Best lowering method?
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 713
Likes: 203
From: The Nature Coast, FL
You have got good advice, addressing the rear shocks would be the best solution, but it involves more coin spent
I have the same inseam, and used the Pingel 1 inch lowering kit with no problems. Always wear boots and you should be ok
I have the same inseam, and used the Pingel 1 inch lowering kit with no problems. Always wear boots and you should be ok
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,594
Likes: 178
From: east texas
Does it make sense to mess with the lowering blocks at 1 and 2 inches to get a feel for what I need before thinking about dropping $700 on some of these shocks? Seems like it would.
Also if the lowering blocks gets me to where I want I'm assuming its a done deal and theres no need for shocks at all?
Whats the benefit of mixing new shocks and blocks if the blocks gets you low enough on there own?
The ride is fine as the bike sits with the stock 13" shocks .Never bottomed out
Lowering with blocks alone and riding 2 up is my concern with bottoming out.
Also if the lowering blocks gets me to where I want I'm assuming its a done deal and theres no need for shocks at all?
Whats the benefit of mixing new shocks and blocks if the blocks gets you low enough on there own?
The ride is fine as the bike sits with the stock 13" shocks .Never bottomed out
Lowering with blocks alone and riding 2 up is my concern with bottoming out.
it will ride stiffer, and put more stress on the shock bolt.
this is copied from Bitchen baggers website
- Changes critical shock angle causing rough ride.
- Stability issues and increased bagger wobble.
- Can cause the lower shock eyelet to break off.
- The brackets often times break from flex and fatigue caused by increased shock angle.
- Clearance issues with bags due to increased shock angle
- Allows tire to come in contact with fender, VERY UNSAFE, if you're lucky it only burns up your tire, the paint on your fender and the tail light wiring harness.
Last edited by heybaylor; Dec 20, 2018 at 10:15 AM. Reason: information
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 437
Likes: 107
From: Indiana
This is Bitchinbaggers.com site, but now it's just numbers. Call them to make sure they are still in business. But they will lower your existing air shocks to wherever you want them for a lot less than new shocks. They do great work, if they are still in business.
http://162.243.65.160/products/drop-shocks/
http://162.243.65.160/products/drop-shocks/
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 437
Likes: 107
From: Indiana
Actually after doing more reasearch I may end up going with the LA Choppers 1" lowering kit. Its designed different than all the other kits I've seen and does not change the angle of the stock shock. Part # LA-7590-00B. Anyone used these?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LA-Choppers-Rear-Lowering-Kit-1-Drop-Black-LA-7590-00B/352437391790?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.S EED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Db7330 01af9e14a6b80d8c6ce20847309%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D 1%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D352437391790%26itm%3D352437391 790&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pagec i%3Acc66fe1d-0474-11e9-a882-74dbd1806ab5%7Cparentrq%3Acc75c8181670ab6771bb9ff1 fffb83bf%7Ciid%3A1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LA-Choppers-Rear-Lowering-Kit-1-Drop-Black-LA-7590-00B/352437391790?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.S EED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Db7330 01af9e14a6b80d8c6ce20847309%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D 1%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D352437391790%26itm%3D352437391 790&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pagec i%3Acc66fe1d-0474-11e9-a882-74dbd1806ab5%7Cparentrq%3Acc75c8181670ab6771bb9ff1 fffb83bf%7Ciid%3A1
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 437
Likes: 107
From: Indiana
Well I ended up going with a different seat from a 2016 street glide. Its the low seat so hoping that will bring me down as far as I need to go. If not will probably send it in for a Mod.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,801
Likes: 6,879
From: Cincinnati OH.
LA Choppers kit is the cat’s ***. I run the 1” lowering blocks. No issues, no problems, after 3 years. They are very beefy and maintain stock shock angle. Don’t even think about the 12 dollar style, they look like junk.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,186
Likes: 6,617
From: Gruene Texas
I've had the L A Choppers lowering blocks on for 4 1/2 years with 0 problems.
No shock angle change
No bottoming out, and I have a full dresser + a passenger
No death, destruction or dismemberment.
I've also done the MCC to narrow the stock seat up
No shock angle change
No bottoming out, and I have a full dresser + a passenger
No death, destruction or dismemberment.
I've also done the MCC to narrow the stock seat up
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 138
Likes: 18
From: SE Ohio
I Use The LA Chopper rear lowering blocks on my 2012 ultra limited. They do not change the shock angle and work with no problems. I ride 2 up and luggage is full with a tour bag on the luggage rack. Those who say rear lowering blocks change the shock angle have not seen the blocks made by LA Choppers. My dealer recommended them for a 1" drop. They are well made. I agree that the cheaper blocks that move the shock bottom back could be a problem. I used progressive lowering springs in the front to lower it 1" and used a lighter weight fork oil. I have stock seat and a 28" to 29" inseam and can flat foot the bike. This is the best riding bike I have ever had. ( I have had 5 different goldwings) The bike does drag easy,but I tend to push it a little harder in the turns than some.I don't consider myself aggressive but moderate rider. I know 1" does not sound like much,but it is a big difference when sitting on a bike.