Questions about lean angles
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 410
Likes: 17
From: NOVA
Questions about lean angles
One of the improvements I made on my 2015 Iron was adding taller 13" shocks. I know it definitely helped provide a slightly better lean angle and was noticeable. So recently I was thinking about looking into getting new handlebars just to try something new and saw some clip-ons. Now right now I have my bike set up for comfort but I wouldn't mind altering it a little for a bit and trying something new.
I currently have 10" mini apes and forward controls on my bike. Would rear sets provide me with a better lean angle if the exhaust was much higher? Also it seems that rear sets made for our bikes go exactly where the passenger pegs go; would it feel like riding with my feet on the passenger pegs? I have tested this before and going through corners it feels like there is better control. Also out of curiosity, if i put taller shocks(15") and got an upswept or higher exhaust, what do you guys think is the max lean angle of our bikes? I believe factory is 30 degrees but I have no idea how they measure it(I'm not going to tip over my bike to find out lol). I'm wondering if 45+ degrees of lean angle would be possible?
Maybe I'm just bored and getting restless because I haven't rode in about a week. Anyway, I'm basically thinking of just altering my bike for a little and trying something new. I figured why not try the opposite end of the spectrum and go for least comfy but better handling. Eventually, I am sure I will go back to comfy though as I occasionally take longer rides. I appreciate any input!
Also my previous bikes were sport bikes so I am somewhat used to those ergonomics.
I currently have 10" mini apes and forward controls on my bike. Would rear sets provide me with a better lean angle if the exhaust was much higher? Also it seems that rear sets made for our bikes go exactly where the passenger pegs go; would it feel like riding with my feet on the passenger pegs? I have tested this before and going through corners it feels like there is better control. Also out of curiosity, if i put taller shocks(15") and got an upswept or higher exhaust, what do you guys think is the max lean angle of our bikes? I believe factory is 30 degrees but I have no idea how they measure it(I'm not going to tip over my bike to find out lol). I'm wondering if 45+ degrees of lean angle would be possible?
Maybe I'm just bored and getting restless because I haven't rode in about a week. Anyway, I'm basically thinking of just altering my bike for a little and trying something new. I figured why not try the opposite end of the spectrum and go for least comfy but better handling. Eventually, I am sure I will go back to comfy though as I occasionally take longer rides. I appreciate any input!
Also my previous bikes were sport bikes so I am somewhat used to those ergonomics.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 410
Likes: 17
From: NOVA
Great advice. I completely forgot about the front. Thanks.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
There is another good reason for taking a look at the forks, which is to set sag correctly. I did exactly the same as you with my SuperLow, and installed longer shocks. It handled fine by the way. What I realised is that my forks sagged more than half the total fork travel and I am not heavy.
I actually installed Race Tech fork springs, matched to my weight, and set sag correctly, which raised the front approx one inch. The bike looks better and rides a bit better and now is a Super-not-so-Low!
I actually installed Race Tech fork springs, matched to my weight, and set sag correctly, which raised the front approx one inch. The bike looks better and rides a bit better and now is a Super-not-so-Low!
Last edited by grbrown; Mar 23, 2016 at 06:43 AM. Reason: Spelling!
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 410
Likes: 17
From: NOVA
One of the things I looked at for improving the forks were the progressive monotube cartridges. Would these be enough if I ever decided to go with 15" shocks or would I have to find a way to raise the front a few inches? What are my options?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,882
Likes: 83
Why would you want 45 degrees of lean angle. If i remember right the stock on my former 883r was roughly 32 degrees . I must be an amateur but i have over 35 years of riding experience i've never dragged a peg or floorboard in a corner. The Sportster is a cruiser not a knee dragger fyi. It's simply not in the design. Have fun with your project and ride safe.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 410
Likes: 17
From: NOVA
Why would you want 45 degrees of lean angle. If i remember right the stock on my former 883r was roughly 32 degrees . I must be an amateur but i have over 35 years of riding experience i've never dragged a peg or floorboard in a corner. The Sportster is a cruiser not a knee dragger fyi. It's simply not in the design. Have fun with your project and ride safe.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 67
From: Saint Amant, Acadiana
Why would you want 45 degrees of lean angle. If i remember right the stock on my former 883r was roughly 32 degrees . I must be an amateur but i have over 35 years of riding experience i've never dragged a peg or floorboard in a corner. The Sportster is a cruiser not a knee dragger fyi. It's simply not in the design. Have fun with your project and ride safe.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 45
From: Stockbridge GA
Yes, monotubes for a standard or roadster would raise your front to match your 13.5 rear shocks. I would go that route and see how it works for you. If its still not high enough for you you can go from there.