New to harleys and I need some help. I bought a bike (2002 fxdl) that can't go around a corner, especially right ones, without scraping the ground and wanting to right itself. It is scraping underneath on a little bracet that is welded to the frame to protect the motor. I have always heard from harley guys how well they can rail turns so I hope some changes can help this bike. After some research, I now realize I should have looked for an FXDX. Experience is not the issue. I am hoping to rectify this problem with 13.5 inch rear shocks. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

 

You need longer shocks for sure. Measure the length of your current shocks from eye center to eye center and go with much longer ones. I personally would try 13" or 13.5". You might also have to change the front fork springs. What ever it takes to raise the bike...

 

For that to drag,the whole bike must be really lowered,agree with checking shock length,but you may have other things to check also.Did they have smaller dia. tire on?

 

I would think that you would hit the peg or exhaust first, depending on exhaust and if you have forwards or not. It definitely sounds lowered. I've only hit that if I leave a driveway or go over a speed bump a little too fast.

 

Thanks Guys,
The current shocks are 11.5" eye to eye and the stock tire is still on the bike for now. I will be heading to the harley swap meet in Keene NH in may. I should be able to hook up with some shocks there. My remaining quesation is the front. Do I need spacers, longer springs of stiffer springs? Maybe a combo of the two?

Thanks again
Mike

 

Why don't you check to see what stock shock height was. I think they're around 12" or so.