Lowering Bolt kit question
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 22
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From: Germany
Lowering Bolt kit question
I ended up with 2 HD lowering bolt kits for Christmas, 54001-04 and 54001-04A. I noticed the only difference between the kits is the A version has spring spacers.
My question is should I use the spacers or not? I know they will make the ride a bit stiffer, and I've read several posts on the subject on here (thanks to all of those that posted all the great info I did find BTW). For those of you that have used lowering bolts, would you mind adding your personal opinion of how they ride?
Please try to only refer to experience with the lowering bolt kits, I've seen several posts that end up with a bunch recommendations for shocks, proessive, and air systems... I don't have the funds for those quite yet.
Thanks in advance!
My question is should I use the spacers or not? I know they will make the ride a bit stiffer, and I've read several posts on the subject on here (thanks to all of those that posted all the great info I did find BTW). For those of you that have used lowering bolts, would you mind adding your personal opinion of how they ride?
Please try to only refer to experience with the lowering bolt kits, I've seen several posts that end up with a bunch recommendations for shocks, proessive, and air systems... I don't have the funds for those quite yet.
Thanks in advance!
Last edited by Offroadrunner; Dec 30, 2012 at 05:08 AM. Reason: add thanks
Spring spacers? Searched those part numbers, and came up with p/n 54001-04 was superseded by p/n 54001-04A. The pic of 04A looks like a regular set of lowering bolts to me. It appears they only lower up to 1" as well. You could return those, get the $16 eBay bolts and save some cash while having the option to go up to 2" lower.
I have had the eBay bolts for 2 seasons now, and no real complaints. The bike is lowered a little over 2" and yes, the ride is harsh. Not quite rigid harsh, but certainly worse than stock. Keep in mind, I also jacked up the preload a bit to keep from bottoming out too much. Once you're used to the ride, it's not too bad. Just gotta expect that big bumps are gonna hop you outta the seat a few inches.
That being said, if you stick with the HD bolts and only drop 1", you'll likely not see too much ride degradation over stock. I had mine 1" lower for about a week when I got the bolts, and the ride wasn't really bad at all. I just can't get over how much better it looks 2" down!
Good luck, and be sure to post pics!
I have had the eBay bolts for 2 seasons now, and no real complaints. The bike is lowered a little over 2" and yes, the ride is harsh. Not quite rigid harsh, but certainly worse than stock. Keep in mind, I also jacked up the preload a bit to keep from bottoming out too much. Once you're used to the ride, it's not too bad. Just gotta expect that big bumps are gonna hop you outta the seat a few inches.
That being said, if you stick with the HD bolts and only drop 1", you'll likely not see too much ride degradation over stock. I had mine 1" lower for about a week when I got the bolts, and the ride wasn't really bad at all. I just can't get over how much better it looks 2" down!
Good luck, and be sure to post pics!
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: Patten,Maine
I have lowered my 94 FX springer in the rear only and had problems with the belt running into the starter jackshaft.I had no problem with the ride being low,it was stiffer for sure but on relatively smooth roads the ride was fine.I just don't like the idea of taking a belt out.I am not familiar with the newer machines so this may not even apply here but it was something that I had to deal with!
I have lowered my 94 FX springer in the rear only and had problems with the belt running into the starter jackshaft.I had no problem with the ride being low,it was stiffer for sure but on relatively smooth roads the ride was fine.I just don't like the idea of taking a belt out.I am not familiar with the newer machines so this may not even apply here but it was something that I had to deal with!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 6
From: Lapeer , Mich
lowered my wifes 2'' front and rear , rides fine , I used the E-BAY bolts in the rear and the HD spring kit in the front
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,294
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From: FL
Lowered mine 1.5 inches with the bolts. Definitely little bit rougher ride but I'm happy with the results.
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From: Jacksonville, Fl
Spring spacers? Searched those part numbers, and came up with p/n 54001-04 was superseded by p/n 54001-04A. The pic of 04A looks like a regular set of lowering bolts to me. It appears they only lower up to 1" as well. You could return those, get the $16 eBay bolts and save some cash while having the option to go up to 2" lower.
I have had the eBay bolts for 2 seasons now, and no real complaints. The bike is lowered a little over 2" and yes, the ride is harsh. Not quite rigid harsh, but certainly worse than stock. Keep in mind, I also jacked up the preload a bit to keep from bottoming out too much. Once you're used to the ride, it's not too bad. Just gotta expect that big bumps are gonna hop you outta the seat a few inches.
That being said, if you stick with the HD bolts and only drop 1", you'll likely not see too much ride degradation over stock. I had mine 1" lower for about a week when I got the bolts, and the ride wasn't really bad at all. I just can't get over how much better it looks 2" down!
Good luck, and be sure to post pics!
I have had the eBay bolts for 2 seasons now, and no real complaints. The bike is lowered a little over 2" and yes, the ride is harsh. Not quite rigid harsh, but certainly worse than stock. Keep in mind, I also jacked up the preload a bit to keep from bottoming out too much. Once you're used to the ride, it's not too bad. Just gotta expect that big bumps are gonna hop you outta the seat a few inches.
That being said, if you stick with the HD bolts and only drop 1", you'll likely not see too much ride degradation over stock. I had mine 1" lower for about a week when I got the bolts, and the ride wasn't really bad at all. I just can't get over how much better it looks 2" down!
Good luck, and be sure to post pics!
Last edited by rancid13; Dec 31, 2012 at 07:52 AM.