Lowering Kits
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 65
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From: Middle Georgia
Lowering Kits
Howdy, I've come to the realization that my 2018 Ultra Deluxe is just a little too tall for me...even with the reduced reach seat. I'm considering a lowering kit. One inch would probably do it but would like the option to try a 2" if necessary. Does a lowering kit affect handling? How about cornering on the twisties? I'm not too radical on the corners but sometimes you really have to lean into one and I hate scraping. Is there any kit preferred over others? Maybe life is straightened out enough that I can get some more riding in. Appreciate y'all.
Reduce the width of the seat, even a reduced reach one. Easy to do. Old biker trick been done for years. If you lower the bike it will affect handling and clearance. PM me if you like and I will explain.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 802
From: Colorado
Ditto, lower seat to get more flat footed at stops, verse reducing the amount of travel to end up with it bottoming out , or too stiff instead.
Realy, just ride a street glide for a few hours that has the 12" rear shocks on than ideal roads, after coming off same year ultra with 13 shocks, and will get the concept really quick why you want as much suspension travel as you can get in the first place.
And yes, they did the 12" on the street glide to give it more rear end squat look, that the squat look amusement wear off quickly since harsh rear end ride, with most pulling the 12" shocks and installing the 13' shocks for anyone that is pulling miles on the bike daily (either that or load up on the hemorrhoid creams to deal with piles).
Realy, just ride a street glide for a few hours that has the 12" rear shocks on than ideal roads, after coming off same year ultra with 13 shocks, and will get the concept really quick why you want as much suspension travel as you can get in the first place.
And yes, they did the 12" on the street glide to give it more rear end squat look, that the squat look amusement wear off quickly since harsh rear end ride, with most pulling the 12" shocks and installing the 13' shocks for anyone that is pulling miles on the bike daily (either that or load up on the hemorrhoid creams to deal with piles).
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,573
Likes: 138
From: StL, MO. USA
I’ll toss-in another vote for going narrow with the seat…
It makes a significant difference.
I’m not as critical as many others about the quality of ride when swapping to lower rear (or front) suspension. Now, I don’t want to ride a hardtail, but ‘firming up’ the suspension on a Touring bike never bothered me.
Going with 12-inch, aftermarket set of shocks is a decent option.
All of it is really dependent upon your riding style and preferences. If you’re often all loaded with a passenger, gear & supplies for long rides/trips - lower, firmer suspension may not be your thing…But if you are more about the shorter ‘weekender’ sort of riding, you might be OK with the result of going lower & firmer.
Personally, I’ve never had an issue with suspension travel on a bike that’s been ‘slightly’ lowered (1-1.5”), even with a passenger. It’s when I’ve gone to an ‘extreme’ and slammed the rear shocks that I’ve had troubles.
Just my $0.02
It makes a significant difference.
I’m not as critical as many others about the quality of ride when swapping to lower rear (or front) suspension. Now, I don’t want to ride a hardtail, but ‘firming up’ the suspension on a Touring bike never bothered me.
Going with 12-inch, aftermarket set of shocks is a decent option.
All of it is really dependent upon your riding style and preferences. If you’re often all loaded with a passenger, gear & supplies for long rides/trips - lower, firmer suspension may not be your thing…But if you are more about the shorter ‘weekender’ sort of riding, you might be OK with the result of going lower & firmer.
Personally, I’ve never had an issue with suspension travel on a bike that’s been ‘slightly’ lowered (1-1.5”), even with a passenger. It’s when I’ve gone to an ‘extreme’ and slammed the rear shocks that I’ve had troubles.
Just my $0.02
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 964
From: Lincolnshire, IL
Agreed to all of the above......
Try the least expensive FIRST.
1. Narrow down the width of the seat, so your legs will be more straight when on the ground as opposed to being spread out.
2. Wear boots with a thicker sole and heel. (personally I wear Durango brand Stirrup design "oiled boots. 1/2" soles and 1-3/4 heels.
In my case, I bought and ride a 2015 Ultra Limited "Low" (no longer built).....never liked the super low seat that it came with so instead bought the Mustang touring seat. The combination of the "low" model UL, the standard Mustang seat and my boots I can easily flat foot all the time.
Try the least expensive FIRST.
1. Narrow down the width of the seat, so your legs will be more straight when on the ground as opposed to being spread out.
2. Wear boots with a thicker sole and heel. (personally I wear Durango brand Stirrup design "oiled boots. 1/2" soles and 1-3/4 heels.
In my case, I bought and ride a 2015 Ultra Limited "Low" (no longer built).....never liked the super low seat that it came with so instead bought the Mustang touring seat. The combination of the "low" model UL, the standard Mustang seat and my boots I can easily flat foot all the time.
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Middle Georgia
Thanks folks!
This is why I asked. I appreciate the feedback/advice. I rarely ride double these days and only travel slightly loaded once, twice a year on a good year. Probably one inch is all I need...I'd just like to get a little more purchase on the ground in those gravel parking lots. I 've had my foot slip out from under quite a bit. Like I said, I already have the reduced reach (or whatever Harley calls it)....is there anymore reworking to that or has it already been max modified. I still have the original stock seat. Is there more to be had with that or should I just go in another direction? I don't mind spending $$ if it's worthwhile.
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Simple to narrow the seat, even yours. Pop the staples off the seat pan and peel back. Take an electric carving knife and shave the foam where your legs go. Rinse/ repeat until you are happy. Just set the seat on a saw horse to sit on it and check for fit. Pull the cover back over and re staple with heavy duty staples. Voila!
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 65
Likes: 3
From: Middle Georgia
Simple to narrow the seat, even yours. Pop the staples off the seat pan and peel back. Take an electric carving knife and shave the foam where your legs go. Rinse/ repeat until you are happy. Just set the seat on a saw horse to sit on it and check for fit. Pull the cover back over and re staple with heavy duty staples. Voila!
Last edited by Drkknt; Feb 5, 2025 at 10:24 AM.