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I see a lot of Deluxe builds with “lowered” front and backs? Typically it seems 1-2”? Also, it seems they lower the front while putting on the larger front wheel? Is this purely for aesthetics or is there also a performance improvement?
I will be installing chrome lowers on my Deluxe so I am guessing that would be a good time for a lowering kit?
Thanks
I think it's purely for aesthetics as the lower you go the less lean angle you have and therefore less performance in my book. They do look nice but it's not for me. I hated how low my Sportster 48 was and dragging everything in the twisties.
If dragging parts doesn't matter to you and you like the look of a slammed bike then go for it. If not then I highly doubt there's any real performance benefit to lowering bikes.
I see a lot of Deluxe builds with “lowered” front and backs? Typically it seems 1-2”? Also, it seems they lower the front while putting on the larger front wheel? Is this purely for aesthetics or is there also a performance improvement?
I will be installing chrome lowers on my Deluxe so I am guessing that would be a good time for a lowering kit?
Thanks
I put a 21" on the front of my Deluxe and didn't have to lower it at all as it runs a lower profile tyre, so net result is it's the same height. I did the same on my Street Glide yet had to lower it.
LOWER means the probability of dragging the pegs/boards is HIGHER. Dragging the pegs/boards will make the risk of a unplanned get-off HIGHER. LOWER can also cause the frame to drag, or even hang up, on speed bumps, same with pot holes.
You decide what is most important to you, aesthetics or safety.
Many years ago I lowered my '89 FXR, two days later It was back to stock height. I ride agressivle, the 1st ride after lowering scared the poop out of me when I hit a curve at high speed,the pegs hitt and folded, manybe somethign then hit, then the back wheel lifter and lost contact with the roadway. Once was enough......
If you do make change to ride height those changes will effect handling unless both the front and the rear are changed the same amount. Rules of thumb: 1. Higher rear/lower fromt = quicker handling & less stability at speed. 2. lower front/higher rear = slow turnin, bike wants to flop over when turning atlow speeds, better stbility at speed.
My wife and I lowered her Deluxe simply to lower its center of gravity and make it easier for her to handle with her slighter frame. She says it makes her less fatigued after longer rides and gives her more stability and a more connected feel. Lowered it the same front and rear. She isn’t an aggressive leaner.
LOWER means the probability of dragging the pegs/boards is HIGHER. Dragging the pegs/boards will make the risk of a unplanned get-off HIGHER. LOWER can also cause the frame to drag, or even hang up, on speed bumps, same with pot holes.
You decide what is most important to you, aesthetics or safety.
Many years ago I lowered my '89 FXR, two days later It was back to stock height. I ride agressivle, the 1st ride after lowering scared the poop out of me when I hit a curve at high speed,the pegs hitt and folded, manybe somethign then hit, then the back wheel lifter and lost contact with the roadway. Once was enough......
If you do make change to ride height those changes will effect handling unless both the front and the rear are changed the same amount. Rules of thumb: 1. Higher rear/lower fromt = quicker handling & less stability at speed. 2. lower front/higher rear = slow turnin, bike wants to flop over when turning atlow speeds, better stbility at speed.
Paul
Yup. Had this same thing happen to me on my 48. I went up onto the pipe and was sliding sideways a bit through the corner until the rear tire contacted the pavement again. Not a fun situation at all.
My wife and I lowered her Deluxe simply to lower its center of gravity and make it easier for her to handle with her slighter frame. She says it makes her less fatigued after longer rides and gives her more stability and a more connected feel. Lowered it the same front and rear. She isn’t an aggressive leaner.
The comment about stability may be related to "duck walking" the bike around in a parking lot where a lower seat height can give confidence to the rider. The physics of motorcycle dynamics dictate that a lower CG is less stable (see "Motorcycle Dynamics" by Vittore Cossalter). This is a complicated subject for sure.
The comment about stability may be related to "duck walking" the bike around in a parking lot where a lower seat height can give confidence to the rider. The physics of motorcycle dynamics dictate that a lower CG is less stable (see "Motorcycle Dynamics" by Vittore Cossalter). This is a complicated subject for sure.
This is accurate. IMHO lowering any bike ruins the handling and has more adverse effect than it does positive. It's best to find a bike that fits you correctly and leave the suspension at stock height.
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Why lower?
