Lowering the front end (part2)
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Lowering the front end (part2)
I saw in the other topic about sliding the tubes up the trees about an inch. Has anyone here done this and if so what are the cons? Does it decrease the turn radius or increase the chance of high speed wobble? I don't want to lower the entire bike as my wife rides a lot. Any input would be appreciated and pictures would be nice. My bike is a 08 street bob. Thanks
Unsubscribed From Forum
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
I have mine up in the trees 1 inch. I have only been up to 110 like this but noticed no ill effects. I don't notice turning radius changes. Get a 45 torx, only 35 ft. lb torque, so easy to try.....
PICS https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...drag-bars.html
PICS https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...drag-bars.html
Last edited by tdshepard; Feb 22, 2010 at 11:00 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
One of the guys I ride with bought a new Superglide Custom this summer. He wanted the bike lowered. The dealer suggested rear shocks and slide up the tubes in the trees. I figure if the dealer makes the suggestion, and happily did the work, it must be a pretty common practice. He seems to have no issues what so ever.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 3
From: Chesterfield, VA
Here is a picture of my 06 SUper Glide from last year when it had a Low Rider front end. The back end was lowered about 1.5 inches. The rake in the LR front end lowered the front a little. In addition, I raised the tubes almost an inch higher in the trees to level it out. Hopefully the pic will give you an idea of the look.
I never felt any ill effects and I've had this sucker up to almost 75 mph.
I never felt any ill effects and I've had this sucker up to almost 75 mph.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 3
From: Chesterfield, VA
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 577
Likes: 4
Raising the forks tubes will reduce the trail. Initially the bike will turn in quicker, which on a Dyna can be great. However, if you go to far it will become very unstable (think shopping cart).
This is a very common technique on sport bikes, although generally most would only change them by 1/16" at a time.
I have raised the rear of my 07 FWD by 3/4" with taller rear shocks (this has the same effect as lowering the front), and raised the tubes maybe 1/16".
Under full throttle acceleration, at around 90-95 (dragging a new vette) it started a gentle back and forth sway. Not a head shake, but I didn't stay in the throttle to see what might have happened. Now if I want to go that fast I take the Street Rod.
On some bikes, if you raise the tubes too far, the lower triple tree will hit the front fender under hard/abrupt braking (e.g. my Street Rod).
I would try it, but not an inch at a time. Put a jack under the frame so it doesn't drop too far when you loosen the pinch bolts.
This is a very common technique on sport bikes, although generally most would only change them by 1/16" at a time.
I have raised the rear of my 07 FWD by 3/4" with taller rear shocks (this has the same effect as lowering the front), and raised the tubes maybe 1/16".
Under full throttle acceleration, at around 90-95 (dragging a new vette) it started a gentle back and forth sway. Not a head shake, but I didn't stay in the throttle to see what might have happened. Now if I want to go that fast I take the Street Rod.
On some bikes, if you raise the tubes too far, the lower triple tree will hit the front fender under hard/abrupt braking (e.g. my Street Rod).
I would try it, but not an inch at a time. Put a jack under the frame so it doesn't drop too far when you loosen the pinch bolts.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
I just did it, 1". I like it, it's cheap and no problem when I rode the bike.
link: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...mods-pics.html
link: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...mods-pics.html
Last edited by PG13125; Feb 22, 2010 at 04:14 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 5
From: Batesville Ga
Help me understand. So do the tops of the fork tubes stick up above the top tree when this is done? I'm thinking you loosen the pinch bolts and basically let the bike drop down on the tubes, causing them to jut up above the top clamp, right? Thanks