Lowering brackets or shorter shocks?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 9
From: Norman Ok.
I'm 5'8", but I guess with my inseam I could flatfoot my 2011 Ultra but just barely. I wanted a little wiggle room so I put Pingel blocks on about 20k ago. I ride 2 up almost always and have hardly noticed a difference in the ride unless I neglect the rear shock pressure.
Pingel has been around for a long time and they make a quality product. I've even checked the mounting torques at oil change intervals just for ***** and giggles and nothing has changed.
https://www.2wheelpartssupply.com/pi...acket-kit.html
Pingel has been around for a long time and they make a quality product. I've even checked the mounting torques at oil change intervals just for ***** and giggles and nothing has changed.
https://www.2wheelpartssupply.com/pi...acket-kit.html
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 872
Likes: 237
From: Covington, Ga
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-2012-HA...bccf75&vxp=mtr
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
LOL, I'm not sure how this became a Rally cry for Pingel. They are just one brand of lowering blocks that is a quality part. I simply mentioned Pingel because there is ALWAYS SOMEONE who wants to throw lowering block scare tactics into the mix. Lowering blocks are just one of MANY ways to lower the back of a motorcycle, and if a person chooses blocks, a quality block like Pingel is what I would suggest.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 9
From: Norman Ok.
Since they've been doing it since 1967, I trust Pingel to use the best materials and machining techniques. I don't trust "Brand X" to make a very important component that's failure could cost me mine and my wife's lives.
Do you even know who constructed those cheap *** blocks?
http://www.pingelonline.com/content/...-machining.asp
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: oxford, ma
old thread, new question re: coil over shocks
guys,
after looking into lower kit options for my 13 flhx, I came across the LAchoppers drop blocks, and a note from them which stated WILL NOT WORK WITH COIL OVER SHOCKS.
The reason I bring this up, is I chose to remove the crap glide air shocks, and replace them with a set of adjustable 12" SE shocks, which are considered to be coil overs.
Now mind you, the SE's solved my bottoming out problem (yes bottoming out when loaded up with wife and weekend luggage) and the SE's ride sooo nice....but I still would like to be a little lower, which is why I'm still asking about lowering kits.
Do these Pingel kits work with coil over shocks?
after looking into lower kit options for my 13 flhx, I came across the LAchoppers drop blocks, and a note from them which stated WILL NOT WORK WITH COIL OVER SHOCKS.
The reason I bring this up, is I chose to remove the crap glide air shocks, and replace them with a set of adjustable 12" SE shocks, which are considered to be coil overs.
Now mind you, the SE's solved my bottoming out problem (yes bottoming out when loaded up with wife and weekend luggage) and the SE's ride sooo nice....but I still would like to be a little lower, which is why I'm still asking about lowering kits.
Do these Pingel kits work with coil over shocks?
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 420
Likes: 64
From: Southern Bear Flag
Yea, I'm just looking to lower the rear about an inch and a quarter or so just for the looks. Nothing more, and would like to retain or maintain as much of the stock ride-ability as possible.
Some mods can be just for looks right!!
-Matt
Some mods can be just for looks right!!
-Matt
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I went both ways on my 09 FLHTC.
I had used lowering blocks on my 1995 FLHTC and they were "ok"- but for the most part I didn;t use them...I reinstalled for the guy who bought my bike.
I use a 13" ride height when touring...
for a couple of years I used the 12" 09+ version of the SG shocks in town and swapped to 13's when touring.
The 12's were ok, a little harsh...for me about 10 PSI worked ( just like the Patriots)
To experiment I got some lowering blocks from a forum member and used with the 13's...for what ever reason the ride quality was poorer than the 12's...I think that the way these blocks attached to the swingarm allows them to pivot when the shocks extend.
I pulled the blocks off the other day to go to 13's for a trip- I wont be putting them back on.
I sold the 12" air shocks- I'm gonna keep my eyes open for a set of 13" hand adjustables to try out next.
Mike
I had used lowering blocks on my 1995 FLHTC and they were "ok"- but for the most part I didn;t use them...I reinstalled for the guy who bought my bike.
I use a 13" ride height when touring...
for a couple of years I used the 12" 09+ version of the SG shocks in town and swapped to 13's when touring.
The 12's were ok, a little harsh...for me about 10 PSI worked ( just like the Patriots)
To experiment I got some lowering blocks from a forum member and used with the 13's...for what ever reason the ride quality was poorer than the 12's...I think that the way these blocks attached to the swingarm allows them to pivot when the shocks extend.
I pulled the blocks off the other day to go to 13's for a trip- I wont be putting them back on.
I sold the 12" air shocks- I'm gonna keep my eyes open for a set of 13" hand adjustables to try out next.
Mike
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 17
From: Rosamond, Cali
I had a set of LA Choppers 1" lowering blocks on my 04 Road King for 20K miles, or more. Forget exactly how many miles. In any case, never had a structural issue with them. They were well made.
What was problematic was, the shocks (Ohlins) were interfered with by the lowering blocks…so had to space the shocks out, top and bottom (to keep them straight up and down) away from the blocks. With the shocks spaced wider, had to space the bags (top and bottom mounts) out to clear the shocks. Like I said, PITA. But once it was done, it looked and worked well.
The purpose of this exercise was to retain the full travel and comfort of the 13" shocks, while retaining the 1" lowered stance of the bike (RK Custom). Like I said, it worked.
What you will find with the shorter shocks, e.g., 12", is a bit 'stiffer' ride. These shocks generally have less stroke (travel), so I think they make them a little stiffer, through valving and/or springs, so they won't bottom out. Whereas the longer shocks have a little more travel, and don't have to be quite as stiff since they have a little more 'headroom' before they'll bottom.
Alan
What was problematic was, the shocks (Ohlins) were interfered with by the lowering blocks…so had to space the shocks out, top and bottom (to keep them straight up and down) away from the blocks. With the shocks spaced wider, had to space the bags (top and bottom mounts) out to clear the shocks. Like I said, PITA. But once it was done, it looked and worked well.
The purpose of this exercise was to retain the full travel and comfort of the 13" shocks, while retaining the 1" lowered stance of the bike (RK Custom). Like I said, it worked.
What you will find with the shorter shocks, e.g., 12", is a bit 'stiffer' ride. These shocks generally have less stroke (travel), so I think they make them a little stiffer, through valving and/or springs, so they won't bottom out. Whereas the longer shocks have a little more travel, and don't have to be quite as stiff since they have a little more 'headroom' before they'll bottom.
Alan
Last edited by AlanStansbery; Jan 23, 2015 at 09:29 PM.
