Hi guys,
I know this topic has been discussed previously....but I need some definitive answers for my specific bike. I have an 08 Fat Bob, I am 5"6 and 160lbs. rarely if ever ride two up.
I need to lower my bike so that I can get a little more footing....that being said I have a few questions;

1- Do I have to lower the rear and the front...or is it safe to do just the rear. I get conflicting opinions locally from the dealers and bike shops.

2- I am debating between a rear lowering kit or the Progressive 412s full cover chrome. As they are a good price range.

My main concerns are bottoming out and/or the bike handling differently.

Cheers,
Mickey

 

Oh ya....and I have already switched the seat to a Lepera Silhouette....

 

depending on how far down you need/want to take it, most folks would recommend lowering the front and rear an equal amount to avoid changing the rake/trail geometry of the steering.

 

I think the stock are 12.5" shocks...I was thining of going with 11" shocks? Do you think it would effect the rake/trail that much?

 

This might sound a bit weird (especially since I haven't even bought my Fat Bob yet) but wouldn't wearing good riding boots with a very thick heel help place your feet flat on the ground? We should all probably wear boots when riding, anyway; I always have. You apparently only need an inch or so more lifting/lowering.

 

I have the 412's and they don't bottom out much (I've got 80 pounds on you as well). I didn't lower the front end and I don't recommend it. My Brother did the 412's and he did the front and his bike rides like ****! I don't recommend the 412's because I don't think they handle too well - maybe go with a better 11" shock - you get what you pay for.

 

Mixter, your stocks are 12". Lots of folks have bought lower shocks that go on our bike which work just fine. It will as stated above change the rake but not to a level that you'll notice that much and after riding that way will feel normal like it does now. Lowering will also decrease your lean angle so scraping your exhaust/pegs/kickstand will come into play much sooner. Use the lowering kit if you want to stay with the stock shocks. You will get tons of opinions on what shocks to use or not use but what it comes down to is what you personally end up liking. At a much more expensive route, you can go with air shocks that have a compressor on board. I went this route for different reasons and it allows me to be anywhere between 9.5" and 13".

 

Which kit did you go with and how much was it?

 

I went with the Arnott system and used the Aldan series which cost a $1000. They have a Bilstein series that uses the same air compressor for around $650.00 but they aren't 11 way adjustable in dampening/rebound like the Aldan series. Here is the youtube video of mine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijO67DFOJfY

 

B!TCHIN - I need a set of those!!!!