Lowering Kits
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 64
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From: Charlotte, NC
Lowering Kits
I have an 08 Ultra Classic with factory airshocks. I would like to lower the rear end of my bike. I bleed off the air in the shocks to the least amount recommended by manual for my weight, but rear end appears to have dropped none. I'm considering one of the kits below, not necessarily this kit, but one like this for reference. I'm hearing pros and cons. I've read that this type of kit will cause more frame drag on tight curves i.e. The Dragon. Others say pay the money and get the automated air system. Thus bike can be adjusted on the fly, as needed for whatever curves I'm riding. But I've heard of you have a system failure on it, then you screwed until you can get it repaired. So both systems have cons. So has anyone used this style 1 to 3 inches lower kit? Do you like it? Do you hate it?
https://www.google.com/search?q=lowe...YglClgQgjYIrgQ
https://www.google.com/search?q=lowe...YglClgQgjYIrgQ
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 52
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From: Northern BC, Canada
I have one from amazon coming. Should be seeing it anyday. I have read/watched decent reviews on them, and seem like a decent option for 1 or 2 inches. Any lower I would run air, then I could dropped it when parked or in town and the lift it up a bit for hard highway corners.
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Joined: Apr 2017
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From: Charlotte, NC
I have one from amazon coming. Should be seeing it anyday. I have read/watched decent reviews on them, and seem like a decent option for 1 or 2 inches. Any lower I would run air, then I could dropped it when parked or in town and the lift it up a bit for hard highway corners.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 69,901
Likes: 18,589
From: South Florida
I have an 08 Ultra Classic with factory airshocks. I would like to lower the rear end of my bike. I bleed off the air in the shocks to the least amount recommended by manual for my weight, but rear end appears to have dropped none. I'm considering one of the kits below, not necessarily this kit, but one like this for reference. I'm hearing pros and cons. I've read that this type of kit will cause more frame drag on tight curves i.e. The Dragon. Others say pay the money and get the automated air system. Thus bike can be adjusted on the fly, as needed for whatever curves I'm riding. But I've heard of you have a system failure on it, then you screwed until you can get it repaired. So both systems have cons. So has anyone used this style 1 to 3 inches lower kit? Do you like it? Do you hate it?
https://www.google.com/search?q=lowe...YglClgQgjYIrgQ
https://www.google.com/search?q=lowe...YglClgQgjYIrgQ
After 2 weeks, I took them off since it made the ride so HARD it was unpleasant riding with them.
Good Luck my friend.................OH 1st........... I now did these 2 things and has helped a LOT........
1) I made a pair of cowboy boots putting in height underneath the sole and heal, enough to give me as much height as possible but not to make me look like Frankenstein.
2) I had my saddle shaved down under my tush as well as between my legs by saddle man out in California.
These 2 things above help a great deal. I found nothing else that worked.
BuzzCap7
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
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From: Central Illinois
Go to this site and call them up and tell them what you want. If you can take your bike being down for less than 2 weeks, you can send your stock shocks to Bitchin Baggers who will professionally and properly lower your shocks to whatever you want. 1 1/2" is the most common and most recommended and still gives you good shock travel with good lowering. Stay far, far away from lowering blocks, they are not your friend. Also get ready for the inevitable experts here telling you to cut down your seat, wear platform shoes or questioning why you want to lower your own bike.
Bitchin Baggers
Bitchin Baggers
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Joined: Apr 2017
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From: Charlotte, NC
Thanks for the replies and info! Purpose for lowering bike is to get a more sleek look. Think of the pics of pure breed German Sheppards. High head and starting just behind the head, the body starts to slope down, until the tip of their tail is just above the ground. I like that and would like to get my Ultra like that.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 539
From: BHC, Arizona
I put those thingies on the rear that move the shock angle back, Its at max lower now, I like it, altho I have had to get used to slow cornering now as it seems to dive into the corners.
Bike is an '03 Ultra Classic stripped down.
Bike is an '03 Ultra Classic stripped down.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: anacoco, la
if you do decide to go with an air ride system, make sure that the shocks, at full bleed, will still keep your wheel out of your fender/wiring harness. that way if you do have a shock blowout, you can still ride without damaging your bike.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,101
Likes: 1,013
If you're interested in Arnott's, I have a brand new set of Aldan's, never taken out of the box.
13" all chrome. Bought them awhile ago, and never installed them
$900 plus the ride
They look like this
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Arnott-Adju...AAAOSwax5YoqsB
13" all chrome. Bought them awhile ago, and never installed them
$900 plus the ride
They look like this
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Arnott-Adju...AAAOSwax5YoqsB
Last edited by Ragtop; Jun 10, 2018 at 01:47 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 259
From: Seattle
Go to this site and call them up and tell them what you want. If you can take your bike being down for less than 2 weeks, you can send your stock shocks to Bitchin Baggers who will professionally and properly lower your shocks to whatever you want. 1 1/2" is the most common and most recommended and still gives you good shock travel with good lowering. Stay far, far away from lowering blocks, they are not your friend. Also get ready for the inevitable experts here telling you to cut down your seat, wear platform shoes or questioning why you want to lower your own bike.
Bitchin Baggers
Bitchin Baggers