So I am hoping to start the install of a heartland 180 kit this weekend. I need some opinions on lowering it.
Option 1 is to buy LA Choppers or progressive's lowering kit for my current shocks and save some money. But shocks are 13years old and probably need to be replaced anyway.
Option 2 Bite the bullet and buy Progressive 422's.
Option 3 Go with some other set up recommended by those who read this post.
I would like to go with a air ride kit but do not have the money for one at this time.

 

Air ride for sure. 13 year old shocks are most likely beat the hell. A friend put the 422's on and was not happy with the results on his fatboy. He had the air ride a week later. Lost a bit of money on the swap. I have an air ride too. I did not bother with lowering socks or bolts as everyone I know and ride with has the air ride and is quite happy with it. There are quite a few choices. Platinum bleed and feed, Hi Lo rider, Legends, Arnott, and the list goes on.

 

A cheap alternative to the 422's are the adjustable Ultima's. I've got them on my Deluxe and so far I have been pleased.

That being said, an air ride is definitely gonna find its way onto my bike, hopefully this next winter.

 

Save the money you'd spend on the lowering and invest it in the air ride. You won't be sorry.

 

How low do you want to go... Wanted to lower mine only an inch to get rid of the dirt bike look. More than that and the handling changes quite a bit and/or too much scraping and not so good for 2up. Installed Deluxe Softail shocks in the rear. Still has a nice ride for 1up and 2up. Used ones like new, low miles, can be had for $100.

 

The Ultima's are only like $125 shipped, so for me it was something inexpensive to get me where I wanted to be now, while I save up for an air ride.

 

Where did you get your Ultima's? Do they drop 2"? I might go this route until I can afford and air ride suspension.

 

I got them from Eastern Performance Cycles on ebay. They do drop 2" from stock.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ULTIM...Q5fAccessories

 

IMO i believe the heartland kit only looks good slammed all the way down either by slamming the bike with the bolt kit or air suspension. I love the way it sits right on the tire. The bike looks like chit when the fender sits off the tire to high. Save your bread and get the air ride. You want it to look good and have spent alot on Heartland, take the next step and get air ride.

 

Your bike looks great with the air ride, and I wish I had the funds to get one. But, I have a wife thats 20 weeks pregant and I have used almost all my side cash for this 180 kit and the other stuff I have purchased to go with it. My plan is to lower it now the most economical yet quality way know, and save up for the air ride this winter.