What can be done to improve the lean angle of the current Softaill models that have the lower seat height (standard, street bob, fat boy, breakout, classic)?

 

Taller rear shock.
My Fat Boy has a 12.6inch shock stock, I swapped to a 13inch FOX FACTOR IPF-R QS3 which raised the ride height a bit in combination with a 150/70 R18 front tire.

DKCustoms makes Floorboard extensions that relocate the floorboards forward and outward, which they say might give you a bit more lean angle.

Also Riding Style, If you Counter-Lean, you're increasing the amount of Lean Angle you need for the speed of the corner. Instead before tipping into a turn lean over the inside of the tank a bit. When you lean a bit off the bike to the inside of the turn, you move your bike's center of gravity to the inside which reduces the amount of lean angle that you need to accomplish a turn at the same speed. Meaning in turn you can get through a corner faster for the same lean angle. This is also a safer method of riding because it gives you more margin of error.
Counter-Leaning is for the Parking Lot, Leaning over the Tank is for the Twisty Roads, Wet Roads, Riding high speed. It takes practice, but it's one of the best ways you can get more speed for your lean angle without spending a dime.

You can see Kyle Wyman(HD's King of the Baggers leading rider) leaning over the tank to the inside on his Stock Road Glide in this video, The Canyon Chasers video will explain this in more detail.

 

The new Fatboy took some getting use too, grinding floor boards on easy corners was a shock at first.
When i want to have fun in the twisties I take the R1 out..

 

Losing the footboards and replacing with aftermarket pegs would be my first move.

east enough to fit a taller real shock. Models with inverted forks, such as on the LRS/ST and Sport Glide could maybe be replaced with longer aftermarket options. Not so sure about the Heritage, Street Bob or Softail Slim though.

I plan to fit a 1/2" longer shock on my LRS and I don't see why the forks couldn't be dropped in the trees by the same margin. There's at least that much to play with showing above the top of the upper clamp.

 

In this order…..
mid controls
13.5” rear shock
learn body mechanics and physics
understand that scraping is fine. It’s no problem until you drag so hard your primary is leaking

 

Glad I asked, I didn't know we can stuff a longer mono-shock into this design.

Btw, the floorboards on my SGS are not as thick as they used to be. When I replaced the Sporty's pegs I kept the short, worn out feelers.

I think I'll try the anti-lean techniques, as much as my old body will allow.

My SGS is ready for a lot of mileage related work. At 88k miles it needs new rotors, shocks, bushings, more. If I do move into a lighter Softail, I'll not be limited to the unobtainium S models. Helpful info all around, thanks!

 

The easiest way to increase lean angle is to eliminate the need for lean angle. Lol I have greatly reduced my need for more lean angle but just slowing down a bit. While I do like to ride the twisters, I have probably reduced my speed in corners by 10-15 mph so my need to lean is not as great. Funny thing is I think I enjoy the ride and scenery more at slow meandering speeds than I ever did grinding pegs.

 

Longer fork dampers.
I installed a 13.5" rear shock and was still scrapping floorboards.
The longer fork dampers did the trick.

 

The PO of my Heritage cranked the rear as high as it would go. I haven't had a problem with scraping. I was going to buy a longer Fox shock, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. There is also a spacer available that raises the rear 1/2 inch. Much cheaper than a new shock.

 

Summary of mechanical changes, in order of mention:


Raise ride height
Longer rear shock + taller front tire - 13" FOX FACTOR IPF-R QS3 rear shock + 150/70 R18 front tire

Longer rear shock + fork drop

13.5" rear shock + longer fork dampeners

Adjust rear shock + 1/2" spring spacer


Floorboard modification
DK Customs floorboard extensions

Switch floorboards for pegs

Mid controls

I'll add this detail H-D p/n 50501640 Board-to-Peg Conversion Kit


If I do buy Softail I'll come back here for the information.