lowering the rear of my 86 flhtc
lowering the rear of my 86 flhtc
Getting ready for obx bike week next month and a friend selling me his klockworks windshield has a rear lowering kit for sale. The bike fits me fine but I want a different stance. I wanted to know if anyone has an opinion on the look or if it makes a difference at all. My wife and I ride together occasionally and we are not small individuals, I worry about clearance issues as well.
Anyone have any pics of a lowered flhtc?
Anyone have any pics of a lowered flhtc?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,114
Likes: 67
From: USA
Agreed. I'm running 12" vs. the stock 13" (I think those #'s are correct) rear shocks on my 2003 Ultra ... no issues. I would not install lowering blocks, as I've seen them fail and it ain't pretty.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Some types of lowering blocks also risk splitting the swingarm, above the axle slot. Don't do it, there's a good chap, we value you're company!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 4
From: nebraska
I have 11" Bitchin Bagger Drop Shocks on my 2008 FLHRC .
They are stock 13" air shocks cut down new spring and stop diffrent weight oil .
So no danger of bottoming out and tearing up your wiring like with cheapo lowering blocks.
Buy a Thrifty set of 09 or newer 13" touring air shocks and send them to Bitchin Baggers to have then cut down .
I have seen newer 13" take of shocks sell for as low as $30 on ebay .
My bike handles great .
They are stock 13" air shocks cut down new spring and stop diffrent weight oil .
So no danger of bottoming out and tearing up your wiring like with cheapo lowering blocks.
Buy a Thrifty set of 09 or newer 13" touring air shocks and send them to Bitchin Baggers to have then cut down .
I have seen newer 13" take of shocks sell for as low as $30 on ebay .
My bike handles great .
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
A lot of good advice here. I don't think you have any worries using a pair an inch shorter.
I moved to HD 11", 12" was stock. I took off the lowering blocks and the damaged blown 12" air shocks. Wish I had know the blocks were an issue before they damaged my ride and collapsed the shocks. One even had ripped the whole bottom mount off the shock. When they went the air shock bags collapsed and cracked holes in the fiberglass next to them on both of my saddlebags.
I bought my ride used with them on. I remember thinking this is the first touring bike that fit me well. Once the wife was on and we hit the first set of railroad tracks with a thud the damage was done. Second day I had the bike.
The 11" have given me a great ride, perfect height. I adjust them from 9 pounds solo to 11 when two up.
I moved to HD 11", 12" was stock. I took off the lowering blocks and the damaged blown 12" air shocks. Wish I had know the blocks were an issue before they damaged my ride and collapsed the shocks. One even had ripped the whole bottom mount off the shock. When they went the air shock bags collapsed and cracked holes in the fiberglass next to them on both of my saddlebags.
I bought my ride used with them on. I remember thinking this is the first touring bike that fit me well. Once the wife was on and we hit the first set of railroad tracks with a thud the damage was done. Second day I had the bike.
The 11" have given me a great ride, perfect height. I adjust them from 9 pounds solo to 11 when two up.
Last edited by JohnnyC; Mar 14, 2013 at 01:33 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 259
Likes: 1
From: Kingston, Ontario
I was looking to do this on my 85 and as above the blocks seem to be a bad idea. My first option was to go with a set of progresive shocks you can get the 944 in 12 inch I beleive, second was a set of street glide shocks they already have the lower stance and can be found on eBay for under 100. In the end I decided to keep the stock ride hight as there are a few twisters around here I already drag the boards on and the odd trip to a field for rally's.
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