Lowered the Deluxe
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 2
From: WA - The State
Lowered the Deluxe
1st things 1st: Pics will be coming shortly.
I installed Progressives Drop-In kit up front, and Ultima rear shocks. Just took it for a quick ~10 mile ride through town, and have to say I love it. The ride is sweet; smoother than stock, but not mushy.
On the way back home I tried to hit everything I could for rough road. I hit several railroad tracks, some crappily patched road work, potholes, and even a few raised manhole covers. Lots of things I try to avoid even in my car. It went over them flawlessly, without a hint of jarring to the bike or my back. I've read good and bad about the Ultimas, but so far they seem like a great deal. We'll see how they hold up over time, though.
Installation was so-so. The Progressive kit isn't quite what I thought it was. If you watch their video they make it sound like every kit is the same, and no disassembly is required. Not true, but still not too difficult. Remove the front lights and tin, then lower the forks down in the trees as far as you can get them.
The rear shocks took me some time, but I learned a few things that would save time later and make it much quicker, like not having the adjusters were you want them, but to adjust them after they're installed. Gives more room for sliding them in.
First time for me doing any suspension work on a bike, but it wasn't bad, and I think anyone with a little mechanical aptitude can do it.
I'll try to get some pics tonight, or tomorrow morning. If there are any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.
I installed Progressives Drop-In kit up front, and Ultima rear shocks. Just took it for a quick ~10 mile ride through town, and have to say I love it. The ride is sweet; smoother than stock, but not mushy.
On the way back home I tried to hit everything I could for rough road. I hit several railroad tracks, some crappily patched road work, potholes, and even a few raised manhole covers. Lots of things I try to avoid even in my car. It went over them flawlessly, without a hint of jarring to the bike or my back. I've read good and bad about the Ultimas, but so far they seem like a great deal. We'll see how they hold up over time, though.
Installation was so-so. The Progressive kit isn't quite what I thought it was. If you watch their video they make it sound like every kit is the same, and no disassembly is required. Not true, but still not too difficult. Remove the front lights and tin, then lower the forks down in the trees as far as you can get them.
The rear shocks took me some time, but I learned a few things that would save time later and make it much quicker, like not having the adjusters were you want them, but to adjust them after they're installed. Gives more room for sliding them in.
First time for me doing any suspension work on a bike, but it wasn't bad, and I think anyone with a little mechanical aptitude can do it.
I'll try to get some pics tonight, or tomorrow morning. If there are any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
How much lower did you make it? I can't imagine it being any lower, much less being a better ride because of it. Not saying it didn't, I am just in a bit of disbelife that it was a better ride?? Do tell, because I am always looking to make mine a better ride.
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 2
From: WA - The State
It's definately smoother, but it's gonna scape more on corners, no doubt. Cruising around, and I probably didn't go over 40-45 mph, it was a much nicer ride, especially the rear. It wasn't as stiff, and still never came close to bottoming out.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
Thats got to hurt in the corners. Stock only gives you about 4.5 in of clearence with no wieght on it. You surely will hit hard on a sharp turn. Where do you live?? I have to see this. Those pipes have to drag. I have BS Longs on mine and I drag big time when I turn right.
Last edited by Deluxechuck; Mar 21, 2009 at 09:17 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 2
From: WA - The State
I pretty much just cruise on this bike, and commute for work. Not a lot of twisties that I normally encounter, but I've scraped on some normal turns. Wear 'em down and replace 'em, I guess.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,853
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 2
From: WA - The State
Okay, I got some quickie pics tonight before it got too dark.
Here's what I started with:
And a few pics of where it is now:
Here's what I started with:
And a few pics of where it is now:
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
