2018 fxbb lowering kit
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: Palm Bay, Florida
2018 fxbb lowering kit
I bought the wife a 2018 FXBB (her choice of bike). Now I have to make it so she fits on the bike (stands 5' with her riding boots on). So-I look for a lowering kit-there is one for the forks, none for the rear (new mono-shock design). After fighting get the free spanner wrench that is used to adjust the pre-load on the shock (I guess it's so new not all the salespeople know about it) I adjusted the pre-load all the way down. I need to get her the reduced reach seat and I will still need to lower the bike.
The fork spring lowering kit will (according to the product details) lowers the front of the bike around 1". Normally I would lower the front and rear the same amount to maintain the bike's geometry, stance, and weight distribution (yes normally, this is the third bike I have lowered for her). I am concerned that not lowering the rear the same amount and moving her forward in the saddle will shift center of balance forward and cause the rear wheel to lift during braking.
I do not trust the salesman, parts department, or service department at the dealer to answer this question. I can call the customer support line, but am hoping that someone more knowledgeable than I will be able to answer this question here-I am sure I am not the only person wanting to do this...
Thanks
The fork spring lowering kit will (according to the product details) lowers the front of the bike around 1". Normally I would lower the front and rear the same amount to maintain the bike's geometry, stance, and weight distribution (yes normally, this is the third bike I have lowered for her). I am concerned that not lowering the rear the same amount and moving her forward in the saddle will shift center of balance forward and cause the rear wheel to lift during braking.
I do not trust the salesman, parts department, or service department at the dealer to answer this question. I can call the customer support line, but am hoping that someone more knowledgeable than I will be able to answer this question here-I am sure I am not the only person wanting to do this...
Thanks
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 83
Likes: 34
From: Sparks, NV
I thought the FXBB was already lowered 1" front and back from the Factory. I think you will find the "fork lowering kit" on the HD website is already installed. AND then Ive not always been right 
Last edited by wkent; Feb 14, 2018 at 06:46 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 103
From: Lake County, CA
You might give Tamarak a call. I used their lowering kit on my 15 RGS and it's nice.
I looked at their site and they don't show one's for the 18 model yet, but it might be in the works. Here is their link.
http://www.tamarackmw.com/tamarack_009.htm
I looked at their site and they don't show one's for the 18 model yet, but it might be in the works. Here is their link.
http://www.tamarackmw.com/tamarack_009.htm
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 17
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From: Palm Bay, Florida
Already contacted Tamarackhw.com, they don't have one and don't think they will be able to make one as the 2018 has the mono-shock under the seat, not the dual swingarm shocks..
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,573
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From: Montana
You might have bought the wrong bike for her? Just saying, just because I like the way something looks doesn't mean it's the best fit. I would prefer to have a bike I fit and enjoy riding then one I like to look at. I'm not saying this to anger anyone so if you don't get what I'm trying to say I'm sorry...
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: Palm Bay, Florida
You might have bought the wrong bike for her? Just saying, just because I like the way something looks doesn't mean it's the best fit. I would prefer to have a bike I fit and enjoy riding then one I like to look at. I'm not saying this to anger anyone so if you don't get what I'm trying to say I'm sorry...
I am here looking for information related to lowering the front of the bike without lowering the back-and suggestions on how to lower the rear. Thanks for your help.
P.S.: Whenever you can say "Just Saying" it's likely best left unsaid. Just saying...
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 17
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From: Palm Bay, Florida
I've heard that too but can't find proof. Regardless, I have to lower the bike. Her last one was an 883XLH (the "Hugger" the lowest bike Harley sold that year) and I had to lower it.
Last edited by mkehayias; Feb 14, 2018 at 11:55 AM. Reason: Spelling
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From: Texas
Actually platform shoes are a thing, especially in women's riding boots. Daytona's Lady Stars are an example, they give you about a 2.5" lift.
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From: Texas
I doubt you'll find Harley offering a lowering shock for it though. It's already got a seat height that's a full two inches lower than the Fat Bob. They make a lowering shock for the Fat Bob, but it only brings it down 3/4", and the FXBB is already 2" lower so I'm suspecting that the FXBB already has as low of a shock as they make. The seat's only .3" higher than the Softail Slim, which is probably the lowest-seat height in the whole lineup.
I don't see a reach seat offered for the '18 Street Bob. The Badlander seat is advertised as offering the lowest possible ride, so that may be the only factory option. Shaving the seat is an option I guess, especially try shaving as much width out as you can get in the front, so the legs are closer together, that makes a big difference in ability to reach the ground.