Need lowering opinions
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Joined: Mar 2008
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Need lowering opinions
Please bear with me here forum members as this is my first bike!
So I just took delivery of my 2008 Street Bob and am starting to do the inevitable mods. One of the first things I want to do is lower that rear end. In everyone's opinion, what is the best way to go about it?
I have noticed there are companies out there (Tamarack and Burly come to mind) that make lowering blocks that use the stock Harley shocks. This seems to be an easy and cheap way to lower the Bob, but I have heard many say they wouldn't alter the angle of the stock shocks.
The other option I was looking at was getting some 11 inch Progressive shocks. I have a line on a set of 412's (heavy duty) and could lower the bike this way too.
To those of you who have done this, what are your opinions? Has anyone gone the lowering block route and what are your opinions? How about those who have done the 11 inch Progressives?
I want to start doing the mods but just want to go about this one the right way so looking for all of your opinions!
So I just took delivery of my 2008 Street Bob and am starting to do the inevitable mods. One of the first things I want to do is lower that rear end. In everyone's opinion, what is the best way to go about it?
I have noticed there are companies out there (Tamarack and Burly come to mind) that make lowering blocks that use the stock Harley shocks. This seems to be an easy and cheap way to lower the Bob, but I have heard many say they wouldn't alter the angle of the stock shocks.
The other option I was looking at was getting some 11 inch Progressive shocks. I have a line on a set of 412's (heavy duty) and could lower the bike this way too.
To those of you who have done this, what are your opinions? Has anyone gone the lowering block route and what are your opinions? How about those who have done the 11 inch Progressives?
I want to start doing the mods but just want to go about this one the right way so looking for all of your opinions!
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 805
Likes: 6
From: Burb of Chicago
RE: Need lowering opinions
IMO, I would not use the lowering blocks. Using them changes the angle of your shock, and makes it less efficient. I would look at getting a set of progressive shocks, and do it right the first time. Of course as anything else, others may have different thoughts.
Respects,
Ed
Respects,
Ed
RE: Need lowering opinions
I just put on some black Progressive 412 11" HD. They look outstanding and really stiffened up the read end. I weigh around 190lbs. so i'm a little light for the HD's but I like it stiff. Get your mind out of the gutter, you know what I meen.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
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RE: Need lowering opinions
I see a lot of people with the blocks. Nothing wrong with them but it does change the shock angle a little and you have the clunky block down on the swingarm. If you want it lowered without changing the geometry, you can't go wrong with the shocks. I have a friend that needs a low bike and bought his 03 lowrider from a guy that used the blocks. He's looking into removing them and going with shocks instead after he saw my new progressives on my bike yesterday. I only dropped mine .6" but I like it. If you go with progressive, pay attention to their recommendations. If your total weight will be over 200 lbs most of the time, go with heavy duty versions of the shocks you want. Also, you can save money buy purchasing from an online dealer vs. buying through your HD dealer if you are willing and able to install yourself. To install shocks, you'll want a decent torque wrench and, preferably a bike lift. Both are good tools to have anyway when you own a bike. The shocks aren't hard to install at all but the bolts should really be torqued to specs vs. cranked tight and the lift helps you adjust the bike to the position needed to put the bolts on.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
RE: Need lowering opinions
I have done quite a bit of research on this same subject. I was told by a few HD mechanics and several Indy mechanics to spend the extra on the shocks. They said the blocks put undue stress on areas that should not have undue stress.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
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RE: Need lowering opinions
The other option I was looking at was getting some 11 inch Progressive shocks. I have a line on a set of 412's (heavy duty) and could lower the bike this way too.
I have used both. Go with the shocks. Costs more but how many times are you going to lower it?
I have used both. Go with the shocks. Costs more but how many times are you going to lower it?
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 646
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RE: Need lowering opinions
So if I'm measuring right, the stock shocks on my 2008 Street Bob (from eye to eye) look to be 12 inches. Will the 11 inch Progressive shocks actually lower the rear end by that inch difference?
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RE: Need lowering opinions
ORIGINAL: Blackwater
So if I'm measuring right, the stock shocks on my 2008 Street Bob (from eye to eye) look to be 12 inches. Will the 11 inch Progressive shocks actually lower the rear end by that inch difference?
So if I'm measuring right, the stock shocks on my 2008 Street Bob (from eye to eye) look to be 12 inches. Will the 11 inch Progressive shocks actually lower the rear end by that inch difference?
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RE: Need lowering opinions
I'm with you there! Ironically, the place I had in mind for the 11 inch Progressives just so happens to have the LePera Bare Bones seat on sale as well -- think I'll just add that to the order.
I also want to get the 2 inch tank lift and just keep that "slanted line" going throughout the bike.
I also want to get the 2 inch tank lift and just keep that "slanted line" going throughout the bike.