Lowering Deluxe again
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 180
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From: South Alabama
RE: Lowering Deluxe again
Thanks for the input so far. I am still wondering about the lowering of the front if you were to use the Progressive Airtails. Do you need to lower the front also? I don't think that I would ride too often with the bike on the low side, I mostly need the bike lowered to move it around in gravel, backwards uphill and stuff like that. Stop lights and general riding, I am able to get my feet on the ground enough to keep the bike up. I have also had the bike lean to far over while on the jiffy stand (on uneven ground, the low side being on the jiffy stand side) to be unable to stand her up by myself. That doesn't happen often, but it has happened when I don't have an option on where and how I have to park. That really gets to you! Anyway, I really appreciate the input and would like to hear more about any pros and cons of this system. It is pricey and I want to make a good decision.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: South Alabama
RE: Lowering Deluxe again
Hi fellows. I hate to bug you, but I still am wondering about lowering the front of my Deluxe if I were to install the Progressive Airtails. Would it be best to also lower the front? It is possible that I would ride at a lower position than stock.
Also, when the Airtails are installed, is the highest seat height about the height of the stock Deluxe setup?
Thanks again.
Also, when the Airtails are installed, is the highest seat height about the height of the stock Deluxe setup?
Thanks again.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: The People's Republic of New Jersey
RE: Lowering Deluxe again
Mystic, yes, you will have to lower the front end separately. The Progressive AirTail only adjusts the ride height of the rear suspension. You didn't state what year your Deluxe is but I believe the "Profile Lower Front Fork" kit from H-D is available for all years up to and including the 2007's. H-D is also careful to include a disclaimer with the front lowering kit, stating that you must also lower the rear. The kit will lower your front end 1".
Progessive also makes a front fork lowering kit for Harley's that will lower the front end by 1". Basically you have to change out the internal fork springs and some spacers with both setups. If you're going to purchase the Progressive Airtail it might be wise to contact them about the front end kit as well.
I'm not sure exactly how far the Airtail will lower the rear of your Deluxe. Somewhere I read that Progressive recommends that you lower the rear no more than 2". This leads me to believe that there might be more than 2" of available lower travel for this setup, but I don't have one and can't say for sure. You can get an onboard compressor that will allow you to make ride height and damping changes "on the fly." Since you say you only need the bike to be really low under certain circumstances, this is probably the way to go.
You should definitely check out the accessories section of www.harley-davidson.com and www.progressivesuspension.com for more information.
I would also look at either shaving the seat, as some others have suggested, or replacing the seat with one that is narrower where it meets the tank. This will reduce the distance your legs have to spread to clear the wide front portion of the seat, which will have the effect of getting you more "flat footed" on the ground.
Congratulations on your new ride. Ride safe & have fun.
-Randy
Progessive also makes a front fork lowering kit for Harley's that will lower the front end by 1". Basically you have to change out the internal fork springs and some spacers with both setups. If you're going to purchase the Progressive Airtail it might be wise to contact them about the front end kit as well.
I'm not sure exactly how far the Airtail will lower the rear of your Deluxe. Somewhere I read that Progressive recommends that you lower the rear no more than 2". This leads me to believe that there might be more than 2" of available lower travel for this setup, but I don't have one and can't say for sure. You can get an onboard compressor that will allow you to make ride height and damping changes "on the fly." Since you say you only need the bike to be really low under certain circumstances, this is probably the way to go.
You should definitely check out the accessories section of www.harley-davidson.com and www.progressivesuspension.com for more information.
I would also look at either shaving the seat, as some others have suggested, or replacing the seat with one that is narrower where it meets the tank. This will reduce the distance your legs have to spread to clear the wide front portion of the seat, which will have the effect of getting you more "flat footed" on the ground.
Congratulations on your new ride. Ride safe & have fun.
-Randy
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: South Alabama
RE: Lowering Deluxe again
Thanks Randy. I thought that the front should be lowered too. My bike is a 2006 Deluxe, so the rear has been lowered some from the MOCO. I had used the Progressive 11" 412's and the Progressive Front Fork lowering kit on my Sportster and really liked the results. But like I said before, I only need the Deluxe lower on occasion and don't want to lose any more clearance which is why I am thinking about the Airtails. I have already tried the seat mod, but I need a bit more than I got from that. Your post was most helpful and I really appreciate the input. This is an expensive mod and I sure don't want to do the wrong thing.
