Lowering kits?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 12
From: MA
Lowering kits?
I was looking to lower just the rear of my 09 1200c mostly for looks, so i was thinking about the kits that just relocate the stock shocks, can i get some feedback and maybe even a few pics of anyone that has gone this route?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 787
Likes: 2
From: Salinas, CA
I have the Tamarack Lowering Blocks on my Nightster that I put on after installing some 13" RK air shocks. They're a solid product and I was able to keep the profile close to where the stock setup was, so I can't speak to lowering past stock. There is some junk out there on ebay, so be careful if you choose to lower your bike. I've put about 2000 miles on my bike with the kit and it's been solid. The Nightster is already low, so maybe someone who has done this to a different sporty will chime in. For me, it was a good accessory to buy when I changed out my stock shocks to the RK's.
I used a pair of lowering brackets that are made out of 1/4 inch steel plate, powder coated black, and are machined into shape instead of welded with several different components. They held up very well in the short duration i had them on. I'd be glad to let them go if you're interested. They just didn't give me the look I was going for, so I'm getting my 13" RK shocks cut down by Phoenix Customs. Let me know if you're interested in them and i won't post them up on the classifieds.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 471
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
I had a question about the ride quality of the lowering kits. Does lowering the bike using the kits affect the ride quality at all? I have read that if you adjust the shocks, then the bike can bounce around a little making it a little dangerous. I know adjusting the shock is different than using the lowering bracket but being new to motorcycles, I just wanted to be sure since there is a good chance I will have to lower the bike when I get it (looking to get a 1200 Custom and im 5'6"). Thanks for any help.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
I have to disagree with Dafy.
The lowering bracket I used from Burly worked out great.
It hasn't changed the handling in any way significant enough for me to notice.
And I'm far from alone.
Lots of people have used lowering kits with positive results.
Having said that... there are plenty of horror stories too.
That's why I chose a thick kit from a respected brand even though it doesn't lower as much as the cheaper options.
The lowering bracket I used from Burly worked out great.
It hasn't changed the handling in any way significant enough for me to notice.
And I'm far from alone.
Lots of people have used lowering kits with positive results.
Having said that... there are plenty of horror stories too.
That's why I chose a thick kit from a respected brand even though it doesn't lower as much as the cheaper options.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 471
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
After I posted the above question I noticed on the burly site in the note section for the lowering kit that they don't recommend using the lowering kit on bikes that are used on streets or highway. That makes me think twice about using them when I get my bike, lol.
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It's all a big debate. I think on the heavy baggers/dressers it's a bad idea. Our Sporties weigh so much less. I did not experience any dangerous characteristics while riding with mine installed. I just took them off because it didn't lower it as much as "I" needed it too. I probably put ~300 mi on them.
Now there is the whole geometry ordeal as part of the arguement of making the ride worse, but most people I know that have used them say the ride is either unchanged or even better. So go figure.
Now there is the whole geometry ordeal as part of the arguement of making the ride worse, but most people I know that have used them say the ride is either unchanged or even better. So go figure.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
I don't know this...
But I would bet that the warning message you read is just CYA verbiage similar to the "these pipes are for show bikes only and are not meant for street use" warnings that all the after market pipes ship with.
But I would bet that the warning message you read is just CYA verbiage similar to the "these pipes are for show bikes only and are not meant for street use" warnings that all the after market pipes ship with.