Lowering a Street Bob
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 131
Likes: 2
From: USA
Lowering a Street Bob
Im 5'3 and 90 pounds, so I need to get my bike to fit a little better. I got the Super Reach seat in the mail today and threw it on as soon as I walked in the door from work. Still need to drop it an inch or so, after testing out the new seat. What are my options? Are there different brands or types of lowering kits (sorry, didnt get time to do much research)? And should I do front and back, or just one of the two? Some people I talk to say front, and others say back. I did a quick search on here and found a bunch that did both. Hubby or I can do the back, but not so sure about the front. Ive always pretty much kept my bikes stock, so this is the first time Im messing with suspension. Any info is appreciated!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 8
From: Louisiana
Wow. 90lbs? I think being that light you could definitly get some lowering blocks or shocks and not have to worry about bottoming out. Do a search on "lowering" and you'll see all the different ways to do it. You can lower the front by simply raising the forks throught the trees. On the back the lowering blocks would be cheapest but with your weight I would maybe look into a lshorter shocks that are valved for your weight and riding style.
Last edited by spankdog; Nov 15, 2011 at 10:13 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
you got low crotch. I do too... difference is i am fat.
I ride a 2011 fxdb. I installed the progressive 412 with the lowering kit.
I do not recommend this set up.
The bike is very rigid to me now.
I spoke to a really nice, seemingly knowledgeable and experienced builder in California, when i was there last month.
I asked him there was a good way to soften up my ride... he said there was little I could do.
He did however recommend the burly slammer over the progressives.
It was his opinion that the burley's were a better choice. both will feel stiff compared to how it feels now... but according to this builder... the burley is a better ride than the progressives.
it might not be as big of a deal to your 90pound weight.
btw... the bike looks rad after the drop kit.
hope this helps you.
I ride a 2011 fxdb. I installed the progressive 412 with the lowering kit.
I do not recommend this set up.
The bike is very rigid to me now.
I spoke to a really nice, seemingly knowledgeable and experienced builder in California, when i was there last month.
I asked him there was a good way to soften up my ride... he said there was little I could do.
He did however recommend the burly slammer over the progressives.
It was his opinion that the burley's were a better choice. both will feel stiff compared to how it feels now... but according to this builder... the burley is a better ride than the progressives.
it might not be as big of a deal to your 90pound weight.
btw... the bike looks rad after the drop kit.
hope this helps you.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: The REAL Jersey Shore
Burly Brand is Progressive Suspension......the burly shocks are 412 shocks without the bottom cups. If you want to save a few bucks, get the Biker's Choice brand shocks...they are made by Progressive too...same 412 series design without the bottom cups for about 170 bucks. They come in 11 inch and 12 inch HD and non HD. I have the HD 11 inch...they are better than stock by far....
John
John
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Lower both the front and rear to keep things level. I have Burly 10.5" slammer shocks and even at 6'2" 250lbs they are very stiff even when on the lowest preload setting. I would not recommend Burlys for anyone under 150. If I was your size I would pick up some factory H.D. 11" shocks that way you preserve the factory ride quality and save your butt some pain. You can pick up a set of factory H.D. 11" shocks on ebay for about $100 shipped (black or chrome).
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
Like somebody already said with your low weight lowering blocks will probably work best.The reason many stay away from them is that they change the angle of the shock which softens the ride and may cause your shocks to bottom out. Weighing in at 90lbs this will not be an issue and will probably improve the ride.I also wouldn't start messing with the front unless you have to, sliding the tubes up in the trees up to about an inch will accomplish allot without effecting ride quality and costs nothing.
Novice
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Killeen TX
Lowering the bike
Hey I would suggest the same kit I used and it all can be done with basic tools order the burly slammer kit for the front and rear and you should have no issues the rear shocks are also adjustable I have them on my street bob and I love it and I am pretty short as well there is a you tube video for burly slammer kit that shows just how easy it is hope this helps
