Stupid question...about lowering

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Jul 3, 2010 | 12:58 PM

#21

GPHDXLC

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 4,598

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From: Lansing mi

Quote:

Originally Posted by rounder

Her lighter weight and proper preload should keep her from bottoming out. Better to do shorter shocks if riding 2up or one is a heavier rider just to be safe. My lowering block recommendation is based on her avatar in which she looks thin and probably is light weight for the spring on the stock shock.

OK, then it's all about the weight. She should be fine with the blocks then. For me with my saddle bags full and my weight totaling around 200 lbs I would be safe with a 1/2" drop with 11 1/2" shocks. But I would get a stiffer ride that I really don't want. Plus I'm not sure 1/2" would get me down so I could plant my feet better....Thanks rounder.

Got to go ride now, I will look back in tonight.

Jul 3, 2010 | 01:03 PM

#22

luv_my_harley

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 1,185

Likes: 1

From: Tooele Utah

I think handlebars will be the first to get changed, eventually...I don't want apes I like the drag bars I just need them back 3 or 4 more inches.

Jul 3, 2010 | 02:44 PM

#23

wideglidebob

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2006

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there you answered your own question

Jul 3, 2010 | 04:28 PM

#24

transam7969

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 768

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From: East Texas

Mine with 1" lowering blocks. I've bottomed out a couple times riding alone and pretty much every time with the fiancee on back but I'm 245 lbs and I don't think you'll have that problem. ~50 bucks for the lowering blocks and improves the looks and handling immensely IMO. The bike handles better over all and even at slow speeds.

Jul 3, 2010 | 05:11 PM

#25

Dynamic

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 196

Likes: 2

The lowering blocks change the leverage the swingarm imparts to the shock, lengthening the lever arm. This effectively reduces the spring rate, but is also reduces the ability of the shock to damp movement on the rebound stroke. The stock shocks aren't notably good at damping as it is, so you may note a quick rebound, which will be felt as a jolt that lifts you up in the seat.
If you like comfort, and good, safe handling then I'd buy some great shock absorbers with adjustable damping and spring rate. If you still plan to use the lowering blocks, tell the people who set the shocks up about your rig.
I used Ohlins. Amazing improvement in ride quality and handling. I have them set at 13.2" and lowered the front fork by sliding the tubes up in the yokes by 3/8". Seems to be optimum with the stock guts in the forks. Quickened the steering noticably, still not able to "flick" the bike, but then it's nearly 700 pounds.

Jul 3, 2010 | 06:34 PM

#26

rounder

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 7,562

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From: Palm Harbor fl.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GPHDXLC

Just so you know going from the stock 12" shock to an 11.5" shock will reduce ride height about 3/4" of an inch. The thing that would be most problematic for you installing a lowering block is your saddlebags. The lowering blocks angle the shock more by changing the mounting point at the swingarm. Your bags are cutout for the stock mount location and may not fit the new shock monting location. For you, I would suggest looking into Ricor shocks or works performance for an 11.5" shock built to your weight and riding style. A well built shock set up for you will ride much better than stock even with the reduced travel. My 12" Ricors and the Ohlins before ride 1000% better than the stock 12.5" shocks that came on my bike.