Absolutely no visible damage that I can see, from an easy drop.

 

Same here, big difference on the wife's calves.

 

If the bike has front engine guards, an "easy" drop will not even touch the bag guards. On a slightly harder drop or on a hill, it could, but it is unlikely to cause any damage at all. I run my Ultra through the police motor officer course often and have dropped it a few times in the patterns without a single scratch. Even a hard fall where the bike hits the upper fairing will only leave a small wrinkle in the paint.

 

I dropped my 02 Ultra on its right side on a slight downhill grade. The bike rolled up onto the front and rear crash bars, wheels in the air. No damage to the saddlebags, but a 2" scar on the fairing.

 

I did a 'soft drop' on my 2009 RK yesterday. Had the front wheel turned too far to one side and tried to back her up.

No marks of any kind to either the bag or the guards

 

I switched to the comfort bars and my wife is much more comfortable. Did away with the saddlebag guards with that switch also. I like the look without them better