FAQs
Installation & Instructions
Where are the installation instructions?
The installation instructions and installation videos are available on our website under the Installation Instructions and Training Videos pages.
Do I get instructions inside the box?
No. Installation instructions and videos are provided online through our Installation Instructions and Training Videos pages.
Harley – Front, Rear & Primary Guards
Which Harley models will the Front Drop Guards fit?
The Front Motorcycle Drop Guards fit Harley motorcycles equipped with standard 1.25-inch Harley OEM front highway bars, including the original full-size bar and the newer chopped or mini front bar.
Compatible models include:
- Road King, Road Glide, and Street Glide
- Road King Special, Road Glide Special, and Street Glide Special
- Road Glide Limited and Ultra Limited
- Road Glide ST and Street Glide ST
- Electra Glide models
- CVO Street Glide, CVO Road Glide, and CVO Road Glide Limited
They may also fit cruisers such as the Heritage, Softail, and Fat Boy when a compatible 1.25-inch Harley OEM-style front crash bar has been added.
Which Harley models will the Rear Drop Guards fit?
The Rear Motorcycle Drop Guards fit Harley motorcycles equipped with standard 7/8-inch Harley OEM rear saddlebag bars.
Compatible models include:
- Road King, Road Glide, and Street Glide
- Road King Special, Road Glide Special, and Street Glide Special
- Road Glide Limited and Ultra Limited
- Road Glide ST and Street Glide ST
- Electra Glide models
- CVO Street Glide, CVO Road Glide, and CVO Road Glide Limited
They may also fit Heritage and Fat Boy motorcycles equipped with the same compatible Harley OEM rear saddlebag bars.
Which models fit the Primary Guard?
The Primary Guard fits Harley Touring models from 2016 through 2026, including:
- Road King, Road Glide, and Street Glide
- Road King Special, Road Glide Special, and Street Glide Special
- Road Glide Limited and Ultra Limited
- Road Glide ST and Street Glide ST
- Electra Glide models
- CVO Street Glide, CVO Road Glide, and CVO Road Glide Limited
The Primary Guard is not needed on pre-2016 models. Properly installed front and rear Drop Guards provide the intended protection setup for those motorcycles.
Do the Drop Guards work on Harley models prior to 2016?
Yes. They fit older Harley Touring models that use standard 1.25-inch Harley OEM front highway bars and 7/8-inch Harley OEM rear saddlebag bars.
Clearance, Compatibility & Installation Notes
Do the Motorcycle Drop Guards clear lower fairings?
Yes. When correctly installed, the Drop Guards provide clearance between the guards and the lower fairings. Refer to the gallery for installation examples.
Will Drop Guards fit the newer chopped or mini engine guard?
Yes. They work with the shorter chopped or mini engine bars used on newer Harley Touring motorcycles, including applicable Road King, Street Glide, Road Glide, and CVO models.
Why do the rear Drop Guards use regular nuts instead of acorn nuts?
Regular nuts provide more clearance around the saddlebags. Taller acorn nuts may contact a saddlebag if the bags remain installed while the motorcycle is being used for skills practice.
Will Drop Guards work with highway pegs?
Yes. The highway pegs may need to be repositioned or removed so the Drop Guards can be installed in the best location to receive impact.
Do I need to adjust the rubber gaskets?
Possibly. The rear gaskets may need minor trimming during installation so the rubber does not protrude beyond the body of the Drop Guards.
Other Models & Other Brands
Will Motorcycle Drop Guards work on a Softail, Dyna, or Heritage?
They may, provided the motorcycle has compatible front crash bars and rear saddlebag bars that meet the required diameter and curvature specifications.
Will the Primary Guard fit a Heritage, Dyna, Sportster, Indian, or another brand?
No. The Primary Guard is designed specifically for the listed Harley Touring models. It does not fit Sportster, Softail, Heritage, Indian, Kawasaki, Yamaha, BMW, or other motorcycles.
Which other motorcycle makes and models can use Drop Guards?
Drop Guards have been installed on select Indian Touring, Kawasaki, and Yamaha motorcycles. Compatibility depends on the motorcycle having bars with the correct diameter and a curvature similar to Harley OEM bars.
The required dimensions are:
- 1.25-inch front engine or highway bars
- 7/8-inch rear saddlebag bars
They will not fit 3/4-inch, 1-inch, or 1.5-inch front or rear bars. Do not purchase unless you can confirm both diameter and curvature compatibility.
Can I use a Harley kit on an Indian with longer screws?
Yes, provided the motorcycle uses compatible stock Indian OEM front and rear bars. Use the same screw diameter and the correct length for the application.
Are alternate fasteners included for other motorcycle brands?
No. The kit includes the standard fasteners. Longer fasteners required for some other motorcycles must be sourced separately, using the same diameter and compatible washers and lock washers.
Hardware, Materials & What Is Included
What is included in the Harley Drop Guard Kit?
- Two Front Drop Guards
- Two Rear Saddlebag Bar Drop Guards
- One Primary Guard for applicable Harley models
The Primary Guard is not included with Indian kits because it is not required for that application.
Can I buy only the Primary Guard?
Yes, when inventory is available. The Primary Guard is designed to work as part of the complete protection setup with the front and rear Drop Guards properly installed.
What are Motorcycle Drop Guards made from?
Polished guards are made from 316L stainless steel, which offers strong corrosion resistance and can be polished back to a mirror finish. Gloss black guards are made from 1020 steel with a powder-coated finish and black hardware.
Why are the Primary Guard screws black oxide instead of stainless steel?
Grade 8 black oxide fasteners are used for their strength. They are also better suited for use with the cast-aluminum primary cover than stainless-steel fasteners.
Will the Grade 8 black oxide Primary Guard screws rust?
Surface rust can occur. Check the fasteners regularly for tension, wear, and damage, especially after hard drops. Replacement fasteners are inexpensive and widely available.
Will the Drop Guards fit mustache bars?
Yes, provided the bars meet the required diameter and curvature specifications described above.
Will Drop Guards fit larger engine guards or saddlebag bars?
No. Front bars must be 1.25 inches in diameter and rear saddlebag bars must be 7/8 inch in diameter.
Protection, Shipping & Repairs
Will Motorcycle Drop Guards protect my lower fairings?
They may help keep lower fairings farther from the ground during a low-speed drop, but they are primarily designed to protect the bars and components to which they are properly attached. No accessory can guarantee protection in every drop.
What can I use to add protection around my lower fairings?
Automotive rubber door-edge trim can be added as an inexpensive precaution to reduce contact around lower fairings. It should be used together with the Motorcycle Drop Guards, not as a substitute for them.
Will Drop Guards protect stretched saddlebags?
They may help reduce contact on some standard stretched saddlebags used on Harley CVO and Road Glide models, but protecting saddlebags is not their primary intended function.
Can I order Motorcycle Drop Guards outside the United States?
Yes. We ship to many international destinations. Review the International Orders policy before purchasing.
Can orders be shipped to a P.O. Box?
No. Orders ship by UPS and require a valid street address.
Can I send my Drop Guards back for paid repairs?
No. Repair services are not currently available.