Question about lowering my fatboy
Question about lowering my fatboy
Ok..
So im not exactly tall, 5'7".
So sitting on my 08 fatboy i cant put both feet on the ground flat, its either one or the other totally flat or both on the soles of the shoes.
So i have some questions.
1) Whats the best way to do the lowering?
2) Should I even bother?
3) Im concerned about the clearance on turns (i sometimes scrape now!) will this get worse?
Im guessing i have to go down about 1 "...
Thanks all!
So im not exactly tall, 5'7".
So sitting on my 08 fatboy i cant put both feet on the ground flat, its either one or the other totally flat or both on the soles of the shoes.
So i have some questions.
1) Whats the best way to do the lowering?
2) Should I even bother?
3) Im concerned about the clearance on turns (i sometimes scrape now!) will this get worse?
Im guessing i have to go down about 1 "...
Thanks all!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,593
Likes: 6,435
From: Honah Lee
Lots ways. Best but no way cheapest it to get the SE shocks (rear are 1" longer) and the front springs. (shorter but same capacity because Harley wound about 1/3 of the coils with less lead between them. You will ride same spring rate but corner slightly better with lower center of gravity weight (probably can not tell the difference). Don't forget to get the SE stand. You will need that also. That what on mine. I'm 6'3 and I did put the regular back in the front but still running the SE rear. Lower about an 1". I need a couple turns in on spring rate to keep from bottoming on the bump stop.
If you are scraping now and you can stop flat footed I would leave it alone. Your floorboards are pretty low. I personally would slow it down if I were scraping. You don't want someone else scraping.
Love MOM
If you are scraping now and you can stop flat footed I would leave it alone. Your floorboards are pretty low. I personally would slow it down if I were scraping. You don't want someone else scraping.
Love MOM
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 21, 2011 at 10:52 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
I bought some used stock shocks with lowering bolts installed and got a badlander seat. It is lowered right at 2" and with the deeper seat, I feel lower in the seat and can firmly put my feet on the ground. I will be upgrading to a set of progressives or air ride as soon as funds allow.
So, yes, lowering it and getting a different seat is worth it. But buy good shocks. I scrape the boards on tight corners and at first it scared me. But no I'm used to it. It is the best thing I've done to my bike.
So, yes, lowering it and getting a different seat is worth it. But buy good shocks. I scrape the boards on tight corners and at first it scared me. But no I'm used to it. It is the best thing I've done to my bike.
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 316
Likes: 2
From: Eaton,Ohio
There is a set of shocks for sale in the Softail section off a Deluxe that will lower rear one inch and preserve your ride quality.Air ride without a doubt is the best way to go,but big money.I used Progressive adjustable bolts on mine and the ride quality is not the same but I knew that going in.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
IMO
Air ride (Shotgun Shocks) are the best way also the most expensive
Progressive 422 adjustable 2nd best way (adjustment from stock to 2" lower)
Lowering Bolts 3rd best way, all of the bolts do the same but at different costs. The Burn Out Cycle kit will fit with out having to press the shock apart so a little easier to install but end result is the same
Lowering will make it easier to scrape your floorboards cornering, lowering with anything other than the air ride will probably cause you to bottom out a little more often.
If your happy with the look of the bike now Id look into a different seat, I went with a C & C seat and it lowered me 1.5" and moved me back 2". Seats can be made to your specs.
Air ride (Shotgun Shocks) are the best way also the most expensive
Progressive 422 adjustable 2nd best way (adjustment from stock to 2" lower)
Lowering Bolts 3rd best way, all of the bolts do the same but at different costs. The Burn Out Cycle kit will fit with out having to press the shock apart so a little easier to install but end result is the same
Lowering will make it easier to scrape your floorboards cornering, lowering with anything other than the air ride will probably cause you to bottom out a little more often.
If your happy with the look of the bike now Id look into a different seat, I went with a C & C seat and it lowered me 1.5" and moved me back 2". Seats can be made to your specs.
I'm getting a c&c made now and I'll see how that changes things.
What would you estimate the cost of a shotgun would be and can it be done at home? I see they sell for about 1600.
Are they slot more comfortable?
What would you estimate the cost of a shotgun would be and can it be done at home? I see they sell for about 1600.
Are they slot more comfortable?
IMO
Air ride (Shotgun Shocks) are the best way also the most expensive
Progressive 422 adjustable 2nd best way (adjustment from stock to 2" lower)
Lowering Bolts 3rd best way, all of the bolts do the same but at different costs. The Burn Out Cycle kit will fit with out having to press the shock apart so a little easier to install but end result is the same
Lowering will make it easier to scrape your floorboards cornering, lowering with anything other than the air ride will probably cause you to bottom out a little more often.
If your happy with the look of the bike now Id look into a different seat, I went with a C & C seat and it lowered me 1.5" and moved me back 2". Seats can be made to your specs.
Air ride (Shotgun Shocks) are the best way also the most expensive
Progressive 422 adjustable 2nd best way (adjustment from stock to 2" lower)
Lowering Bolts 3rd best way, all of the bolts do the same but at different costs. The Burn Out Cycle kit will fit with out having to press the shock apart so a little easier to install but end result is the same
Lowering will make it easier to scrape your floorboards cornering, lowering with anything other than the air ride will probably cause you to bottom out a little more often.
If your happy with the look of the bike now Id look into a different seat, I went with a C & C seat and it lowered me 1.5" and moved me back 2". Seats can be made to your specs.