Lowering question....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,586
Likes: 175
From: Los Lunas, NM
I am running the Burly Slammers (10.5") and really like them. Not a crazy harsh ride as others would have you believe, and don't scrape much unless I'm really getting after it in a corner. I don't feel the need to over do it in corners, I tend to give each corner the speed in which it deserves. And that doesn't mean I'm dicking the dog either. I have used lowering blocks in the past and didn't like them as much as a full lowering shock. I don't do much 2-up riding, but have my OEM shocks and a FatBob seat in the event that I do.
If your looking for comfort, you may wanna re-think the bare bones seat. lol Check out C&C's solo seats. I love mine. Comfortable and it is low profile.
If your looking for comfort, you may wanna re-think the bare bones seat. lol Check out C&C's solo seats. I love mine. Comfortable and it is low profile.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Has anyone here attempted what I am talking about? Using 11" or 11.5" PS shocks and lowering blocks? Want a lowered look while maintaining some suspension travel. Not worried about leg position or cornerability.
Want ride comfort, performance and 2up option...combined with a lowered look.
Want ride comfort, performance and 2up option...combined with a lowered look.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 7
From: SLC, UT
An 11" shock AND lowering blocks will put you too low. Your tire will rub everything under your fender, and you'll never make it over a curb.
My opinion, you should try the blocks first. They are like 50 bucks. See if you even like having the bike that low, and test the ride quality. If you aren't impressed, you can go from there.
Like I said before tho, I ran blocks for nearly 20k. No problems.
My opinion, you should try the blocks first. They are like 50 bucks. See if you even like having the bike that low, and test the ride quality. If you aren't impressed, you can go from there.
Like I said before tho, I ran blocks for nearly 20k. No problems.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 653
Likes: 7
From: illinois
burly slammers and bare bones seat here, cant "really" notice the diff in shocks with stock seat, BUT,,,,,,, the bare bones seat is absolutely horrible after 2hrs! the seat is a 60/60. 60miles or 60minutes whatever comes first. I can ride all day with a 15min break every 1-11/2 hrs. my oppinion on the blocks are: they look ok, ride a little stiffer than shorter shocks. because the angle of the shock is changed from the Ideal location not allowing them to travel correctly. even that is rarely noticed unless you or your passenger is heavy or you hit a sharp bump. The shorter shocks are the same but maybe 1-5 percent better on ride. Both more harsh than stock.
The seat, I run my bare bones almost all the time Unless im using my bike for distance. although I did about 600 miles in one day last summer and ended up putting my t shirt in my pants for more cushion for the last few hrs.
sorry for my scatter brained post. final thought: lowered shocks and a variety of seats. no offense to others but I think the blocks are 1/2 assed. Although for 50$ you can try it either upgrade to shocks or go back to stock and sell the blocks for 30$
The seat, I run my bare bones almost all the time Unless im using my bike for distance. although I did about 600 miles in one day last summer and ended up putting my t shirt in my pants for more cushion for the last few hrs.
sorry for my scatter brained post. final thought: lowered shocks and a variety of seats. no offense to others but I think the blocks are 1/2 assed. Although for 50$ you can try it either upgrade to shocks or go back to stock and sell the blocks for 30$
Last edited by xracer110; Feb 19, 2014 at 06:42 PM.
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 367
Likes: 38
From: WI
I tried to get the best of both worlds and went the DIY air ride route.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...80622308172612
http://custombaggerforum.com/forum/s...-Rear-Air-Ride
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...80622308172612
http://custombaggerforum.com/forum/s...-Rear-Air-Ride
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Still trying to get a compromise between a lowered look and a good ride....so let me throw this one out at ya'll:
Lowered PS 11".....or maybe even a Burley Slammer kit if (I want to get really drastic) and then a springer seat! Huh!!!! Would that not do the trick?
Then...whenever the wifey wants to take a trip...just pop the stock springs back on.
Thoughts?
Lowered PS 11".....or maybe even a Burley Slammer kit if (I want to get really drastic) and then a springer seat! Huh!!!! Would that not do the trick?
Then...whenever the wifey wants to take a trip...just pop the stock springs back on.
Thoughts?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,586
Likes: 175
From: Los Lunas, NM
Sounds like a plan brother! That will do the trick. I'd change out shocks if I plan to have a passenger. Not usual for me to have a passenger, but I think I am making progress on getting the wife to ride again. Got a used Fat Bob OEM seat just in case one day she takes up the saddle with me...
A spring seat does a lot for the harsh bumps. I still have one, but don't use it now that I have good quality 13" shocks.
Lowering blocks, as pointed out, change the angle of the shock. Keep in mind that shock travel and suspension travel are two different things. With blocks installed, suspension travel is still reduced even though the shock travel stays the same. In other words, you will bottom out earlier with lowering blocks even if you still have 12" shocks. (This doesn't mean you will bottom out, just that bottoming out would come earlier with lowering blocks.)
The best method for lowering your bike is to use shorter shocks. The best method to retain comfort is to buy good quality shocks. With this combination, you shouldn't have to swap shocks for two-up riding.
The PS 430 shocks are medium quality while the 444 is a good shock for your purpose. Ohlins, JRI, Bitubo, Works Performance, and RaceTech make high quality shocks. They'll cost more, but perform much better than a $200 pair of shocks.
Lowering blocks, as pointed out, change the angle of the shock. Keep in mind that shock travel and suspension travel are two different things. With blocks installed, suspension travel is still reduced even though the shock travel stays the same. In other words, you will bottom out earlier with lowering blocks even if you still have 12" shocks. (This doesn't mean you will bottom out, just that bottoming out would come earlier with lowering blocks.)
The best method for lowering your bike is to use shorter shocks. The best method to retain comfort is to buy good quality shocks. With this combination, you shouldn't have to swap shocks for two-up riding.
The PS 430 shocks are medium quality while the 444 is a good shock for your purpose. Ohlins, JRI, Bitubo, Works Performance, and RaceTech make high quality shocks. They'll cost more, but perform much better than a $200 pair of shocks.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 0
From: Central Illinois
I am running the Burly Slammers (10.5") and really like them. Not a crazy harsh ride as others would have you believe, and don't scrape much unless I'm really getting after it in a corner. I don't feel the need to over do it in corners, I tend to give each corner the speed in which it deserves. And that doesn't mean I'm dicking the dog either. I have used lowering blocks in the past and didn't like them as much as a full lowering shock. I don't do much 2-up riding, but have my OEM shocks and a FatBob seat in the event that I do.
If your looking for comfort, you may wanna re-think the bare bones seat. lol Check out C&C's solo seats. I love mine. Comfortable and it is low profile.
If your looking for comfort, you may wanna re-think the bare bones seat. lol Check out C&C's solo seats. I love mine. Comfortable and it is low profile.
I love the look and the ride is fine. I dont ride 2up ... thats why I cut the fender and struts.
