Lowering front and 21inch wheel question

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May 15, 2014 | 04:23 PM

#11

ADRENALINE RUSH

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From: South East PA

i was told by someone who has a fatboy lo that once they a added 21" front wheel they had to lower it 3.5"'s to retain the height they had before....

i want a 21" wheel in the near future, so i guess i'll see.

May 15, 2014 | 04:36 PM

#12

Hogpro

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A 21" wheel will raise the front end about 1.25". You need brackets on a fatboy but not any other softail model. The part number for the brackets is 1410-0066 in chrome or 1410-067 in black.

As far as lowering the freon t end and how much, the more you lower the less travel your forks will have and the less ground clearance you will have. Way back when I did my softail 1" lower with a 21" wheel. I used Progressive springs but there are lots of other choices nowadays. I run the mono tubes on my bagger and love them. They are firm.

So, it comes down to the same thing every time you mod your bike. How much are you willing to spend and what do you expect to get out of it. Looks wise lowered is great but functionally to low hinders my riding as a scrape boards around every corner.

Last edited by Hogpro; May 15, 2014 at 05:13 PM.

May 16, 2014 | 09:57 AM

#13

BklynBound

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From: Manalapan, NJ

Great info fellas!!

Hogpro, the mono tubes were recommended as well. Thanks for part numbers. That will come in real handy. Got a trip we going on in 3 weeks, as soon as we get back I'm going to order parts and try installing my self.

Thanks for all the help, I'll send pics when I'm done. Jameson thanks for info as well. I hope I don't run in any trouble.

Jun 13, 2014 | 02:38 PM

#14

prican_2000

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Joined: Apr 2014

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From: SoMd

Quote:

Originally Posted by BklynBound

Are there any written (w/ pics) how to's on how to lower the front (and Rear)? I've never wrenched on a bike before but if I have a how to with pics - I usually tackle almost anything. would want to probably lower it as an upcoming winter mod after i get my 21 front.

Jun 15, 2014 | 04:45 AM

#15

chillo

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Joined: Mar 2012

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From: Newcastle upon Tyne UK

21'' up front...

I went with a 21'' front wheel and lowerd the front end using the progressive mono-shock (setting 2), which works a treat. I also wanted to use a 21'' 140 tyre, so I bought a Klockwerks 'benchmark' front fender, then modified it by first cutting off the mounting tabs and welding in a 25mm piece before welding the tabs bsck in situ. The 140 front tyre now sits nicely under the benchmark fender no probem and my ride is 100% better now than when it was stock. I also have a Shotgun Shock rear suspension set up, which makes the whole ride top notch!

Chillo...

Jun 16, 2014 | 10:29 AM

#16

BklynBound

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From: Manalapan, NJ

Nicely done Chillo!!!... thanks for the reply.

May 4, 2015 | 12:40 PM

#17

BklynBound

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From: Manalapan, NJ

So it took me a little longer then I though to pull the trigger on the lower kit being that it was a real busy winter, but I finally did it.

I ordered the Progressive Drop in Kit for about $99 dollars and with the help of these awesome instructions below by Mr.Brass, installation was a breeze.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...with-pics.html

Only issue is that I followed Progressive instruction on how much to cut the spacer in order to get a 2" drop and only got a 1.5" drop, but since install was pretty straight forward I might do it again in the winter and drop it all together to 3".

Next step in the 21" wheel.

Pics to follow.

Thanks