Stupid question...about lowering
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Spartanburg, SC
mine has the 2" drop in the rear but none in the front. I'm ordering a 2" drop-in kit for the front also.
the rear WILL hit the fender on the brake caliper if you ride 2up without getting stiffer shocks. I'm 190lbs + my wife 110lbs and it put a small dent in the bottom of the fender but you can't see it so I'm just going to keep it.
the rear WILL hit the fender on the brake caliper if you ride 2up without getting stiffer shocks. I'm 190lbs + my wife 110lbs and it put a small dent in the bottom of the fender but you can't see it so I'm just going to keep it.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
If you do a Search you will find some have had the rear tire bottom out in the fender and even tear out tail light wires with it just 1" lower. I would like to get 1" lowering block's but my Search stopped me from doing it. Maybe someone on here can shed some light on this.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 1
From: Tooele Utah
I can reach it just hurts my lower back after a while because I can't lean back. I looked into getting 9 inch pull back bars in black with re wiring kit and it was almost $800. I'm just not ready to sink more money into the bike right now, just getting ideas...
I put 1" lowering blocks on my 08 WG. Feet more firmly planted on the ground now, and the pegs feel a little closer. I changed my air cleaner cover to a flat cover and it is amazing how much better it feels without that thing pressing on my knee.
Cant say if the handle bars feel closer because I wasn't having a problem there. Maybe you can look into pull back risers that will allow you to roll the handle bars back toward you without needing new cables?
I have a reach seat for 06 & up dyna's for sale (52288-06). I felt to cramped with it. Moved me too much forward. I have a 30" inseam.
Cant say if the handle bars feel closer because I wasn't having a problem there. Maybe you can look into pull back risers that will allow you to roll the handle bars back toward you without needing new cables?
I have a reach seat for 06 & up dyna's for sale (52288-06). I felt to cramped with it. Moved me too much forward. I have a 30" inseam.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 4
From: Augusta, GA
The 2010 Wide Glide is already running 11.5" shocks and sits quite a bit lower than the older models.
It sounds to me you need to change handlebars before lowering the bike if you are getting a backache while riding.
In my shop we sell handlebars for as little as $25 and many styles in the $25 - $50 range. If you're just needing to move your hands back enough to put a comfortable bend at your elbow and let you sit more upright you probably won't need any wiring or cable changes so the labor should only run 1/2 hour at the shop rate.
It sounds to me you need to change handlebars before lowering the bike if you are getting a backache while riding.
In my shop we sell handlebars for as little as $25 and many styles in the $25 - $50 range. If you're just needing to move your hands back enough to put a comfortable bend at your elbow and let you sit more upright you probably won't need any wiring or cable changes so the labor should only run 1/2 hour at the shop rate.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
I highly recommend you use a lowering block kit as opposed to new lower shocks. I bet the bike will actually ride better for you. Increasing the angle of the rear shocks will actually make the rear feel softer. As a light weight rider, you'll like the increased softness to the rear. The change in ride height will not change the reach to the handlebars. The change in rear height will change the angle of the seat/frame and it will feel like you sit in the bike more. Also, before you lower the front, lower the rear only first. You may actually like the way the bike feels with the rear only lowered. The big radius pipes will look even better with the rear only lowered. You may not notice much of a change in your handling. sure the rake will increase, but many feel just fine with that. Should it be a problem, then lower the front. Head to e-bay for some lowering blocks, I recommend only lowering 3/4" or 1" at most.
Last edited by rounder; Jul 3, 2010 at 08:52 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Sounds to me that you should take things one at a time. Your reach to the bars is important, to make you comfortable and put you in complete control. Your current handlebars will move in the clamps, which may help bring them back towards you a little. Sometimes quite small things can help a lot. If you have a short reach (ladies tend to have shorter arms than a man of the same height) stay away from high bars.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
I highly recommend you use a lowering block kit as opposed to new lower shocks. I bet the bike will actually ride better for you. Increasing the angle of the rear shocks will actually make the rear feel softer. As a light weight rider, you'll like the increased softness to the rear.
If she was to install a 1" lowering block, and hit a large bump and didn't see it coming and bottomed out hard, could that tear out the rear light wires or damage something? I had always thought that with stock shocks it was OK to lower the rear by 1" but some on here have had damage to there bikes doing that...Thanks.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
'rounder'
If she was to install a 1" lowering block, and hit a large bump and didn't see it coming and bottomed out hard, could that tear out the rear light wires or damage something? I had always thought that with stock shocks it was OK to lower the rear by 1" but some on here have had damage to there bikes doing that...Thanks.
If she was to install a 1" lowering block, and hit a large bump and didn't see it coming and bottomed out hard, could that tear out the rear light wires or damage something? I had always thought that with stock shocks it was OK to lower the rear by 1" but some on here have had damage to there bikes doing that...Thanks.