I just bought an 09 ultra which i would like to lower. Has anyone installed the short lowering shocks on the back of a dresser? I'am wondering how the ride for the passenger is compared to the stock shocks. I hear storys about bottoming out and the shocks going bad after 20,000 miles. Would like to hear from someone that has installed the lower back shocks.Thanks

 

Well you asked about the lowered shocks but I went with the low seat instead. Had heard about the lowered shock issues and was worried about them. Installed the "reach seat" instead. Helped on the height but not the greatest comfort about. Just thought I'd mention them so you would know about other options for a lowered height.

 

I've just picked up my new 09 ultra last thursday. I only have a 28" inseam so height was definately an issue.
I put the lower shocks on and also the seat that HD is putting on the 2010's (in Jan they went to a lower seat). with the lower seat and the shocks I can flat foot.

After 1100 miles mostly 2 up with a combined weight of 370 lbs and 20 lbs of air in the rear shocks, we've bottomed out once but when you go over bad bumps or railway tracks it jolts the passenger but doesn't bottom out.
I'm just upped the air to 45 lbs after reading recommendations on this forum. Unfortuately it's raining tonight so we haven't had a chance to try it yet.

I don't think I need the bike any lower but if I do, the front fork kit isn't that bad price wise but the labour of 4 hours that the dealer wants isn't in my budge right now.

Anyway, I hope this helps a bit. When you buy the lower seat and shocks, you keep the originals.

P.S. We've had 2 goldwings, a 1500 and 1800 and my wife and I both agree that the ultra is much more comfortable.
We did 350 miles on Sunday and could have kept riding so we love the bike and the seat.

 

It's not the air shocks that go bad, it's the crappy air line or the fittings. HD uses the cheapie stuff in that dept.

 

You didn't ask about this, but lowering kits will move the bottom shock mounts back and down, getting you an average of 1 1/2" lower. Around $90, (cheaper than shocks), and you won't have an extra pair laying around.

I like the way the bike handles, had it on there for many years, never had an issue with them. Easy to install. I've used White Brothers and Burly......both are good.

 

Ricor shocks are on my list for next year, not for the heighth though but for the ride....pricey though..but heard great reviews...
Don't much care for the air shocks either...JMO...

 

Thanks for the info. Spoke with a co. that installed gel in the seat of my o6 ultra and they said they coul rework the stock seat and get my feet on the ground. I think i will try this before i mess with the shocks. Thanks again for the info.