Who knows about lowering a Glide?
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,947
Likes: 5
From: Ontario, Canada
Who knows about lowering a Glide?
The father-in-law wants a touring bike, he's never had a HD , but I think he's ready.
Problem is, he's got really short legs. He kinda thinks he'd like an Ultra, but he might be better off with a Street Glide.
If it's still not low enough, how much trouble and money is it to lower a Street Glide?
Problem is, he's got really short legs. He kinda thinks he'd like an Ultra, but he might be better off with a Street Glide.
If it's still not low enough, how much trouble and money is it to lower a Street Glide?
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
Be careful what you wish for.I don't recommend lowering kit.My Ultra was just too big outa the box.I had shocks done by Bitchin Baggers and a Corbin seat.They both really helped.After your going over 3 mph the stock bike handles fine.When walking it around a parking lot with Mama on the back it seems to get real heavy and hard to handle.I think the Road Glide would be the bike for shorter folk.You will find them cheaper since they are not to be made next year.They seem lower and easier to duck walk with.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 232
Likes: 1
From: Southern Ohio
Get a Road Glide with shorter Harley OEM shocks and a dished aftermarket seat, with those two things you are looking at around two inches of reduced height with no compromise in ride quality. I have heard that you should not do the lowering shocks as well as the lowering kit all together as it rubs something. At least that was the case on my friend's Road Glide. As far as the dished seat, another thing you are looking at in a seat is a narrower cut up front so rather than the legs being splayed outward you can reach the ground easier.
I wouldn't buy the ones that are sold on E-bay, they change the position of the rear shock and it effect the ridability. You can buy the lowered rear shocks from Harley for around $270, anf the lowered front for about $80 or so plus labor. If you want to go lower, you can look into an airride system but they cost quit a bit more.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 866
Likes: 1
From: FT BRAGG, NC
OK...I agee with all the above statements...but let's look at the rider first. What is his inseam? Which bike he'll actually decide on?
We have many easy fixes...but as we all know...they all cost!
1. Reach seats or a custom by Mean city Cycles! You might need a lower seat, or not as wide as stock!
2. Buying an SG...you're already 1" lower...you can do progressive to the front or others! You can always put SG shocks on your EG or other bagger!
3. Boots! Your sole thickness will help you out too! Never forget the cheaper answers!
4. Stay away from lowering kits...they change geometry and have a habit of breaking. Not all mind you...just a fair amount of them.
5. Remember....depending on how far you lower will also affect suspension travel...might not want to limit travel and bottom out too quickly!
I hope some of this helps! Remember there are a number of suspension answers...some cheap...some midline...some expensive. Ya need to do your research...see what might work for you. Heck...ask local riders what they are doing! Bring him to the Harley Dealer and have him sit on a bike or two! GET IDEAS!
Good Luck and Ride Safe, Mike
We have many easy fixes...but as we all know...they all cost!
1. Reach seats or a custom by Mean city Cycles! You might need a lower seat, or not as wide as stock!
2. Buying an SG...you're already 1" lower...you can do progressive to the front or others! You can always put SG shocks on your EG or other bagger!
3. Boots! Your sole thickness will help you out too! Never forget the cheaper answers!
4. Stay away from lowering kits...they change geometry and have a habit of breaking. Not all mind you...just a fair amount of them.
5. Remember....depending on how far you lower will also affect suspension travel...might not want to limit travel and bottom out too quickly!
I hope some of this helps! Remember there are a number of suspension answers...some cheap...some midline...some expensive. Ya need to do your research...see what might work for you. Heck...ask local riders what they are doing! Bring him to the Harley Dealer and have him sit on a bike or two! GET IDEAS!
Good Luck and Ride Safe, Mike
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 659
Likes: 2
From: Lansing
I would suggest having his legs stretched. This is a simple procedure that starts with stainless screws inserted into the bone ........
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
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: North Aurora, IL
I agree with StreetGlideMedic. Lots of options. Do some research and ask around. I've tried just about all of the suggestions from lowering kits to other shocks. Finally settled on Penske rears and RaceTech front end (gold valve emulators and stiffer springs). Expensive way to go but by far the best ride I've had for a 1" lowered touring bike.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 724
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati Ohio
I used one of those burly kits in the rear, lowered it 1 1/4 inch. worked pretty good. You could also use a progressive lowering kit for the front and get even more. I also often run a shallow sundowner seat, similar to a street glide seat and it loweres me real good, but on long trips I go back to the stock seat.