Lowering a 2008 Ultra??
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 91
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From: Hendersonville, TN
Lowering a 2008 Ultra??
OK, I know that I am short. I am 5'9" and I bought a 2008 Ultra (FLHTCUI). I had a 2005 Classic (FLHTCI) before and my feet were flat on the ground and the bike felt balanced. This thing feels so top heavy and even worse with my wife on the back. So, I bought this lowering kit off a guy on eBay that will lower the bike 1" - 3". It installed very easy and I set it to the 1" setting first. I was flat footed but with fairly stright legs. I changed it to the 2" drop and it felt great. OMG, the bike felt completely different. Then I went for a ride and hit a big bump. The rear tire rubbed the top of the rear fender. I came home raised it up to the 1" drop and took my wife out for a ride. Ended up rubbing the fender 4 times on an 80 mile ride.
Are there any other lowering kits that will lower the seat height without lowering the fender? Of course I want it all so I don't want my comfy seat to get uncomfy.
Thanks for helping. I really don't want to sell this bike or have to trade it in on a lower bike like a Street Glide. I like Street Glides but I like my Ultra too.
Are there any other lowering kits that will lower the seat height without lowering the fender? Of course I want it all so I don't want my comfy seat to get uncomfy.
Thanks for helping. I really don't want to sell this bike or have to trade it in on a lower bike like a Street Glide. I like Street Glides but I like my Ultra too.
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 59
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RE: Lowering a 2008 Ultra??
I know nothing of your lowering kit, or others for that matter. But...
Have you checked your shock settings?Make sure you have enough air pressurefor theweight your carrying.
My shocks were at 0 when I picked up my '08. Now up to around 10. I never scraped though.
Other than that, I'd try a lower aftermarket seat (do a search) or have someone lower and narrow the front of the one you have by cutting the foam. At least 2 local dealers in my area recommend local guys to do that mod. Or you could send it to www.meancitycycles.com
Lots here say they do good work, but they had a long wait period when I asked. They do make appointments so you have little down time.
I'm 5'8" and I plan to lower the seat before any other changes. But the only issue I have is backing up. I flat foot at almost all stops depending on the road's potholes and other quirks. But I handle it as easy, if not easier than my VTX 1300, once off my feet. And the VTX was a ton lower and more stable at stoplights.
Have you checked your shock settings?Make sure you have enough air pressurefor theweight your carrying.
My shocks were at 0 when I picked up my '08. Now up to around 10. I never scraped though.
Other than that, I'd try a lower aftermarket seat (do a search) or have someone lower and narrow the front of the one you have by cutting the foam. At least 2 local dealers in my area recommend local guys to do that mod. Or you could send it to www.meancitycycles.com
Lots here say they do good work, but they had a long wait period when I asked. They do make appointments so you have little down time.
I'm 5'8" and I plan to lower the seat before any other changes. But the only issue I have is backing up. I flat foot at almost all stops depending on the road's potholes and other quirks. But I handle it as easy, if not easier than my VTX 1300, once off my feet. And the VTX was a ton lower and more stable at stoplights.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 27
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From:
RE: Lowering a 2008 Ultra??
I would try the seat, When I have the trunk off, I use a Badlander seat.
I am sure it drops me down 1 1/2 to2 inches. I dont have a problem with height thou
with the stock seat. But the badlander is not the answer for rideing double, your
wife would be hateing it.
I am sure it drops me down 1 1/2 to2 inches. I dont have a problem with height thou
with the stock seat. But the badlander is not the answer for rideing double, your
wife would be hateing it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
RE: Lowering a 2008 Ultra??
When you are using a lowering kit that allows you to keep the factory air shocks you have to have more psi in the shocks. Because of the angle change it needs more air so not to bottom out. I would consider taking a look at www.meancitycycles.com. I am 5'7" and I had Allen lower me 2 inches push me forwad 1 1/2inches, cut the sides and add memory foam. Best money I have spent so far. I am not flat footed but almost. I am thinking about a 1 inch lowering kit in the rear but I want to ride a ultra before I do it to see if thats what I want. I have no problem handling the bike 2 up but in some cases I get a little irritated because of the uneven roads when I have to stop at red lighs/stop signs. Adds stress you know.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
From: North East, Florida
RE: Lowering a 2008 Ultra??
Your stock shocks are 13" and stock shocks on a FLHX are 12" so you could get a full 1" by switching to FLHX shocks, but remember 15 to 20 lbs air pressure and a little more riding 2 up. Don't forget the front, progressive makes a nice kit that will give you an 1" for less than $100.00. Check out Bitchin Baggers on the web, they got some good answers.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
RE: Lowering a 2008 Ultra??
I adjust my air pressure to about 32 PSI when I ride 2 UP. But I am a big big boy and need it. My questions is does adding air to the shocks increase the over all laden seat height of the bike? Or does it just restrict the shock travel? I don't know so I am asking. Good luck and keep the bike. You will find the answers.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
From: Desert Aire, Washington
RE: Lowering a 2008 Ultra??
Horton I am 5'5" with a 28in inseam and ride an 08 Ultra. I insstalled the HD lowering shocks [streetglide shocks] and had a local bike upolstery shop cut down the seat and inch, install a gel pad and move me forward and inch as well. I can flat foot any level surface althoughI amstanding upmore or less. It can be done, don't be afraid of modify the seat but ask for references, this forums members seem to really like Meancity Cycles so check them out.
Tim
Oh yeah I weigh 150lb and run 5psi in the shocks when riding solo and 20-25psi when 2up
Tim
Oh yeah I weigh 150lb and run 5psi in the shocks when riding solo and 20-25psi when 2up
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 554
Likes: 4
From: Oxford, Mississippi
RE: Lowering a 2008 Ultra??
Jhorton, BE CAREFUL. I put one of those ebay lowering kits on my 07 Ultra last summer and at the 2 1/4" setting in 60 miles of 2-up highway riding I bottomed out enough to wear through the rear wiring harness and about 2,000 miles of rubber on the rear tire. Luckily my dealer (Bumpus H-D of Collierville, TN) was able to repair the wiring and replace the tire for me very reasonably on a Sat. morning. It was an expensive learning experience. The suspension went back to stock as soon as I got back home from the weekend trip.
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Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 51
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From:
RE: Lowering a 2008 Ultra??
I am 5'7" and on my 07 ultra had all the same issues, tried a lowering kit, didn't like the bottoming out on the fender either. Finally had the dealer put on the street glide shocks, one inch lower, and put the one inch lower front fork springs in place. Then I took the bike to a local guy that does custom upholstery (sp?)work and had him carve the seat down at least another inch. Now with my boots on, I put the rear shocks at 50 psi with the wife, never bottom out (SG shocks won't let you) and the ride is the same nice ride as the original suspension. Better handling, lower to the ground, never bottom out. Win, win, win.
