Lowering the back end
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: New Haven County, CT
Lowering the back end
I have a 2013 Street Bob. Multiple people have told me I should lower the back. I tend to agree as I like the look, but I'm not looking to spend hundreds on new shocks or lowering kits. I know one of the selling points of the 13 Bob was that it has adjustable shocks. Some people have said I can lower it an inch or two by taking a spanner wrench to the shocks, but I thought that was weight based. Other's say lowering the shocks also involves playing with the sag and damper. Some said lowering the back means you'd have to adjust the front too. Then there's a whole discussion on performance on turns, etc.
I'm happy where it is, but if I can adjust it an inch or two lower in the back only, have a 100 - 130 lb passenger from time to time (I'm 190), and not affect performance badly, and not do damage to the bike, I'd like to do it. I don't really mind if it's a "rougher" ride... I just don't want to hit have the tire hit the underside of the fender if I hit a bump.
Can anybody shed light on this?
I'm happy where it is, but if I can adjust it an inch or two lower in the back only, have a 100 - 130 lb passenger from time to time (I'm 190), and not affect performance badly, and not do damage to the bike, I'd like to do it. I don't really mind if it's a "rougher" ride... I just don't want to hit have the tire hit the underside of the fender if I hit a bump.
Can anybody shed light on this?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
The biggest difference other than looks is less travel.
If you ride solo then you should not experience bottoming out. If you do ride 2 up make sure you get good shocks.
The HD lowered shocks, 11 inch sucks. Only 2 inches of travel with not much preload. 2 up we bottom out every few minutes.
I have use the progressive 11 inch shocks and like them, never bottomed out.
The bike looks much better lowered front and rear. Ours is. Used progressive drop in lowering kit.
Depending on your exhaust and your bike you may scrap.
Our wide glide has V&H big radius 2 into 2 and scrape a lot. I went back to 12 inch shocks because of it. I still need better shocks.
If you ride solo then you should not experience bottoming out. If you do ride 2 up make sure you get good shocks.
The HD lowered shocks, 11 inch sucks. Only 2 inches of travel with not much preload. 2 up we bottom out every few minutes.
I have use the progressive 11 inch shocks and like them, never bottomed out.
The bike looks much better lowered front and rear. Ours is. Used progressive drop in lowering kit.
Depending on your exhaust and your bike you may scrap.
Our wide glide has V&H big radius 2 into 2 and scrape a lot. I went back to 12 inch shocks because of it. I still need better shocks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,586
Likes: 175
From: Los Lunas, NM
Sounds like Burly Slammer shocks would fit the bill for what your looking for. Check the classifieds. There are some on there from time to time. Otherwise you can find them on eBay for as low as $180...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 19
From: Savage, MN
The adjustments on the shocks are for the stiffness and/or amount of weight your carrying. These will not change the height of the bike other than it may sag more at a lighter setting because the shocks are compressed more. If you want to lower the rear you will need lowering blocks or shoter shocks. You can lower it without issues if you lower the front as wel you may need a shorter kick stand.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 214
Likes: 3
From:
I have had the progressive shocks on my bike since 06 and the ride isn't that much rougher. I didn't touch the front forks either and don't notice any loss in handling.
If the Burly shocks had been around I would have gotten those, but I'm happy with my progressives. Definitely go with shorter shocks, you'll get the look you want and not that big a hit on the wallet. Plus they are an easy install.
If the Burly shocks had been around I would have gotten those, but I'm happy with my progressives. Definitely go with shorter shocks, you'll get the look you want and not that big a hit on the wallet. Plus they are an easy install.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,829
Likes: 491
From: Northern WV
I don't understand either, the real reason for having the bike is to ride. Heck with what "multiple people" said. These bikes barely have enough suspension travel and cornering clearance as they are. Once you're sitting on it it drops down and you can't see it anyway.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,586
Likes: 175
From: Los Lunas, NM
I haven't experience any loss in riding performance with the Burly's. Burly's are Progressive shocks rebranded.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo