Height question
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Height question
Somewhere I've seen posts about the differences in heights of Sporters. Most of them are seat height. I understand all that but my question is this: is there a difference in the height of the frame in relation to the ground? As far as I know, my 1200 Low is stock in terms of the suspension, but is it possible to get an extra inch of height on the frame? Would it be wise in terms of safety to do so (I'm tall enough the extra inch won't matter and I'd like to be able to get my MC jack under it)? Has anyone done it and liked/hated it?
Grand HDF Member
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From: USA
I have a 2011 Low and I lowered my bike 1" front and rear. Had to change the kickstand too. Got a low profile jack that slides under the lowered bike. You can also get taller shocks and springs to raise the bike. Low comes with 11.5" shocks.
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From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
A set of big twin air shocks on the rear would give you at least 1" at the rear and a better ride too.
You could also just cutout two 1'X1' squares from 1" plywood to roll the front & rear tires onto when ever you are going to jack it up if that's the only reason to raise it. (just be careful when setting it on the side stand as it will lean over more, or of course you could also cut a 6" square piece for under the stand).
You could also just cutout two 1'X1' squares from 1" plywood to roll the front & rear tires onto when ever you are going to jack it up if that's the only reason to raise it. (just be careful when setting it on the side stand as it will lean over more, or of course you could also cut a 6" square piece for under the stand).
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From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
As mentioned, the shocks determine the ground clearance. I'm not sure what year your Low is, but I think my '11 Custom has the same ground clearance as your Low - 4.4" on stock shocks and tires. Check the minimum height of your jack to determine if it'll fit. I have a jack that I use for both my Sporty and King.
As far as safety, you'll be okay on the higher clearance. I think the XR1200X had a 6" clearance and the Roadster had 5.5".
As far as safety, you'll be okay on the higher clearance. I think the XR1200X had a 6" clearance and the Roadster had 5.5".
Last edited by RKZen; Jun 1, 2016 at 02:53 AM. Reason: add'l
Grand HDF Member
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From: USA
RKZen is correct - the Low has 4.4" ground clearance stock. Ground clearance is a function of your shocks. I installed 10.5" Burley shocks and now have 3.5" clearance.
Last edited by hscic; Jun 1, 2016 at 09:56 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Somewhere I've seen posts about the differences in heights of Sporters. Most of them are seat height. I understand all that but my question is this: is there a difference in the height of the frame in relation to the ground? As far as I know, my 1200 Low is stock in terms of the suspension, but is it possible to get an extra inch of height on the frame? Would it be wise in terms of safety to do so (I'm tall enough the extra inch won't matter and I'd like to be able to get my MC jack under it)? Has anyone done it and liked/hated it?
- the wheels and tyres of your and my bikes are smaller in overall diameter than some other Sportster models,
- our suspension is shorter;
- seat height or padding is also a bit thin.
The simplest way is to sort out the suspension. I have 13" rear shocks now, which raise the rear around an inch, perhaps a little more.
The forks! On my bike I found that when new the sag was over half the total fork travel, which is frankly disgraceful. My solution at the time was to replace the stock springs with Race Tech single-rate ones, then set the sag correct. That has raised the front around an inch as well, so the bike sits well and is also taller.
Changing the wheels is a bit extreme, but possible. Other models use 19" front and 18" rear, while our Low models have 18" front and 17" rear. We also have low profile tyres, but they can be replaced with ones with a slightly taller section. A change of seat, to one with more padding, will also raise seat height, or you can simply get your current seat re-upholstered with more padding.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,890
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From: USA
Yes you can make your bike taller, in several ways. I have a similar bike to yours, an 883L, which I now call a Super-not-so-Low! But first an explanation on what makes your bike as low as it is:
The simplest way is to sort out the suspension. I have 13" rear shocks now, which raise the rear around an inch, perhaps a little more.
The forks! On my bike I found that when new the sag was over half the total fork travel, which is frankly disgraceful. My solution at the time was to replace the stock springs with Race Tech single-rate ones, then set the sag correct. That has raised the front around an inch as well, so the bike sits well and is also taller.
Changing the wheels is a bit extreme, but possible. Other models use 19" front and 18" rear, while our Low models have 18" front and 17" rear. We also have low profile tyres, but they can be replaced with ones with a slightly taller section. A change of seat, to one with more padding, will also raise seat height, or you can simply get your current seat re-upholstered with more padding.
- the wheels and tyres of your and my bikes are smaller in overall diameter than some other Sportster models,
- our suspension is shorter;
- seat height or padding is also a bit thin.
The simplest way is to sort out the suspension. I have 13" rear shocks now, which raise the rear around an inch, perhaps a little more.
The forks! On my bike I found that when new the sag was over half the total fork travel, which is frankly disgraceful. My solution at the time was to replace the stock springs with Race Tech single-rate ones, then set the sag correct. That has raised the front around an inch as well, so the bike sits well and is also taller.
Changing the wheels is a bit extreme, but possible. Other models use 19" front and 18" rear, while our Low models have 18" front and 17" rear. We also have low profile tyres, but they can be replaced with ones with a slightly taller section. A change of seat, to one with more padding, will also raise seat height, or you can simply get your current seat re-upholstered with more padding.
Last edited by hscic; Jun 1, 2016 at 10:05 AM.
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From: Bedford UK
No, my 2011 883L SuperLow has 120/70R18 front and 150/60R17 rear (both radial), as do the later 1200T Low models. Your owners manual will confirm the details of my SuperLow!
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Somewhere I've seen posts about the differences in heights of Sporters. Most of them are seat height. I understand all that but my question is this: is there a difference in the height of the frame in relation to the ground? As far as I know, my 1200 Low is stock in terms of the suspension, but is it possible to get an extra inch of height on the frame? Would it be wise in terms of safety to do so (I'm tall enough the extra inch won't matter and I'd like to be able to get my MC jack under it)? Has anyone done it and liked/hated it?
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