Lean Angle Improvement
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
Lean Angle Improvement
New guy here...
I'm considering a '17 1200C, but I'm not thrilled with the lack of cornering clearance.
Anyone know of a way to increase the lean angle? I'm not a MotoGP type rider, but my limited experience with a Harley had me very frustrated with the cornering ability. I get that this is not what the Sportster is all about, and I don't expect miracles, but an increase of 8° to 10° would be great.
Thanks in advance.
I'm considering a '17 1200C, but I'm not thrilled with the lack of cornering clearance.
Anyone know of a way to increase the lean angle? I'm not a MotoGP type rider, but my limited experience with a Harley had me very frustrated with the cornering ability. I get that this is not what the Sportster is all about, and I don't expect miracles, but an increase of 8° to 10° would be great.
Thanks in advance.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 3,837
Likes: 1,430
From: NJ
If you don't want a Roadster, then you can simply get taller shocks.
I've not ridden a 17C. What scrapes 1st? Pegs or pipes? Swapping those out for something more appropriate would help as well.
I've not ridden a 17C. What scrapes 1st? Pegs or pipes? Swapping those out for something more appropriate would help as well.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 553
From: USA
Welcome to the forum.
What are you scraping on the underside? Just wondering why you think the Sportster can not take cornering.
Obviously, one way to improve lean angle is to increase ride height.
What are you scraping on the underside? Just wondering why you think the Sportster can not take cornering.
Obviously, one way to improve lean angle is to increase ride height.
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
Thanks for the quick response. Not sure what scrapes first, but judging from the specs, the pipe drags on the right and peg on the left since the left and right lean angles are different.
I should probably have a chat with the aftermarket guys to see what is involved with a taller shock setup.
Thanks again
I should probably have a chat with the aftermarket guys to see what is involved with a taller shock setup.
Thanks again
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
Thanks for the welcome, hscic. I'm going by the specs published by HD: about 28 degrees lean angle. That's less than the published angle for the Road Glide (about 34 degrees), which is my only HD experience, and I did not find that a good experience at all. To be fair, the RG was a rental and I never got the suspension dialed in, so it might be more my issue than the bike's.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 553
From: USA
Thanks for the welcome, hscic. I'm going by the specs published by HD: about 28 degrees lean angle. That's less than the published angle for the Road Glide (about 34 degrees), which is my only HD experience, and I did not find that a good experience at all. To be fair, the RG was a rental and I never got the suspension dialed in, so it might be more my issue than the bike's.
For example, my bike came with 11.5" shocks and I lowered it to 10.5" since I am a shorter rider. I use to scrape my pipes on turns and the underside over speed bumps so went back up to high quality 11" shocks with less sag, better springs, and better rebound....don't scrape anymore but not an aggressive rider anyway.
Last edited by hscic; Jun 6, 2017 at 10:56 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 456
Likes: 76
From: Montreal
My 2013 1200C scrapes the pegs first. Scares me everytime when i dont expect it. Now when cornering, i try to lift my foot off the peg. Thats stupid. Might need to do something about it.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2016
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From: hhhhh
Hmm .. . I would go with maybe a 12" to 12.5" rear shock and that would do two things. It would give you a bit more lean, but since you mention you have a 1200C I assume the 16" front fat tire. That makes for a lower stance than going back just a few years ago when there was the 21" laced front wheel.
Maybe some taller rear shocks plus replace the front fork springs with added spacers giving some added over all height. Not sure of your weight and size, but if you are also getting some front spring sag then changing those out would definitely help in cornering angle as well.
Maybe some taller rear shocks plus replace the front fork springs with added spacers giving some added over all height. Not sure of your weight and size, but if you are also getting some front spring sag then changing those out would definitely help in cornering angle as well.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,468
Likes: 3,572
From: Idaho
Harley-Davidson motorcycles have the least lean angle clearances of any motorcycle being manufactured today. It is what it is. For the record, I've had three Sportsters. I love Sportsters, and if I had the garage room and the extra cash, I'd have a new Roadster.
There are two possible solutions:
1. Free: There are ways to use your body angle lean or posture to dramatically reduce the amount the motorcycle leans. Many riders who scrape parts too early are keeping their body more upright, and letting the bike lean "under them". That's the opposite of what you want to do. You want to lean more than the bike is leaning. In other words, if you're turning right, and the bike is leaning right, you want to be inside the bike, not above it. Think about moving your chin forward and closer to the rear view mirror. Try it, and you'll be amazed at how much better the turn gets. (Not in any way being disrespectful of your riding skills, just a suggestion you may not be aware of.)
2. Not free: Taller shocks. Unfortunately, while it's easy to get taller rear shocks, this will change the rake and trail of the front suspension a little bit, which will change the handling characteristics. Not a lot, but a little. Making the front suspension taller to match the changes to the rear can be very pricey. Most riders just do the rears, and it should be just fine.
There are two possible solutions:
1. Free: There are ways to use your body angle lean or posture to dramatically reduce the amount the motorcycle leans. Many riders who scrape parts too early are keeping their body more upright, and letting the bike lean "under them". That's the opposite of what you want to do. You want to lean more than the bike is leaning. In other words, if you're turning right, and the bike is leaning right, you want to be inside the bike, not above it. Think about moving your chin forward and closer to the rear view mirror. Try it, and you'll be amazed at how much better the turn gets. (Not in any way being disrespectful of your riding skills, just a suggestion you may not be aware of.)
2. Not free: Taller shocks. Unfortunately, while it's easy to get taller rear shocks, this will change the rake and trail of the front suspension a little bit, which will change the handling characteristics. Not a lot, but a little. Making the front suspension taller to match the changes to the rear can be very pricey. Most riders just do the rears, and it should be just fine.