Burly Slammer kit question
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
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Burly Slammer kit question
I had a burly slammer kit installed on my Bob Last summer, the rear seems to be ok for me (165lbs), but my god is the front stiff! It's like there is no movement at all. I remember reading last year about people putting in a lighter oil in the front forks, could someone tell me what I should go to? I may end up putting in the stock springs up front again, but I love the fit now......
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 30
From: Ashburn, VA
I run the Progressive Drop-in springs on mine (Burly is made by Progressive), with only 1/2" spacer, so its dropped over 2 inches compared to stock and it travels just fine. When I tore them apart, for powder coating, I refilled them with the Screaming Eagle Heavy Fork Oil, which is 10w vs. 5w stock.
You don't want to go lower weight fork oil, especially with lowering springs, because you will bottom out like its your job.
Have you checked your seals? Maybe air got in? Try standing the bike up and grab the front brake and rock the bike and watch the forks for proper movement or ride down the road and you can watch them move with the road surface (pay attention to traffic of course). I would rebuild them with some heavier oil and new seals. Its not a tough job and you will know all the air is out. Just follow the procedure in the service manual.
You don't want to go lower weight fork oil, especially with lowering springs, because you will bottom out like its your job.
Have you checked your seals? Maybe air got in? Try standing the bike up and grab the front brake and rock the bike and watch the forks for proper movement or ride down the road and you can watch them move with the road surface (pay attention to traffic of course). I would rebuild them with some heavier oil and new seals. Its not a tough job and you will know all the air is out. Just follow the procedure in the service manual.
Last edited by jmeiers; Feb 28, 2013 at 08:56 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,011
Likes: 5
From: Macomb, MI
I really dont like bad mouthing any companies but I heard the burly kits are very cheap and the rear shocks are not good quality. I thought about lowering my bike so many times but i cant find anything thats great, ohlins and such companies do not sell lower than 12inch which is stock hieght
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 30
From: Ashburn, VA
The Burly stuff is made by Progressive. The Burly rear 10.5" slammer shock is essentially the Progressive 412 11" shock without the bottom cup.
With that said, I have been totally fine with my Progressive setup since bike was near new in 2010. Bike handles fine and rides fine. Of course, firmer than stock, but rides fine and tracks straight. The biggest problem with lowering, IMO, is the fact that your lean angles are greatly decreased so you can not go as deep into corners without scraping.
Its one of those things where you can't have your cake and eat it too. Meaning, you can not lower your bike and expect it to be a corner carver too. But, it will still go as deep as your pipes will allow.
My bike is setup for looks and bar hopper first and everything else second. If I have to travel too far from home (more than Bare Bones seat will allow), I load it up on the trailer.
With that said, I have been totally fine with my Progressive setup since bike was near new in 2010. Bike handles fine and rides fine. Of course, firmer than stock, but rides fine and tracks straight. The biggest problem with lowering, IMO, is the fact that your lean angles are greatly decreased so you can not go as deep into corners without scraping.
Its one of those things where you can't have your cake and eat it too. Meaning, you can not lower your bike and expect it to be a corner carver too. But, it will still go as deep as your pipes will allow.
My bike is setup for looks and bar hopper first and everything else second. If I have to travel too far from home (more than Bare Bones seat will allow), I load it up on the trailer.
Last edited by jmeiers; Feb 28, 2013 at 12:41 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 30
From: Ashburn, VA
I think the Air Ride by Arnotts or Legend would be perfect for you. That way you can have slammed in the parking lot and photo ops and then jack up for the twisties.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Midwest
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LOSER
Joined: May 2010
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From: Williamston, NC
Ditto..
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: The Whale's Vagina
So is lowering a Street Bob as easy as putting on shorter shocks? Or is it more complicated?
From jmeiers post, I get there will be a loss of clearance with lowering, but I could really use just a 1/2 inch less seat height to be perfect when stopped (with my battery bags).
I have Ricor Intimidators with stock springs up front and am saving up for a rear upgrade next. I'm considering options to get just a bit lower without changing out my saddle.
From jmeiers post, I get there will be a loss of clearance with lowering, but I could really use just a 1/2 inch less seat height to be perfect when stopped (with my battery bags).
I have Ricor Intimidators with stock springs up front and am saving up for a rear upgrade next. I'm considering options to get just a bit lower without changing out my saddle.