Lowering a Springer?
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,086
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Lowering a Springer?
Alright...I may be able to lower the Bones here in a month or so! I'm very excited about this. However, I've ran into a snag. It is possible to lower the front end of a springer? So far, I've had three people tell me I'd have to literally CUT my forks and re-weld them together if I wanted it lowered. It does not sound like good times to me, and I don't want to bother with getting a new front-end. However fun that may be.
My main concern is with looks. I think CrossBones look great lowered. I know most don't bother with the front-end, but I have a concern. Having it lowered two inches in the rear would result in a "slanted" look. I currently still have the stock "looking" pipes on the bones, and this modification would result in my pipes looking lopsided. I would really prefer them to be straight and even with the road. I don't want my bike to look dorky.
I guess my final question is this: Should I lower the bike in the rear and just change my pipes out so the slant isn't so noticeable? Or, is there an actual way to lower the front?
Thank you all for any input, advice, etc!
My main concern is with looks. I think CrossBones look great lowered. I know most don't bother with the front-end, but I have a concern. Having it lowered two inches in the rear would result in a "slanted" look. I currently still have the stock "looking" pipes on the bones, and this modification would result in my pipes looking lopsided. I would really prefer them to be straight and even with the road. I don't want my bike to look dorky.
I guess my final question is this: Should I lower the bike in the rear and just change my pipes out so the slant isn't so noticeable? Or, is there an actual way to lower the front?
Thank you all for any input, advice, etc!
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
Don't worry about the front is my opinion. Here is mine with the rear slammed and the front not lowered at all. I prefer having extra travel in the front to soak up the bumps. I don't ride it slammed like this very often regardless, but I think it looks great. LOL
Drew
Drew
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
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I will have to look into the Burly one. Thank you for the suggestion, Cheesecake. Did you use that on yours?
Drew, your bike is amazing in more ways than one...I'm not so sure mine could pull it off as well as yours. lol. How much is the rear lowered on it?
I'm thinking 2" in back, maybe 1" up front? I still want to retain a nice ride, but since I'm not looking at air-ride (cost) it would not be adjustable. Any suggestions as far as that goes? I'm mainly looking at progressives or a lowering "kit" to lower the rear...leaning more toward the progressives at the moment.
Thanks, again!
Drew, your bike is amazing in more ways than one...I'm not so sure mine could pull it off as well as yours. lol. How much is the rear lowered on it?
I'm thinking 2" in back, maybe 1" up front? I still want to retain a nice ride, but since I'm not looking at air-ride (cost) it would not be adjustable. Any suggestions as far as that goes? I'm mainly looking at progressives or a lowering "kit" to lower the rear...leaning more toward the progressives at the moment.
Thanks, again!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 3
From: Houston, Texas
No suspension mods on my bike....
I scrape the floorboards now... I can only imagine it I lowered it
My rear fender hugs the tire in back... and I'm naked up front... IMO it looks right....
CC
I scrape the floorboards now... I can only imagine it I lowered it
My rear fender hugs the tire in back... and I'm naked up front... IMO it looks right....
CC
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 54
From: Mansfield, MA
Lowering the front will have an awful ride........
There are rocker kits and spring kits out there....BUT.
Leave the front alone...
There are rocker kits and spring kits out there....BUT.
Leave the front alone...
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
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Your bike does look great. It has "personality" with a splash of panache.
4.5 inches! Wow...well, if that's the case, then I guess lowing 2" in the rear really wouldn't make a huge slant angle. I am hoping to get the good looks of a lowered bike, still retain some good ride, and NOT look goofy doing it. So far, I'm thinking the 2" would work pretty well.
I just can't believe you had room to lower that far...and, it doesn't look horrible. Hm...maybe I will leave the front alone.
Guess I'm looking for more back-up on opinions...
Thank you! I appreciate all input into the subject.
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Georgia
Just went thru this with my Bad Boy. I used the Burly kit and was not that impressed with the ride after I did it.the front end got a heavy feeling to it.Harder to get upright off the stand and low speed handling required alot more attention.Took it back off and I'm happy again.While the inch and a quarter lower ride looked good but the trade off in ride quality was not worth the look to me. I'm hooked on the springer ride.save your bucks for an air ride set up and enjoy the best of both worlds.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
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Just to clear things up a bit...sorry, I must confuse easy.
The Burly kit you used; was that for the front, rear, or both? Guess I'm not sure if you are recommending to not lower the front, period. Or, if you are simply saying to save my money for the real deal in the rear.
The Burly kit you used; was that for the front, rear, or both? Guess I'm not sure if you are recommending to not lower the front, period. Or, if you are simply saying to save my money for the real deal in the rear.