Lowering a Train
R.I.P. BROTHER
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 6
From: Colorado Springs
Most folks never think about the front...Cept' us Forum weirdoes maybe.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 396
Likes: 7
From: Dubuque, Iowa
I might start off by lowering the rear only, the idea of it just seems odd to me though. I mean, When I lifted my truck and put 38" tires under it I didn't leave the front suspension stock with 265 tires. I like what you have told me about the progressives chaz, so I think I will lower just the rear for now for looks and then the front down the road for drivability.
So just lowering the rear and not the front is fine? Will it look weird? How does it change the handling?
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Slumped Over
If you just lower the rear, it might throw the steering geometry out of whack a little. Then again, there was plenty of 1960's and 1970's era choppers on the road, with a rigid frame and a looong front end.
I lowered front and rear on mine. And it's stiff. But I never adjusted the shocks, have to play with that.
I lowered front and rear on mine. And it's stiff. But I never adjusted the shocks, have to play with that.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 1
From:
I like the looks, both handle fine. It effectively adds a bit of rake to the front end, which is the look I like. My son likes the lowered front and rear look, but will put his money towards other things for now. Lowering the front is way down on his list for things to spend his money on.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 396
Likes: 7
From: Dubuque, Iowa
For now this is the list of things I want to do to the bike, in no particular order...
big sucker, tune, lower, solo seat with detachable passenger, grips, pegs, rims, detachable saddle bags (for trips only to get rid of the backpack)...
I would really like to be able to save and do the rims but it is so hard to leave that money sit and build when I can be getting some of the cheaper items. I just love adding new things to the bike, such small things may never even catch the eye of the average person but they make such a difference to me, and that is who I am building the bike for!
big sucker, tune, lower, solo seat with detachable passenger, grips, pegs, rims, detachable saddle bags (for trips only to get rid of the backpack)...
I would really like to be able to save and do the rims but it is so hard to leave that money sit and build when I can be getting some of the cheaper items. I just love adding new things to the bike, such small things may never even catch the eye of the average person but they make such a difference to me, and that is who I am building the bike for!
Last edited by oneloudz71; Jul 7, 2009 at 09:15 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 396
Likes: 7
From: Dubuque, Iowa
And I have to say, I am absolutly in love with the rear of the NT's with the 200 tire and I think the rear fender lines are beautiful, and tucking that tire up tighter makes that rear just that much sweeter!
R.I.P. BROTHER
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 6
From: Colorado Springs
I thought mine handled funky when I had just the rear dropped. Then again its a Softail so I wasnt expecting sport bike ability. The bike when dropped 2.5 in the rear and stock ride height in the front had a nasty case of understeer in the fast mountain corners here in Colorado. The issue was the bike would wanna go wide and i would end up fighting to stay outta the marbles or gravel on the outside edge of the corners.
I ride in the mountains whenever I can and it was unnerving to say the least....
On a whim I lowered the front for the looks. That nasty case of understeer turned into a newfound ability to stick the front tire down low in a corner and hold a line.
It also improved the braking action as the bike didnt "Hobby Horse" like it did when it had all the stock travel. Its firmer and more composed. Honestly it feels 100% better than the stocker did. It sticks in corners!!
I rode mine for a coupla thousand miles in Chopper guy mode and it was all good.
It just became way better with a $98.00 fork lowering kit and about 2 hours of my time!!
Choppin' like its 1971 was a good time tho'!!
The 2" isnt that noticible to the nekkid eye tho.
I ride in the mountains whenever I can and it was unnerving to say the least....
On a whim I lowered the front for the looks. That nasty case of understeer turned into a newfound ability to stick the front tire down low in a corner and hold a line.
It also improved the braking action as the bike didnt "Hobby Horse" like it did when it had all the stock travel. Its firmer and more composed. Honestly it feels 100% better than the stocker did. It sticks in corners!!
I rode mine for a coupla thousand miles in Chopper guy mode and it was all good.
It just became way better with a $98.00 fork lowering kit and about 2 hours of my time!!
Choppin' like its 1971 was a good time tho'!!
The 2" isnt that noticible to the nekkid eye tho.