Lowering my 2005 Low Rider?
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11
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From: Fort Washington, PA
Lowering my 2005 Low Rider?
I'm 5'5" male and can flat foot my bike, but would feel better with a little more knee bend. I assume I have the stock shocks at 12". I have read that Progressives are a cost effective method of getting down another inch or so. Any ideas on which shock? 412's or other, more expensive. 440's etc. 11.5" or 11"? Clearance issues? Ride quality? I need some input. Thanks everyone and Happy New Year!!!
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 10
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From: Kiln, MS
Glad you posted this question. Im looking to lower my 08 wide glide also but have the same conserns as you. Looking forward to what people have to say. Ive also looked into the lowering blocks that mount to the lower mount of the stock shocks that drop the rear 1 inch.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
You can use the 412's as a lowering tool, maybe 11.5" eye to eye, but be sure to adjust the front to compensate. Progressive has a front spring kit for that. Here's a plus, unlike the newer bikes all the work can be done with the forks installed, includinging the oil change.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Indiana
I have 11" 412's on my bike with the progressive front drop ins. I'm 6' 220lbs and as long as you have decent roads like I have up here in the NW it's fine. Now I just got back from a trip in Southern California and you the roads were just back breaking, but I don't think there is a good HD suspension for down there. You need a dirt bike for some of them freeways. The 412's are smoother vs stock IMO except bigger bumps. I road almost 500 miles in a day and no pain and that was with the heavy duties. I would avoid the heavy duties unless you and your significant other are 300lbs. I swapped out the HD's with std springs and much better. The drops ins for the front are amazing. No more brake dive, shuttering for say railroad tracks and when you hit the gas they don't fully extend out. You will be fine not doing the front, but I would to complete the suspension.
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Vegas
If you've got saddlebags like mine, you can't use an adjustment wrench on some model shocks - my 11" Progressive 430s are hand-twist adjustable. And if you're a lightweight, as was stated before, don't get Heavy Duty - they're way too stiff.
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Fort Washington, PA
I think my '05 is listed at 4.6" with the stock shocks. How bad do you think my lean angle will be cut down? I was thinking about that. I'm 175 lbs and I am not an aggressive rider, but I don't want to be dragging pegs and pipes on moderate curves either.
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Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11
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From: Fort Washington, PA
Your bike is probably the closest to mine. How did you find installing the 11" Prog 430's affect your ride and handling? How much lower did it bring your bike and, most importantly, did you experience any problems with lean angle and ground clearance? I really appreciate all of the fabulous reply's to my thread. You guys are great. Thanks.
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Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Indiana
Last edited by JaronB; Jan 2, 2012 at 06:56 PM.