Lowering
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,294
Likes: 149
From: FL
I would find it hard to believe as well. Mine is in the shop now having performance work done and I got to talking to the owner about lowering it. I told him I wanted to go with the lowering collars but was having a hard time figuring out how to do it with my Sears yellow stand. He offered to do it but with the problems in the NE couldn't get the Dead Creek Cycles kit so I went with the bolts. I'll report back later on the ride.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 0
From: BC
There is no way this can be true. Both the bolts and the collars do the same thing, just with a different piece of metal.
The ride quality difference expressed by a few members could be attributed to a few things. First would be where the preload is set on that particular shock. Then wear and tear, and age of parts, could certainly come into play. Also, individual tolerance for ride could be a factor also. The amount of lowering will come into play as well, the closer you are riding to the bumpstop the harsher the ride will be.
To the OP, save your $ and buy the shotgun. The ability to have a smooth ride an almost any ride height is awesome.
The ride quality difference expressed by a few members could be attributed to a few things. First would be where the preload is set on that particular shock. Then wear and tear, and age of parts, could certainly come into play. Also, individual tolerance for ride could be a factor also. The amount of lowering will come into play as well, the closer you are riding to the bumpstop the harsher the ride will be.
To the OP, save your $ and buy the shotgun. The ability to have a smooth ride an almost any ride height is awesome.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 709
From: San Diego
So, if you have it set firm, it should handle great, then when you want the Old Lady on the back, you can smooth it out for her.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 19
From: Dayton
The ride is harder with the bolts/collar because you've taken 2" out of the shock travel, so it bottoms out easier. Simple as that.
Myself, I ride solo 98% of the time, so the 2" bolt route works perfect for me. If I wanted to ride full height and cushy, I would be riding a stock softail. I have no need or want to ride up high when it's just me. (my last bike was a chopped Triumph hardtail, so you know where I'm coming from)
Sure, if I was rolling in $$ I'd go ShotGun, no doubt, but until that happens, I'll get buy for $16.
Myself, I ride solo 98% of the time, so the 2" bolt route works perfect for me. If I wanted to ride full height and cushy, I would be riding a stock softail. I have no need or want to ride up high when it's just me. (my last bike was a chopped Triumph hardtail, so you know where I'm coming from)
Sure, if I was rolling in $$ I'd go ShotGun, no doubt, but until that happens, I'll get buy for $16.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7,217
Likes: 3
From: Southern Ohio
Each to their own.
I put the lowering bolts on my Train 5 or 6 years ago, lowered the *** end about 2".
Bike looks good, and handles great.
I've had a LOT of passengers on the back, and my best girl has been keeping that space warm for over a year now.
NEVER a complaint from any of them, and I've never bottomed out.
Like I always say: bikes, seats and shocks are like asses, they're not created equal...
I know guys who can't ride across town without an Ultra, and I know women who ride Sportys and hardtails to Daytona...
I put the lowering bolts on my Train 5 or 6 years ago, lowered the *** end about 2".
Bike looks good, and handles great.
I've had a LOT of passengers on the back, and my best girl has been keeping that space warm for over a year now.
NEVER a complaint from any of them, and I've never bottomed out.
Like I always say: bikes, seats and shocks are like asses, they're not created equal...
I know guys who can't ride across town without an Ultra, and I know women who ride Sportys and hardtails to Daytona...
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,428
Likes: 7,122
From: Beyond Fucital
I did the lowering bolts, as I don't have 1250 to drop on shocks, spent a little more and bought the entire lowering shock to simplify install. I lowered it to much and was hitting the stops on hard quick bumps so I had to raise it 1" to get back the travel. It's my understanding that you have to remove the Shotgun to drain the tranny as it blocks to drain plug.
Last edited by RANGER73; Nov 8, 2012 at 04:40 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 521
Likes: 3
From: Colorado Springs, Co.
I did the lowering bolts, as I don't have 1250 to drop on shocks, spent a little more and bought the entire lowering shock to simplify install. I lowered it to much and was hitting the stops on hard quick bumps so I had to raise it 1" to get back the travel. It's my understanding that you have to remove the Shotgun to drain the tranny as it blocks to drain plug.
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,428
Likes: 7,122
From: Beyond Fucital
Not on mine, 94', there's a cross brace on the frame or the swingarm (can't remember which) that would prevent the shock from pivoting far enough.
