Not the usual air shock thread-need your input
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 1,834
From: In a house
Not the usual air shock thread-need your input
I've searched a ton of the shotgun and legend air shock threads and found hints of what I'm looking for but need more to make a decision. For those of you using either set up please give me your thoughts:
My gf is 5' nothing with a very short inseam and is on a 13 fat boy lo after trading in her 883 sporty. To get her flat footed we added some lift to her boots and a reduced reach seat. This works well and she can easily/safely control and maneuver the bike like this. She loves the bike but hates the boots and seat.
My thought is to install an air shock so she can use any seat and wear any boots she wants........... When shes coming to a red light or stop sign are they user friendly enough that she could start to lower the rear end a little, downshift, lower it a little more etc etc so that at a stop she's flat footed and then raise it back up when she starts moving again?
That's a lot going on and our concern is can it be done safely? Do the systems operate smoothly enough and react fast enough (but not too fast) that this could be easily mastered or is it just too much going on at one time? From what I've read, the shotgun seems to be the preferred system for the slammed look and comfortable ride, but with the controls not being mounted on the handlebars is that a show stopper for this application?
Any input from those of you using the systems would be greatly appreciated. I've already been told to keep the bike and trade for a taller gf, that didn't go over too well..........
My gf is 5' nothing with a very short inseam and is on a 13 fat boy lo after trading in her 883 sporty. To get her flat footed we added some lift to her boots and a reduced reach seat. This works well and she can easily/safely control and maneuver the bike like this. She loves the bike but hates the boots and seat.
My thought is to install an air shock so she can use any seat and wear any boots she wants........... When shes coming to a red light or stop sign are they user friendly enough that she could start to lower the rear end a little, downshift, lower it a little more etc etc so that at a stop she's flat footed and then raise it back up when she starts moving again?
That's a lot going on and our concern is can it be done safely? Do the systems operate smoothly enough and react fast enough (but not too fast) that this could be easily mastered or is it just too much going on at one time? From what I've read, the shotgun seems to be the preferred system for the slammed look and comfortable ride, but with the controls not being mounted on the handlebars is that a show stopper for this application?
Any input from those of you using the systems would be greatly appreciated. I've already been told to keep the bike and trade for a taller gf, that didn't go over too well..........
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
The Shotgun Shock is the only way to go. Also, you can mount the switches anywhere you want too. I have seen a lot of guys on here put them on their bars or where have you. Lowering the bike takes a split second but raising it does take a few seconds. It takes a few seconds for the air compressor to build up air. I know I am a bit bigger than your G/F but I have no trouble reaching down there on the fly to do whatever I want, when I want to do it. Also, I ride slammed with just a touch of rebound. If and when I get in some curvy country roads I do reach down to raise it a hair. It's not just for looks either. It gives you and incredible ride, it eats up adverse road conditions, increases the safety of the bike and rider and it has a lifetime warranty. I also know guys drop the front too or switch the front suspension paired up with Progressive products. I pulled my stock springs and dropped in the Progressive monotubes and I took off 2 inch's at the same time. It's now the best riding bike I have ever had. As for the seat? I am sending mine out to get re-worked and with a shorter profile. I'm going to have memory foam and gel inserts put in it. Good luck Dude.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
Unless she has extremely long fingers, even handle bar mounted switches will force her hand off the grip to operate the switch to lower/raise the seat height.
JD originally mounted or suggested mounting them on the side of the tank console.
Slow speed practice on a low/no traffic side street or in a parking lot would let her learn the find the switches without looking and get the "feel" for when to lower and how much to raise them back up while rolling along.
JD originally mounted or suggested mounting them on the side of the tank console.
Slow speed practice on a low/no traffic side street or in a parking lot would let her learn the find the switches without looking and get the "feel" for when to lower and how much to raise them back up while rolling along.
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Seems to me that making adjustments to the shock height while still moving, especially in the manner you're describing (at every start and stop), wouldn't be the best idea.
There's already enough going on at intersections as it is without dealing with that...
There's already enough going on at intersections as it is without dealing with that...
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: pittsburgh, pa
yeah this situation sounds like an accident waiting to happen no matter what system she uses. i love the shotgun system and i think its great but taking attention away from the road that much isnt smart. what she should think about is going back to a smaller bike to fit her better. you possibly could go with a lower seat and lower the rear and front end to get the bike closer to a better fit but with the less foam on the seat comes less comfort same thing with lowering the bike. with the shotgun you wont sacrifice comfort on the rear but the seat you still might sacrifice a little. just my two cents.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Canada
I am on board with the "theres to much going on" train of thought. Continiously adjusting the Air Ride is gonna get old in a hurry. Especially if it is required not just something entertaining to do,,,, get a bike that fits or start hacking and cutting in the fall, just my 2 cents
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
My wife too is 5' (on a good day). Although she doesnt ride (yet), she can easily flat foot my '10 Lo when I air it down. My recommendation for you is to get the Shotgun, have her set it to where she likes, and ride it without adjusting. At 5', she should be able to almost ride it slammed with some rebound. What im saying is...at 280...if I slam it, with any amount of rebound, it rides hard...for her...Im sure she is pretty light, so riding extremely low shouldnt be an issue.
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