change at the rear so that may be why 13 and older sg have issues trying to use new supports. My egc with its original support may work with 14 front bar but just need to be shortened where inserts into lower front receiver as the newer bar slopes down and back as seen in profiles pic below. Drops the bar below the lid level so it may work. If have to trim my support bar (no going back if done!) So have to weigh my options. In THEORY it looks like it will work.
The support bracket did change at the rear so that may be why 13 and older sg have issues trying to use new supports. My egc with its original support may work with 14 front bar but just need to be shortened where inserts into lower front receiver as the newer bar slopes down and back as seen in profiles pic below. Drops the bar below the lid level so it may work. If have to trim my support bar (no going back if done!) So have to weigh my options. In THEORY it looks like it will work.
I have read somewhere in my search that someone has trimmed the support bar to make it work ......... I wasn't willing to ruin a stock part.
Funny thing, the guards for 09' - 13' model bikes are pricey. Don't know why, you can actually get them much cheaper for a 14 when going after market and used prices are higher to for the 09'-13' models too.
Rolled the dice and ordered an aftermarket set of front guards and worked out great! Understand that this was done on an FLHTC and already had support rails that bolted to previous guard. I suspect this mod will work with most models but I dont know for sure. On my lower support rail, I had to trim 7/8" length from the end rod to accomidate the pull back profile change. Only caveat to this change and unexpected on my part is that when the top lid is fully opened, it Will make contact with the guard. Im thinking a small clear cabinet door stop will prevent any paint chips or juat be carefull. Details with pics below.
Before profile with wrap around rails removed
After profile with new bars
Part used from Amazon
Side by Side new and old
Lid contact when fully opened
Lower support bar mate point. I used a flat profile sheet metal screw rather than pass through bolt and nut to clear bag channel on bottom
Final results, wife has her needed leg clearance and I have protection for bag if/when ever dropped
09-16-2016, 09:38 PM
Saddlebag Guards-Pre 2014 vs. Post vs. Comfort
