Anyone here with 1" lower front cartridge with 13" rear shocks ?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,900
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From: Lost
Anyone here with 1" lower front cartridge with 13" rear shocks ?
I have 13 rear shocks. Just curious what would happen if I go with 1 lower front cartridge. If its really worse Ill just go with 12 rear later instead of redoing front.
Also just curious if I would get a plush ride with 1" lower cartridge. What should I expect ?
Thinking of Fox, Suspension Technologies or Ohlins if that's what will get me plush ride. But most important what will happen with lower cartridge and 13" rear shocks.
Also just curious if I would get a plush ride with 1" lower cartridge. What should I expect ?
Thinking of Fox, Suspension Technologies or Ohlins if that's what will get me plush ride. But most important what will happen with lower cartridge and 13" rear shocks.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: On my bike!
I checked with ohlins at Daytona bike week about this same setup on my 2019 cvo sg. They said they would not even perform this on my bike, said it would throw it way off and they refused to do it. Checked with another suspension vendor there also and while he didnt refuse to do it, he did say he very strongly advised against it. I changed my stock 12 inch shocks for 13 inch RWDs but still riding stock on the front.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,676
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
I had bought a used 03 ElectraGlide a few years back. The previous owner rode solo and had lowered the bike 1" front and rear. My first ride two up we were bottoming out so I put a set of used 13" air shocks on.
Drove like that with a lowered front and regular rear for years, lots of long trips, never an issue.
Jim
Drove like that with a lowered front and regular rear for years, lots of long trips, never an issue.
Jim
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 1,418
From: Lost
I checked with ohlins at Daytona bike week about this same setup on my 2019 cvo sg. They said they would not even perform this on my bike, said it would throw it way off and they refused to do it. Checked with another suspension vendor there also and while he didnt refuse to do it, he did say he very strongly advised against it. I changed my stock 12 inch shocks for 13 inch RWDs but still riding stock on the front.
I had bought a used 03 ElectraGlide a few years back. The previous owner rode solo and had lowered the bike 1" front and rear. My first ride two up we were bottoming out so I put a set of used 13" air shocks on.
Drove like that with a lowered front and regular rear for years, lots of long trips, never an issue.
Jim
Drove like that with a lowered front and regular rear for years, lots of long trips, never an issue.
Jim
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 5,063
Likes: 2,582
From: On my bike!
I would assume that would be ok but Im no suspension expert. They both just told me that raising the rear and lowering the front was a big no no, I assume they know their trade so I didnt push back with a bunch of questions.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
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From: anacoco, la
most of your aftermarket shocks in 13'' length are actually going to sit close to 12'' because of the sag. i'm not sure about other brands, but i know that standard length legends axeos cartridges for the forks will actually lower the front 3/4''. if you want 1'' lower cartridges, that will actually lower you 1-3/4'' (again, this is legends only. don't know about the others)
so depending on what you are after, sticking with stock sizes may get you close to what you're looking for anyway.
so depending on what you are after, sticking with stock sizes may get you close to what you're looking for anyway.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
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From: USA
Youve two separate issues, with two separate answers. Steering geometry, and ride quality.
Ride quality:
Very generally speaking, reduced suspension range necessities a firmer ride, in order to reduce bottoming out. Many folk, myself included, find this an unacceptable compromise. Especially if one spends many hours on long rides.
Steering geometry:
Also very generally speaking, lowering the front tips the bike, decreasing the forks angle, reducing stability. The effect is minuscule. Your bike drops more than the 1 inch you propose every time you use your brakes. Yet you do not go careening around when you stop.
Ride quality:
Very generally speaking, reduced suspension range necessities a firmer ride, in order to reduce bottoming out. Many folk, myself included, find this an unacceptable compromise. Especially if one spends many hours on long rides.
Steering geometry:
Also very generally speaking, lowering the front tips the bike, decreasing the forks angle, reducing stability. The effect is minuscule. Your bike drops more than the 1 inch you propose every time you use your brakes. Yet you do not go careening around when you stop.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 928
Likes: 589
From: Connecticut
In sport bike land it's a common thing to do, lowering the front legs in the trees [same a shorter springs]. The reason for doing so is it increases the turn in of the bike, how quick it 'falls' into a corner [curve]. That said, you need to check you clearances at full compression so the the front fender isn't hitting the voltage regulator or frame.
Try it out, you may like it. Just make sure nothing hits or touches down. [jiffy stand, front fender et al]
Try it out, you may like it. Just make sure nothing hits or touches down. [jiffy stand, front fender et al]