lowering front and back?
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 321
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lowering front and back?
I seem to remember something about needing to lower the front and the back or something may be off. Is that right, is it cool to lower the back only. At the very least I plan on dropping the front end by sliding the forks up into the trees a bit but not putting lowering springs into the forks as some others have.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 156
Likes: 2
From: Here and there.
RE: lowering front and back?
Lowering only the front or the back changes the bike's geometery and can/will effect handling. If you can drop both ends equally, you stand a better chance at keeping your good handling, and gaining the lowered look of feel (if you have short legs) that you want.
Lowering the rear only will effect the bike's ability to turn into corners. Raising the rear (or lowering the front) increases that ability and helps the bike turn easier. Make small adjustments at a time and keep track of what and how far you move things, so you can always go back to your "sweet spot" if you make it worse.
+1 on changing out the front springs with Progressive suspension, rather than just dropping the fork tubes through the trees.
Lowering the rear only will effect the bike's ability to turn into corners. Raising the rear (or lowering the front) increases that ability and helps the bike turn easier. Make small adjustments at a time and keep track of what and how far you move things, so you can always go back to your "sweet spot" if you make it worse.
+1 on changing out the front springs with Progressive suspension, rather than just dropping the fork tubes through the trees.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 1
From: England via the US
RE: lowering front and back?
I lowered my street bob 1" in the rear with 11" shocks and didn't lower my front. I can't notice much of a differance but if anything it handles a little better. I am planning on lowering the front eventually though.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 1
From: Backwoods of NH
RE: lowering front and back?
ORIGINAL: metal_mike
you'll be fine....i would recommend the progressive front end kit though ..just makes the bike handle better...noticeably
you'll be fine....i would recommend the progressive front end kit though ..just makes the bike handle better...noticeably
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 3
From: Colorado Springs
RE: lowering front and back?
What about the kickstand?
I have lowered the rear an inch on my Streetbob and am thinking of doing the same to the front. Is there a kickstand kit out there that would work or am I going to find my bike on its side one day?
I have lowered the rear an inch on my Streetbob and am thinking of doing the same to the front. Is there a kickstand kit out there that would work or am I going to find my bike on its side one day?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 1
From: Backwoods of NH
RE: lowering front and back?
ORIGINAL: BeavisRules
What about the kickstand?
I have lowered the rear an inch on my Streetbob and am thinking of doing the same to the front. Is there a kickstand kit out there that would work or am I going to find my bike on its side one day?
What about the kickstand?
I have lowered the rear an inch on my Streetbob and am thinking of doing the same to the front. Is there a kickstand kit out there that would work or am I going to find my bike on its side one day?
But others have said they are concerned, though.
Search around ebay or the J&P catalog, I know there are some shortened kickstand/jiffy stands for lowered bikes out there, think HD has/had one as part of their lowering kit as well, not sure if it can be ordered separately or not. Others have suggested heating and bending (carefully) the stock one.
I'm sure someone will chime in with more specifics. Good Luck!