Thanks again,
Mystic
Thanks again,
Mystic
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 180
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From: South Alabama
RE: Lowering Deluxe again
Hi Lynlaine. You are going to love this bike. I have the Blue and White one too. I hope you have good luck on the lowering. I have been trying not to do it for about 3 months now, but I have had a few situations that let me know that I really need to.[:@] I also had a Sportster before the Deluxe. That is a great bike too. But this Deluxe... did I say I love it?
Mystic
Mystic
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2006
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From:
RE: Lowering Deluxe again
I did the Progressive lowering kit on mine, It is adjustable as far as the rear, you adjust the height you want and the front is a little more complicated, but if you have some mechanical skill it's not too bad. I think I'm going to wrench mine down about another 1/2 or so. Hope this helps, I can probably dig up part #'s if you'd like just let me know.Her'es a pic of my bike.
[IMG]local://upfiles/19323/7B85922CA45E4DB49ADD3D1FA1FA738B.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/19323/7B85922CA45E4DB49ADD3D1FA1FA738B.jpg[/IMG]
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 644
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Lowering Deluxe again
I assume that you ladies have already purchased a good pair of shoes with a lug sole. Something like a Red Wing Harley shoe, which should raise you up another inch or so. I do think changing the seat is the best option, I am 5'6" and switched to the sundowner two up seat and its a whole new ball game. Its much easier to have both feet flat on the ground and be in control of the weight while stopped.
My bike drags on driveway entrances, security gate tracks, reverse road crowns in cruves and is a bit dangerous with a two up load and travel bags. I make sure I slow down for turns to avoid dragging the pipes and footboards. My frame rails are already scrached pretty deep, pipes scratched also. Switching to V&H BigShotStaggered Pipes solved the dragging problem with the pipes but its still easy to drag the footboards.
But I weigh 200 my wife is 125, T-Bags and saddlebags can add another 60 lbs so If you travel one up you may not have my type of problems.
I think after you ride for a while and you get used to the bike you may not need to lower it as much as you think. But be safe and good luck with a wonderfull bike. I love my Deluxe.
My bike drags on driveway entrances, security gate tracks, reverse road crowns in cruves and is a bit dangerous with a two up load and travel bags. I make sure I slow down for turns to avoid dragging the pipes and footboards. My frame rails are already scrached pretty deep, pipes scratched also. Switching to V&H BigShotStaggered Pipes solved the dragging problem with the pipes but its still easy to drag the footboards.
But I weigh 200 my wife is 125, T-Bags and saddlebags can add another 60 lbs so If you travel one up you may not have my type of problems.
I think after you ride for a while and you get used to the bike you may not need to lower it as much as you think. But be safe and good luck with a wonderfull bike. I love my Deluxe.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 644
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Lowering Deluxe again
I assume that you ladies have already purchased a good pair of shoes with a lug sole. Something like a Red Wing Harley shoe, which should raise you up another inch or so. I do think changing the seat is the best option, I am 5'6" and switched to the sundowner two up seat and its a whole new ball game. Its much easier to have both feet flat on the ground and be in control of the weight while stopped.
My bike drags on driveway entrances, security gate tracks, reverse road crowns in cruves and is a bit dangerous with a two up load and travel bags. I make sure I slow down for turns to avoid dragging the pipes and footboards. My frame rails are already scrached pretty deep, pipes scratched also. Switching to V&H BigShotStaggered Pipes solved the dragging problem with the pipes but its still easy to drag the footboards.
But I weigh 200 my wife is 125, T-Bags and saddlebags can add another 60 lbs so If you travel one up you may not have my type of problems.
I think after you ride for a while and you get used to the bike you may not need to lower it as much as you think. But be safe and good luck with a wonderfull bike. I love my Deluxe.
My bike drags on driveway entrances, security gate tracks, reverse road crowns in cruves and is a bit dangerous with a two up load and travel bags. I make sure I slow down for turns to avoid dragging the pipes and footboards. My frame rails are already scrached pretty deep, pipes scratched also. Switching to V&H BigShotStaggered Pipes solved the dragging problem with the pipes but its still easy to drag the footboards.
But I weigh 200 my wife is 125, T-Bags and saddlebags can add another 60 lbs so If you travel one up you may not have my type of problems.
I think after you ride for a while and you get used to the bike you may not need to lower it as much as you think. But be safe and good luck with a wonderfull bike. I love my Deluxe.