Would you and why or why not?
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 390
From: Florida
Would you and why or why not?
Okay, got short legs, 2019 Street Glide Special, already had the HD lowering kit installed in the front forks, 12 inch shocks in rear as from factory, but Legends, would you put lowering blocks in the rear, or leave be. I hear folks talk about the geometry of the front and rear should be paired, I know nothing about that, hence why I am asking. Thanks
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 390
From: Florida
Oh, about 5'5", have logging boots, and HD low profile seat, have lowering blocks in rear now so can flat foot, was just wondering about it, thinking she might ride a little smoother with the correct angle for the shocks, if I take the lowering blocks off will sit the rear a little higher and make it a little rougher backing up, with the back up to stock height and the front lowered I'm changing the angle of the dangle and was wondering if hurting anything in handling, which seems to handle fine now, but always looking for improvement. Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,623
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From: Honah Lee
Know it's different since it's an old Softail but when I got it, it had the front progressive (same number of coils but upper and lower were closer together) shorter springs and longer SE rear shocks (longer in rear lowers a Softail) Also, had a lower stand.
Still had the old stuff and I did not like it so low. I put the longer springs back in front and stand back on. Harley says in their catalog to not mix it. I never did raise the rear. I could not tell any different. But I don't drive agressive. Know once the rear tire wears down, handling sucks in a turn when it wobbles over that flat edge. Don't really think that has anything to do with it however.
Still had the old stuff and I did not like it so low. I put the longer springs back in front and stand back on. Harley says in their catalog to not mix it. I never did raise the rear. I could not tell any different. But I don't drive agressive. Know once the rear tire wears down, handling sucks in a turn when it wobbles over that flat edge. Don't really think that has anything to do with it however.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: anacoco, la
okay. here's the deal. the geometry is already changed on your bike. the street glide has 12'' shocks standard, and the same forks as an ultra. by lowering the front, you are effectively changing the geometry to be more in line with what it was originally. is it that big a deal? nah, not really. otherwise, hd wouldn't be selling a metric **** ton of these bikes with 'altered' geometry (street glides, road glide customs, etc)
how short are your legs? mine are 28'' inseam. can i flat foot? no. do i care? no. the lower you make your bike, the more you have to worry about things like lean angle, ground clearance, etc. i just make sure that i pay attention to my surroundings and don't put myself in a situation where i have to ask for help to get out, like a downward sloping parking spot.
how short are your legs? mine are 28'' inseam. can i flat foot? no. do i care? no. the lower you make your bike, the more you have to worry about things like lean angle, ground clearance, etc. i just make sure that i pay attention to my surroundings and don't put myself in a situation where i have to ask for help to get out, like a downward sloping parking spot.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,045
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From: Florida
Thanks, that about sums up what I was thinking, by leaving the lowering blocks out, I would be putting the bike back to where she was intended to be. I would say 27 inch inseam. Thanks.
Last edited by Hawg Runner; Sep 10, 2019 at 08:33 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
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From: Houston, Texas
My suggestion, leave the lowering blocks in and switch to a quality pair of 13" aftermarket shocks of your choice. It will be the same height seat height as stock but a much much better ride.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
If I was in your situation, I would leave the suspension EXACTLY the way you have it and concentrate on the seat. Mean City Cycles can do wonders in terms of lowering and moving the rider position to the most practical position. They have been doing this for years are are a highly respected business. I am running almost the same suspension height, front and rear as you, for different reasons, and I wouldn't want to lower my suspension any more. But there is more room for rider comfort in modifying the seat, than most people realize.
http://www.meancitycycles.com/
http://www.meancitycycles.com/
Last edited by bikerlaw; Sep 10, 2019 at 09:09 PM.