Will lowering my FXDC improve the handling?
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Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 379
Likes: 4
From: Pittsburgh,PA
Will lowering my FXDC improve the handling?
I have an 07 FXDC. It has stock suspension. I'm looking to improve the handling in the twistys. I got spoiled riding my kids StreetGlide. I ride solo and I'm 6' and 235.
I read over some comments about Progressives front and rear. I'd like your input.
Happy Thanksgiving
I read over some comments about Progressives front and rear. I'd like your input.
Happy Thanksgiving
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 3
From: NorNev
Lowering your bike will theoretically make it more stable by lowering the center of gravity.
Lowering also decreases the shock travel. Since you are using the sport bikes comparison, there isn't too many lowered ones except for drag bikes.
The more travel you have in the shocks, the easier it is for them to work correctly.
Lowering also decreases the shock travel. Since you are using the sport bikes comparison, there isn't too many lowered ones except for drag bikes.
The more travel you have in the shocks, the easier it is for them to work correctly.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
I run progressive 970's, huge difference over stock. there 12.5" = more travel and less dragging in corners. Hitting seams and bumps in corners brings a smile. Have stock length prog. springs but haven't installed yet. A True-Track is next on my list.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 211
From: Manila, Philippines
If your riding over ruts, potholes, etc, stay at stock height but add better shocks. Anything is about better than stock. Progressives up through Ohlins/Ricors run better than stock.
I initially ran pro 412 HD 11". Rough as **** and dangerous on big bumps. Would about toss me out of the saddle. Changed to Ricors 12" and could not be happier.
I initially ran pro 412 HD 11". Rough as **** and dangerous on big bumps. Would about toss me out of the saddle. Changed to Ricors 12" and could not be happier.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
No, lowering will not improve handling in the twisties. That theory applies to cars that have four wheels and a non pivoting center of gravity. Motorcycles lean as they corner. I use the crotch rockets as my example: They all have lots of travel and large fender gaps. Yes, lowered Harley's do look better, but they do not handle better.... and they scrape when you try to lean them over. Pretty much ANY aftermarket shock will improve handling over the stock shocks. Ohlins, Ricors and high end Progressives will all help the back end. Upgraded front springs and drop in cartridge's are what helps the front. Tires and fork braces make a huge difference as well. If your running Dunlop 404's an Avon or Metzler will be a huge improvement.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
Lowering decreases lean angle and will kill your handling. To significanty improve handling, get Ohlins for the rear and go with, Intiminators, or Works performance cartridges if cost is a factor. If you can swing the cost....go with Ohlin drop ins.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
From: Everywhere, USA
Ok, so the stock shocks allegedly aren't very good (personally, mine seem fine) and there are better aftermarket shocks available.
While lowering the bike might make it look cooler (I would agree) it lowers the distance the shocks travel thereby negatively impacting the ride comfort.
Which makes me wonder whether the cost of comfort outweighs the benefit of coolness if I were to replace the stock 12" shocks with a better manufactured 11" shock.
Any thoughts or experiences?
While lowering the bike might make it look cooler (I would agree) it lowers the distance the shocks travel thereby negatively impacting the ride comfort.
Which makes me wonder whether the cost of comfort outweighs the benefit of coolness if I were to replace the stock 12" shocks with a better manufactured 11" shock.
Any thoughts or experiences?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
No, lowering will not improve handling in the twisties. That theory applies to cars that have four wheels and a non pivoting center of gravity. Motorcycles lean as they corner. I use the crotch rockets as my example: They all have lots of travel and large fender gaps. Yes, lowered Harley's do look better, but they do not handle better.... and they scrape when you try to lean them over. Pretty much ANY aftermarket shock will improve handling over the stock shocks. Ohlins, Ricors and high end Progressives will all help the back end. Upgraded front springs and drop in cartridge's are what helps the front. Tires and fork braces make a huge difference as well. If your running Dunlop 404's an Avon or Metzler will be a huge improvement.
I was originally going to say, if you have to ask that question, the bike already handles up to or beyond your capabilities.
Handling is not all in the bike, the majority of handling comes from the rider's skills. The best handling bike can be out performed by a mediocre bike if the rider skills are not comparable.
What I am trying to say is improve your skills before you sink a fortune in tuning you do not understand.
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 168
From: Knoxville, Tn
Handling
My Street Bob suspension is stock except for the Fat Bob shocks on it.
It does NOT have stock tires and it handles relatively well considering. In fact it handles well enough to drag the primary.
Sure suspension upgrades would help but if you want cornering,you're on the wrong kind of bike.
BTW Lowering your bike will make it handle even more poorly. Of course you can always lower it and grind off those things that drag.
It does NOT have stock tires and it handles relatively well considering. In fact it handles well enough to drag the primary.
Sure suspension upgrades would help but if you want cornering,you're on the wrong kind of bike.
BTW Lowering your bike will make it handle even more poorly. Of course you can always lower it and grind off those things that drag.
Last edited by dyna rider; Nov 24, 2011 at 04:12 PM.
