Lower a bike
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Texas
You may want to consider moving the foot controls closer to you. Installing mid controls would allow you to move away from the tank a little therefore lowering your seating position. Then you can install adjustable highway pegs for stretching your legs when needed. The closer to the tank you go, the higher your seating position because of the angle of the frame, I just don't see anyway around it. No matter how much seat customizing you do you can't get lower than the frame. In my opinion, continuing to lower the bike will make it more unsafe to ride.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,580
Likes: 4
From: Colorado
QUOTE=exemexer;9074970 The closer to the tank you go, the higher your seating position because of the angle of the frame, I just don't see anyway around it. No matter how much seat customizing you do you can't get lower than the frame. In my opinion, continuing to lower the bike will make it more unsafe to ride.[/QUOTE]
I totally agree with these statements. First of all, what is the OP trying to accomplish? Becoming flat footed or something else. Without knowing what the issue is, it is hard to say what needs to be done. With that said, I wanted to be flat footed but did not want to lower the bike. I purchased taller boots, cut out the seat, and finally what actually got me flat footed was bringing the handlebars closer to me. Once I purchased custom handlebars I was flat footed in regular (no heel) shoes. It set me further back in the seat and not as close to the tank. Also, my back felt much better on longer rides. The handlebars is what I should have started with at the beginning.
Lowering the bike can make it more unsafe to ride so I would look at other alternatives including bringing the handlebars forwards you. Again, what are you trying to accomplish? Good Luck!
I totally agree with these statements. First of all, what is the OP trying to accomplish? Becoming flat footed or something else. Without knowing what the issue is, it is hard to say what needs to be done. With that said, I wanted to be flat footed but did not want to lower the bike. I purchased taller boots, cut out the seat, and finally what actually got me flat footed was bringing the handlebars closer to me. Once I purchased custom handlebars I was flat footed in regular (no heel) shoes. It set me further back in the seat and not as close to the tank. Also, my back felt much better on longer rides. The handlebars is what I should have started with at the beginning.
Lowering the bike can make it more unsafe to ride so I would look at other alternatives including bringing the handlebars forwards you. Again, what are you trying to accomplish? Good Luck!
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
Is the HD reduced reach seat (51751-07) much better than the stock? I'm debating on pulling the cover off the stick and seeing about shaving some of the foam and rewrapping it. May not be an option for you because you like your custom seat, but it does look thick or as thick as the stocker (at least in pictures).
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,904
Likes: 9
From: Streetsboro, Oh
WOW, what is up with that seat? like was said that is most of the issue right there. I mean a set of 2" blocks would work just fine.
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
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Texas
I'll bet if you measure from the lowest part of your seat to a fixed position on the bike anywhere below like the lower frame or a peg and coompare with another sporty with a stock seat you'll find yours at least an inch & a half higher. The original seating position was at the lowest part of the upper frame, from there forward it goes UP. If you've moved your butt forward - you're higher. And yes as others have observed that's a chunky funky thickass looking seat and it's your whole problem. In an attempt to better reach the controls you've created a new problem - too high. Move the controls closer to you and put the stock (lower) seat back on. I'm done.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans
I've been lowering mine a little because I like the look. Tryed several kits but finally found one that worked and looked great. Only one inch drop but works well for me.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-LOWERING-K...item4cfc342d35
To the bad handling, yea you can't turn as tight but I just take it easy around them. I like the look of the 883 and the 48's and the nightsters but they just felt to small under me which is ahy I got a 1200. The lowering kit puts it right where I like it. Hope it helps you.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-LOWERING-K...item4cfc342d35
To the bad handling, yea you can't turn as tight but I just take it easy around them. I like the look of the 883 and the 48's and the nightsters but they just felt to small under me which is ahy I got a 1200. The lowering kit puts it right where I like it. Hope it helps you.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post