Has anyone raised their suspension?
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 26
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From: Round Rock, TX
Has anyone raised their suspension?
I'm sure y'all will think I'm crazy since most people want to go lower, but I'm wanting to raise the suspension height as much as possible on my '09 SB. Progressive makes 13.5" rear shocks. Can I get away with just installing a PVC spacer to raise the front?
Here's my reasoning. I've always ridden dual sports with the exception of a Sportster a few years back and the SB I have now. I also own a Suzuki DRZ400, which has seen a lot more action than the SB as of late. I'm not looking to do jumps or whoops with the Bob, but I'd like to be able to explore more than paved surfaces. Mostly unimproved dirt roads, light trails, minor water crossings, etc... Stock the suspension bottoms out when I go over a cattle grate at 50 MPH. Figure it will handle rough roads better with a few more inches of ground clearance and I'll also be less likely to crack the trans case.
I've been looking at dual sport tires for big bore bikes and I there are some that might fit (no knobbies). I might try and find a local shop that can weld up a skid plate, underside has zero protection.
I love the Street Bob, I just hate having to keep it on paved surfaces.
Anyway, if any of you have ideas on how the suspension could be raised I'd appreciate the help.
Here's my reasoning. I've always ridden dual sports with the exception of a Sportster a few years back and the SB I have now. I also own a Suzuki DRZ400, which has seen a lot more action than the SB as of late. I'm not looking to do jumps or whoops with the Bob, but I'd like to be able to explore more than paved surfaces. Mostly unimproved dirt roads, light trails, minor water crossings, etc... Stock the suspension bottoms out when I go over a cattle grate at 50 MPH. Figure it will handle rough roads better with a few more inches of ground clearance and I'll also be less likely to crack the trans case.
I've been looking at dual sport tires for big bore bikes and I there are some that might fit (no knobbies). I might try and find a local shop that can weld up a skid plate, underside has zero protection.
I love the Street Bob, I just hate having to keep it on paved surfaces.
Anyway, if any of you have ideas on how the suspension could be raised I'd appreciate the help.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 6
From: Little Rock
i wouldnt take it off road... its a "street" bob ,not a trail bob.. but you can raise the front suspension as i did on my bike by installing wideglide tubes... there 2.5 inches longer than yours...
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 26
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From: Round Rock, TX
Trail Bob...I like that. Yeah, no serious off road, that's what the DRZ is for. I ride to explore and want to open up the types of roads I can travel on.
Thanks for the tip on the wideglide tubes, that might do the trick.
Thanks for the tip on the wideglide tubes, that might do the trick.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 0
From: Brunswick, OH
I added 13.5 inch FXDXT shocks to my bike, and the Works front fork kit raised the front about an inch. It keeps the bike from scraping as much and bottoming out, but I still wouldn't take it offroad. It's just too pretty for that. Might I suggest a DL650 V-Strom for a second (or third) bike?
Here's a picture. The only negative is the bike leans a bit more on the jiffy stand than it did before, but it's no problem. That stand is good and stable still.
Here's a picture. The only negative is the bike leans a bit more on the jiffy stand than it did before, but it's no problem. That stand is good and stable still.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 577
Likes: 4
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 26
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From: Round Rock, TX
Believe it or not I used to own a DL650, sold it to buy the Street Bob. One of the voltage regulator wires chafed and shorted out while riding some back roads out in BFE. Took almost a month to get a replacement regulator. Decided to go back to a Harley since parts are plentiful and easy to get. With a few extra inches of clearance, better tires, and some protection underneath the Street Bob would do just as well as the VStrom, but with less maintenance and better parts availability.
Good point about the jiffy stand, I didn't think about that.
Good point about the jiffy stand, I didn't think about that.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 0
From: Brunswick, OH
Believe it or not I used to own a DL650, sold it to buy the Street Bob. One of the voltage regulator wires chafed and shorted out while riding some back roads out in BFE. Took almost a month to get a replacement regulator. Decided to go back to a Harley since parts are plentiful and easy to get. With a few extra inches of clearance, better tires, and some protection underneath the Street Bob would do just as well as the VStrom, but with less maintenance and better parts availability.
Good point about the jiffy stand, I didn't think about that.
Good point about the jiffy stand, I didn't think about that.
I'd be concerned with the weight of the HD, but I'd love to see one set up for trail riding.
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