I Need Educated
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Joined: Feb 2009
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I Need Educated
I am slowly getting my Ultra adjusted to me. I have fought the "too tall" feel that this bike has for the first 1300 miles of its life. I've changed seats, practiced, etc. My 40 years of experience simply says this bike is too tall or top heavy or both. Finally, admitting defeat, I unloaded a few bucks at the HD store and purchased the "Profile" low touring shocks with the thought that this change either fixes it for me or I am taking a loss and moving this bike out of my garage. 1300 miles of aggravation is enough for this old coot. So, I swapped out the shocks, went for a short spin, and it quickly turned into a long spin. I've "made up" with my new bike the one I was starting to hate. These new shocks made that much of a difference. My question is this...how can such a low amount of height reduction (approximately 3/4") make such a dramatic change in EVERYTHING? The bike feels lighter, feels more planted at speed, parking lot maneuvers are drastically better; coming to a stop is so much better and on and on and on. What is the "science" about such a little amount having such a dramatic change?
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 112
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From: Greenville, South Carolina
ojgp- I too have an 09 ultra and at 5'10" with a 32" inseam I feel that the bike in its stock form is just a little too tall for me. I was thinking of changing the shocks as well, how much did that cost you? Did you do the work yourself or someone else?
Thanks, Mark
Thanks, Mark
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,282
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From: Broadview Heights, OH
Interesting experience, mine was probably the opposite. I went from an '07 SG (which is lowered like your bike is now) to the '09 Ultra and I think the Ultra runs circles around the SG. I realize that much of that is due to the major suspension changes HD made in the '09s, along with the tire and wheel changes, but I think the lowered suspension on the SG didn't ride as nimbly becuase there was less overall travel available. Maybe it's just me.
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ojgp- I too have an 09 ultra and at 5'10" with a 32" inseam I feel that the bike in its stock form is just a little too tall for me. I was thinking of changing the shocks as well, how much did that cost you? Did you do the work yourself or someone else?
Thanks, Mark
Thanks, Mark
ProfileŽ Low Touring Shocks
Lower the seat height of your Touring model without compromising the ride. The ProfileŽ Low Touring Shocks have been revalved for a comfortable ride while lowering the seat height by up to 3/4". The kit maintains the air adjustability feature of the stock shocks.
54635-09IN-STORE PURCHASE ONLY Contact dealer for pricing and availability.
Fits '09 Touring models (except FLHTCUTG). Stock on '09 FLHX and FLTRSE3 models.
MSRP US $279.95
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Interesting experience, mine was probably the opposite. I went from an '07 SG (which is lowered like your bike is now) to the '09 Ultra and I think the Ultra runs circles around the SG. I realize that much of that is due to the major suspension changes HD made in the '09s, along with the tire and wheel changes, but I think the lowered suspension on the SG didn't ride as nimbly becuase there was less overall travel available. Maybe it's just me.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: ST. Louis
I'm glad you're happy know. But from your signature what you going to do, go back to a Sportster?
Of course it's gonna feel top heavy compaired to a Sportster or a bike with a side car.
Of course it's gonna feel top heavy compaired to a Sportster or a bike with a side car.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
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From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
My guess is that a large portion of your feelings are mental. Not being able to plant your feet when you first stand a bike up makes you think about how big the bike is. Then you get a reminder at every stop. Lowering the bike makes it feel smaller and makes you more comfortable.
I lowered mine in the rear and other than reduced lean angle IMO it didn't affect handling very much.
BTW if you lower the front the difference won't be as dramatic. Test ride a SG to see if you like it.
I lowered mine in the rear and other than reduced lean angle IMO it didn't affect handling very much.
BTW if you lower the front the difference won't be as dramatic. Test ride a SG to see if you like it.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,602
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From: Southeastern Michigan
It feels better because it fits you better now. It's nearly ALL just a state of mind!
Speed, power, handling - everything's relative. IMHO
I thought my Ultra was a POS on the first few rides this spring - until I fixed the sticking clutch lever. Seems like a brand new bike now!
Speed, power, handling - everything's relative. IMHO
I thought my Ultra was a POS on the first few rides this spring - until I fixed the sticking clutch lever. Seems like a brand new bike now!
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Of course we don't know what we don't know but, regarding "go back to a Sportster"? What the heck is that? I've never considered a Sportster to be less than the big twins. Only different. Haved loved 'em forever and have owned several. And as long as I can afford one, I'll never be without one either. The sidecar is another hobby. But to address my assumption of what your assumption is, after owning of a 1983 Yamaha Venture, a 1989 FLHS (now called a Road King), a 2000 Kaw Nomad, and a 2007 Fatboy, I believe I can say that for me, the Ultra sits too high.