Lowering a Low?
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,125
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From: In The Woods, PA
Lowering a Low?
My wife just picked up an '09 883 low and she is on her tip toes when she takes it off the stand (she is 5 foot even). It looks like the rear shocks can be adjusted down about another 1/2 inch or so, but i don't think it is going to be enough.
Has anyone used lowering blocks to lower an 883 low? I know that lowering blocks have destroyed many an evo touring swingarm, and am looking for info to see if they are ok on an 883. I don't want to spend the $$$ on lowered shocks until I am sure she is going to ride it.
any input is appreciated
Has anyone used lowering blocks to lower an 883 low? I know that lowering blocks have destroyed many an evo touring swingarm, and am looking for info to see if they are ok on an 883. I don't want to spend the $$$ on lowered shocks until I am sure she is going to ride it.
any input is appreciated
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Try starting at the other end! Does your wife wear heeled boots? If not look out for some proper lady's bike boots with heels, such as these:
Then study her saddle. On many Harleys the nose of the saddle is quite wide, which pushes our legs out, reducing reach. You may be able to trim her saddle to improve her reach that way too.
Then study her saddle. On many Harleys the nose of the saddle is quite wide, which pushes our legs out, reducing reach. You may be able to trim her saddle to improve her reach that way too.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 578
From: Cape Coral Fl
Don't do blocks. I'm 5'2" and I did a burley slammer kit front and rear shocks, I now can stand up and put my fist under my crotch. It's a little stiff but now I fitl flat footed and then some. Mines a 20002 xl1200. Also a Le Pera seat
Last edited by Tileman2692; Oct 31, 2017 at 06:55 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,890
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From: USA
If not a lowering kit, you could increase the height of your boots or use a low profile seat. Boot can provide perhaps 1-2" more reach by adding to sole and heal. Seats can also lower you 1"-2" depending on what you have. I did all three but changed my shocks for a better ride. Can't provide an opinion on lowering blocks good or bad since I have never used them since it changes the angle of the shocks.
Make her feel comfortable and secure on her bike to give her the best chances for success.
Make her feel comfortable and secure on her bike to give her the best chances for success.
Last edited by hscic; Oct 31, 2017 at 08:42 PM.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,125
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From: In The Woods, PA
Thanks for the replies!
She has good Motorcycle boots, that have thick soles and heels. She sat on the bike last night and it was much better with the boots. The bike is used and came with a low profile Corbin seat.
I agree that it needs to be a spot on fit for her, safety is my biggest concern.
She has good Motorcycle boots, that have thick soles and heels. She sat on the bike last night and it was much better with the boots. The bike is used and came with a low profile Corbin seat.
I agree that it needs to be a spot on fit for her, safety is my biggest concern.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 691
From: Columbus Ohio
She's got the boots and seat, now get the Burly Slammer Kit. Lower the bike, it won't hurt it. I'm short and the last thing I do is get lower shocks, usually progressive 11" 412s. on two bikes I also lowered the front fork springs. Since your wife is quite short, I agree with the burly slammer kit - it will really make a difference.
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