Lowering my bagger

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Feb 10, 2020 | 08:31 AM

#11

RKZen

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Joined: Aug 2013

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From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail

I first tried a seat mod, which got me closer to flat footing, but not quite. Then I went the shocks route front and rear, as some have had mixed results using lowering blocks. No issues with the ride quality or clearance. I have 12" Ohlins in back and with the proper sag, it actually sits a bit lower for me. The shocks stroke is very comparable to the taller shocks, actually. As mentioned, the only issue is the bike sits upright a bit than normal, so looking into a shorter jiffy stand.

I have a J&S jack and no issues with getting it under the bike. I do check the tire pressure when on the jack, but I also remove the bag when doing so. If you have extended bags, it's almost a must anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankEV

When parked, my SGS sits a little taller because I did not change the Jiffy Stand, but for a short rider like me that is a good thing as it makes picking the bike up off the stand easier.

Most people turn the front wheel to the left under normal circumstances. Try turning the wheel to the right. This will make it easier to get the bike up.

Feb 10, 2020 | 09:58 AM

#12

Superdog3:16

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From: Tiffin,Oh

Quote:

Originally Posted by Notgrownup

Why do you wanna do this? Are you short? Just for looks?

Yeah, looks

Last edited by Superdog3:16; Feb 10, 2020 at 10:09 AM.

Feb 10, 2020 | 06:55 PM

#13

Notgrownup

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Joined: Mar 2009

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From: Snow Hill, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superdog3:16

Yeah, looks

then get the best quality shocks you can afford.

Feb 10, 2020 | 10:15 PM

#14

cowboydoc

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Joined: Aug 2016

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From: Depends on where I am

I went from the 13" air shock to 12" Progressives. The ride sucked, so I put 13" hand adjustable HD shocks on and went with a Mustang Lowdown seat. I have short legs so wanted to be closer to the ground. The Mustang seat with stock length shocks did the same thing as the 12" shocks as far as getting to closer to the ground.

Since you are doing it for looks, then I guess I don't really have any recommendations. A shorter shock is going to have a worse ride, in general. Higher quality (and price) will make up for that somewhat in theory, but I have no experience other than the above. I have seen air-ride systems that lower the bike when parked for a slammed look, but raise to a normal height when riding for a better ride. No idea on cost or how well they actually work.

Last edited by cowboydoc; Feb 10, 2020 at 11:39 PM.

Feb 10, 2020 | 11:29 PM

#15

Superdog3:16

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From: Tiffin,Oh

I asked for opinions, I got opinions and an education. I've decided lowering my bagger was a STUPID idea. No longer interested. Thank you for your posts. My RoadKing rides amazing. There's no way I'm gonna forget that. Thread closed.

Feb 11, 2020 | 06:35 AM

#16

Notgrownup

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Joined: Mar 2009

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From: Snow Hill, NC

It’s not stupid if you do it right, by doing it right it will cost you a pretty penny. If you invest in Ohlins, Pro Action or legends made for your application and forks lowered the correct way, you would still get a decent ride but you travel in absorbing shock would still be reduced.

Feb 11, 2020 | 08:49 AM

#17

FrankEV

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Joined: Oct 2017

Posts: 1,883

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From: Ormond Beach, Florida

[QUOTE=Superdog3:16;18867063... Thread closed.[/QUOTE]

Good call, but how much you want to bet it goes on and on and on...

Feb 11, 2020 | 10:26 AM

#18

Rob175

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Joined: Dec 2016

Posts: 1,812

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From: Lincolnshire, IL

My 2 cents.......leave the suspension alone!......most HD dealers have demo seats to try. I suggest you try the "LOW" seat. In 2015 I bought a new Ultra Limited "Low" (which they no longer offer). It was perfect for my 5'9" height and 30" inseam at first but after a few months I felt it was TOO LOW so I installed a stock Ultra Limited seat and it's now perfect. I suggest you demo a HD "low" seat......it can't hurt to try it!