Lowering bracket or lower shocks? 08 Ultra.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 366
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo, MI
Lowering bracket or lower shocks? 08 Ultra.
Just got an 08 Ultra and I'm not happy with the height on the seat. I'm probably going to get the sundowner seat to drop me down an inch or so. Just curious to hear any advice on dropping the actually bike itself. Lowering brackets are about $135 and drop the bike 1.5" and lower shocks from HD are $270 and drop it 3/4". I would just like to be able to PLANT my feet while stopped to feel a bit more secure. Also, I'm not worried about decreasing lean angle with lowering the bike because I'm not a very aggressive driver or anything.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Hey MJStephens...
I have the same problem with my '08 Ultra...I am seriously 'inseam challenged' and need all the help I can get!
I looked at all the options and settled for a set of 11.5" Progressive 440s and an HD Badlander seat. Now I sit much lower and and very near flat footed. Yes, the ride is a little stiffer, but I was not confident that the HD Low Profile air shocks would have done enough for me at almost the same price of the Progressives. I am very satisfied with the combination and results. I did not like the looks of the lowering block kits.
I have a Corbin Classic Solo (with a 'nose' job) ordered and will be putting a pair of Progressive lowered springs in the front end this weekend when I install the chrome front end. This install will level the bike and get me even closer to where I need to be.
Good luck...
Steve
I have the same problem with my '08 Ultra...I am seriously 'inseam challenged' and need all the help I can get!
I looked at all the options and settled for a set of 11.5" Progressive 440s and an HD Badlander seat. Now I sit much lower and and very near flat footed. Yes, the ride is a little stiffer, but I was not confident that the HD Low Profile air shocks would have done enough for me at almost the same price of the Progressives. I am very satisfied with the combination and results. I did not like the looks of the lowering block kits.
I have a Corbin Classic Solo (with a 'nose' job) ordered and will be putting a pair of Progressive lowered springs in the front end this weekend when I install the chrome front end. This install will level the bike and get me even closer to where I need to be.
Good luck...
Steve
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 366
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo, MI
Which lowering kits were you guys running that bottomed out? I looked at one in the JP catalog and it said it did NOT decrease the length of the shock travel but it lowered the rear 1.5" As far as the air shocks....they look super nice but $700 is a bit more than I'm looking to spend. I'm trying to keep this bike as simple and stock as possible since it's just for taking on trips.
Trending Topics
I put the HD Profile shocks on the back. Lowered the seat about 3/4" and I'm satisfied with it. Same rear shocks as Street Glide. Got 'em for 20% off at the Dealer during a "Sale". The Lowering brackets look kinda Mickey Mouse, IMHO, and unsafe, again,IMHO.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 14
From: Atlanta
I suspect that a good pair of aftermarket shocks will be more satisfying to you. I put a set of Street Glide shocks on my Road King and they did well when I was riding solo, but when two-up they either bottomed out on large bumps or were too stiff if pumped up to higher pressures.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 829
Likes: 12
From: Central Texas
+1 to IAMSWHATIAMS plus my dad got the HD reach seat which really helped him. The seat and the hd lowering shock got him where you want to be. Another thing would be for you to find a boot with another 1/2" thick or so of sole which will "lengthen" your legs.