Lower a Superglide Custom?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 1
From: Louisville, CO
Lower a Superglide Custom?
I've been seeing all these SG Customs and I love 'em. Like the bigger tank. Being as I'm only 5'4" on a good day I've been looking at Bobs and Lowriders which have the same stock seat hgt (26.8) and ground clearance (5.6). The Custom's specs are 27.8 for seat hgt and 6.0 for ground clearance. It looks like a lot of the seat hgt is due to the stock seat. My question is: Is there any reason someone couldn't lower a custom (11.0 Progressives, maybe?) as low as a Bob or Lowrider can ultimately be lowered? Anything else besides the tank that sets the Customs apart?
Steve
Steve
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,946
Likes: 32
From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: Lower a Superglide Custom?
Lower it? SURE!
Very Easy! Progressive 412 Heavy duty rear shocks can be at your doorstep for under 200 bucks, and can be as short as 11 inches! That is what I have on mine. Progressive also makes the front end lowering kit, consisting of springs and hardware for the forks.
Progressive parts are FAR superior to the stock parts!
You will need to go with a shorter jiffy (kick) stand, or have your stock one tweaked/bent in a hydralic bender to get the bike to lay over far enough to keep her from tipping over when you lower it!
Also, the stock seat is THICK. Aftermarket solo seats are made by several companies that are thin, and match the lines of the bike much better! LePara makes a "bare bones" soloseat that is VERY thin!
Joe
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
RE: Lower a Superglide Custom?
I've been thinking about lowering mine ... have any of ya'll used slam kits with the stock shocks? Seems like there is quite a bit of discussion about the relative merits of different shocks, but I understand there are a couple of slam kits that go for the $100-125 range.
Thanks for the input ... R/ Priest
Thanks for the input ... R/ Priest
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,946
Likes: 32
From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: Lower a Superglide Custom?
Well, the original slam kit was from Arlen-Ness. The only problem is that you are changing the angle of the shock, which will affect it's ability to work as designed....meaning that you will have a rough ride. For under 200 bucks you can have a set of progressive 412 Heavy Duty's sitting on your front porch. Good deals on eBaymotors.com and Jireh cycles. Can get them with the full covers, so they look like FLH shocks, or chromed, or black, for black everything buffs!
IMHO...better to sepnd the extra coin and get the Progressives (11")....you don't want to skimp on your Harley-Davidson, give it the parts it deserves!!!
Joe
IMHO...better to sepnd the extra coin and get the Progressives (11")....you don't want to skimp on your Harley-Davidson, give it the parts it deserves!!!
Joe
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,438
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From: Chesterfield, VA
RE: Lower a Superglide Custom?
I just installed a set of OEM "Bob" shocks on my Superglide. I got them from a forum member for $30.00 plus shipping. They are often available on eBay around the same price. They lowered my ride about an inch. I did it for looks, but this would be an inexpensive option for you.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: Lower a Superglide Custom?
I agree with Traveler. Swap to a set of shorter 412's. Cost effective, better ride, and lowered the seat 3/4".
To lower the front, just move the fork tubes 1/2-3/4" higher in the triple trees. Same ride, and it's free.
To lower the front, just move the fork tubes 1/2-3/4" higher in the triple trees. Same ride, and it's free.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 916
Likes: 3
From: Mauldin, SC
RE: Lower a Superglide Custom?
As Traveler said, those lowering kits change the angle of your shocks. What that does is effectively lower your spring rate. You can probably just crank up the preload to make up for it, but for a few dollars more you can buy a set of 12" Progressives or a set of take offsfrom a Low Rider or Bob.
Bring 5' 4" you might want to think about the handlebars on the Custom, too. They're pretty far forward. I just put a set of pull back risers on mine.
Bring 5' 4" you might want to think about the handlebars on the Custom, too. They're pretty far forward. I just put a set of pull back risers on mine.