So my buddy is buying a 2014 Ultra and he's a bit short on the inseam and worried about getting a good grip on the ground while on this Ultra. He didn't want to get into the money for shorter shocks at this time for just an inch so I mentioned lowering blocks. Has anyone here installed blocks on their late model Ultras and how much lowering did you get from these. I know this will tend to detract a bit from the ride but better that than dropping his bike all over the place. So has anyone do the 1'' or even the 2'' drop and if so, what brand did ya get. Thanks

 

Tell him to get the "low" version of whatever Ultra he is considering.

Ultra Classic Low or Ultra Limited Low

They both come a good 1" lower than the regular one due to the 12" HD Premium Hand Adjustable Shocks.
They also have a narrower primary and different seat, marketed toward the shorter riders.

If that still isn't low enough, putting lowering blocks on one of those models and the ride will very possibly suck!

 

He was shopping for used a found a 2014 with just over 1000 miles and 1 1/2 years left on warranty that he got a good deal on so we have to deal with the standard height Ultra.

 

I'm useing Lowering kit on my 2009 RKc.
first used it 2'' drop but it killed my back.
now it's 1'' drop and it's ok. yes, the ride is a bit stiffer but not so much and it's the best you can do with only 35$

 

I don't think lowering a bike makes sense, it was never designed that way.
To me it would make more sense to shave the seat or get a lower profile seat.
Just my opinion

 

Send the seat to Mean City Cycles for lowering 1" and narrowing the nose. That will give him the 1" and more for under $200 I believe and he will still have a decent ride (can't have a good ride on stock HD suspension). My two cents.....

 

I have the lowering blocks on my '14 limited. I am 5'6" with a 29" inseam and I put the shocks in the 2" drop position and the work fine for me. cost about 40 bucks on ebay. tell him to go for it.

 

The cheapest way is certainly lowering blocks. I run 1" Pingle lowering blocks on my 2013 and my brother runs lowering blocks on his 2014. I run lowering blocks solely because I insist on the style of a lowered bike, while my brother is short and has stubby legs. You can also search ebay for the factory lowered air shocks. Your buddy's standard length ULTRA air shocks (assuming he has air shocks and not the hand adjustable shocks) are 12 3/4 inches, while the lowered "Street Glide" air shocks are 12 inches. Installing the Street Glide shocks will garner him 3/4 of and inch, and they can be bought very cheap. Usually $100. And that's assuming you can't find someone willing to just swap you his lowered shocks, for your buddy's standard length shocks.


Lastly, if he's wanting to stay on the cheap, bitchen' baggers will shorten the factory air shocks to any length he wants for $175. They can chop out one inch, 1.5 inches or whatever he wants. And set them up for him 100% ready to just bolt back on.