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My 2006 Heritage has a lowering kit in the rear - down one inch - was on the bike when I bought her. Front is stock height. I like the way she rides straight, and seems to take sweeping turns ok. I know she cant handle like a sportbike. I came off a Buell....
Anyway, Im not a big believer in lowering kits.
Question 1. Is handling on a softail like mine compromised in any way with a rear lowering kit of 1 inch. If so - what is the compromise? What will I gain by returning to stock?
2. What do I gain by buying and installing a set of progressive 422's? that much better? And if yes - when do I notice the big difference?
Although it is a slight amount, the handling will be slower because lowering the rear cause the steering geometry to change a little bit. You will gain sharper turning with the bike back to standard. I bought a set of the 422's. They come with a stiffer spring rate. I like em. One thing to always do is set the correct suspension sag Hope this helps
I found that when I lowered the Front also with the Progressive Drop In kit (I dropped the front 2") that there was a noticeable diff in better handling in the twistys. But mine is a 08 TRAIN. I drag the forward control pegs way to often! But way more responsive.
As I get more used to my '05 Herry, I can't possibly imagine LOWERING one! I'm about to scrape the dang floorboards right off this thing...along with my nerves!
I keep thinking I'll get used to it...
Lowered mine one inch in the rear with HD lowering shocks - same as Deluxe - it looked better. Handled just slightly different, not a big deal. Scraping more often is what did occur. Especially 2up. Not vain enough I guess, its back to stock now
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