Lowering the Low Rider
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Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 329
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Lowering the Low Rider
Hi,
Haven't been on for a while so not up to date on current postings so pleeeeassse don't crucify me about doing search. I am considering lowering the 07 low rider, any thoughts on the following:
Recommended rear shocks -- Note, I like the look of the stock spring over shock look but am not locked into it. I am not looking for radical lowering but some (1/2 to 1 inch). Also note that most of my riding is solo, I weigh ~175 in gear, wife rides with me some, total weight 320 max. geared up.
What will be lost by doing this mod -- Comfort, cornering etc etc.
Should I lower the front shocks as well for best ride characteristics or is it irrelevant for a minor lowering of the rear. If I don't do the front, what changes are expected (i.e. gas tank level, handling, wear and grip etc.) What front end change is required (simply shorter spring in fork tube?)
How easy/hard is the modification -- I can do basic stuff but not close to a pro wrencher
Your ride experiences with your mod.
Thanks for any input
Dave
Haven't been on for a while so not up to date on current postings so pleeeeassse don't crucify me about doing search. I am considering lowering the 07 low rider, any thoughts on the following:
Recommended rear shocks -- Note, I like the look of the stock spring over shock look but am not locked into it. I am not looking for radical lowering but some (1/2 to 1 inch). Also note that most of my riding is solo, I weigh ~175 in gear, wife rides with me some, total weight 320 max. geared up.
What will be lost by doing this mod -- Comfort, cornering etc etc.
Should I lower the front shocks as well for best ride characteristics or is it irrelevant for a minor lowering of the rear. If I don't do the front, what changes are expected (i.e. gas tank level, handling, wear and grip etc.) What front end change is required (simply shorter spring in fork tube?)
How easy/hard is the modification -- I can do basic stuff but not close to a pro wrencher
Your ride experiences with your mod.
Thanks for any input
Dave
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Someone asks this exact question every week without fail. You'll get lots of answers and lots of opinions. For me, a set of lowering blocks in the rear and a drop in fork lowing kit up front was the ticket. Less than $200 total and all easy to do in the garage. Ride will still be decent, you'll scrape more on hard turns and you'll need to crank up the rear shocks a click or two. Other than that, it will just look better. Some people insist on replacing the rear shocks with better units....Nothing wrong with that method, it just costs more money. My sig pic is the result of the method I just posted.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 643
Likes: 9
From: Georgia
I put progressive springs in the front and left the ride height the same. Big improvement in handling and feel. Lowered the back one inch with Progressive 440's. Handles great, looks much better, ride is a little stiffer but not bad at all.
When going two-up I can adjust them to be a little stiffer if necessary to handle the weight but seldom need to. I just try to pick up the skinny chicks to avoid it. I weigh a little more than you (190) so you could expect similiar results.
Changing rear shocks is easy. Anyone can do that. A bike lift helps alot.
The front is little more difficult, but not bad. My dealer did the springs and put chrome sliders on it for me when I changed a front tire and it cost me an extra 75 dollars. I thought it was a good deal.
Good luck.
When going two-up I can adjust them to be a little stiffer if necessary to handle the weight but seldom need to. I just try to pick up the skinny chicks to avoid it. I weigh a little more than you (190) so you could expect similiar results.
Changing rear shocks is easy. Anyone can do that. A bike lift helps alot.
The front is little more difficult, but not bad. My dealer did the springs and put chrome sliders on it for me when I changed a front tire and it cost me an extra 75 dollars. I thought it was a good deal.
Good luck.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
for shocks, get works performance to lower the bike. go with 11.6" ones that will give you about 3/4" of drop. I personally would lower the front as well. A progressive drop in kit set to 1" of drop or you could slide the fork tubes up into the trees a bit more.
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