Lowering
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Stage II
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Huntinton NY
Lowering
I have a 2015 utra limited that I would like to Lower. Can I just install 1 inch shorter shocks in the rear or do I have to lower the front also? what parts do I need to order?
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 448
From what I know, you can safely lower the rear without lowering the front. What you don't want to do is lower the front without lowering the rear. This will adversely effect stability and create an unsafe handling condition.
I would suggest using shorter shocks or using lowering blocks that lower the bottom of the shock in line with the angle it sits at now verses lowering blocks that swing the bottom of the shock rearward. I had some of the latter and I found they put more front to back pressure on the swingarm bushings and over time the bushings became oblong instead of round.
I would suggest using shorter shocks or using lowering blocks that lower the bottom of the shock in line with the angle it sits at now verses lowering blocks that swing the bottom of the shock rearward. I had some of the latter and I found they put more front to back pressure on the swingarm bushings and over time the bushings became oblong instead of round.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,018
Likes: 19,126
From: The Wasteland
Yes you can do what you said to lower it. My question to you is why do you want to lower it? If its a necessity because of your height then go for it, better yet try a lower profile seat.
If you're doing it just for cosmetic reasons I would warn you that you probably will not like it. My bike was lowered front and rear by the previous owner and I hate how it handles and rides compared to my other baggers. I cant make a turn without dragging hard parts on the ground and it also makes the ride a little harsher. Just my 2 cents.
If you're doing it just for cosmetic reasons I would warn you that you probably will not like it. My bike was lowered front and rear by the previous owner and I hate how it handles and rides compared to my other baggers. I cant make a turn without dragging hard parts on the ground and it also makes the ride a little harsher. Just my 2 cents.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 173
From: Watertown, CT
Stock one inch lower shocks are cheap and easy to find.
As far as lowering and not liking the ride.. I dropped my RK front and rear using Axeo's in front and Ohlins in the rear. No complaints at all, Only problem was getting a shorter side stand. I had to fabricate my own wedge to lower the stand as the two lower ones I bought didn't do anything .
As far as lowering and not liking the ride.. I dropped my RK front and rear using Axeo's in front and Ohlins in the rear. No complaints at all, Only problem was getting a shorter side stand. I had to fabricate my own wedge to lower the stand as the two lower ones I bought didn't do anything .
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 691
Likes: 151
From: Houston
I did the front and back because i felt it would keep the weight from front to back as intended from the factory, just my 
, but as others have said, you can just lower the back.
, but as others have said, you can just lower the back.
Last edited by Stud Duck; Mar 28, 2018 at 07:12 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,802
Likes: 6,894
From: Cincinnati OH.
Beefy kit
I used a LA Choppers kit on the rear to lower 1”. The parts are beefy, good quality stuff. They also maintain the stock shock angle. No issues after three years. I did have to shim out my saddlebag mounts 1/4” for clearance, but no big deal. No problems with that either in three years.
Last edited by Cozz; Mar 28, 2018 at 07:22 AM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 307
From: Salem IN
I installed these https://www.progressivesuspension.co...tra-low-shocks
My first ride I liked them. But the I have not been 2 up yet. The weather will not cooperate.
My first ride I liked them. But the I have not been 2 up yet. The weather will not cooperate.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Some touring models come from the factory with shorter rear shocks, so it is not necessary to also shorten the front, however ride quality may well suffer and stock full length shocks are bad enough! Much better to avoid reducing height if possible.