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How Low Can He Go?

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Old Jul 31, 2011 | 07:58 PM
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Default How Low Can He Go?
So a friend of mine asked "How low can I drop the back end of my softail and still not bottom out?"

I don't know how to answer this. Are there bumpers that limit the swing arm travel, or will the rear tire just scrape against the fender?

He's not asking about ride quality, but I would be concerned about it, only ride height.

So???
 
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Old Jul 31, 2011 | 08:30 PM
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Depends on certain things. How fat is he, riding 2 up,....
 
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Old Jul 31, 2011 | 09:51 PM
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Shotgun Shock!

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Old Jul 31, 2011 | 10:06 PM
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There is a rubber bumper on the frame that the top of the swingarm hits before your tire will go into the fender. Commonly referred to as a "bump stop".
 
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Old Jul 31, 2011 | 10:10 PM
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my 03 with shotgun shock I ride all the way down on bump stop (smooth roads)
 
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Old Jul 31, 2011 | 10:20 PM
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There is a bump stop that will stop it before it touches the fender. Here is a pic of my bike sitting on the bump stop. I can ride it this way without any problems, other than the fact it rides like a rigid. The other pic is stock height.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2011 | 08:31 AM
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Originally Posted by av8or
There is a bump stop that will stop it before it touches the fender. Here is a pic of my bike sitting on the bump stop. I can ride it this way without any problems, other than the fact it rides like a rigid. The other pic is stock height.
Great visual, thanks.

I'm understanding better now.

He needs the most travel he can get. He rides solo, but like me he's a XXL body type. So he might be able to lower it a little before it begins to limit the four inches of suspension travel.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2011 | 09:15 AM
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I installed LA Choppers spring into my shocks and lowered it 1 1/2 and have yet to bottom out,but the ride is firm.
 
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