I did a search of the forum and read several threads but not sure I got an answer to a basic question. I'm 5'10" 190 lbs. I bought my 2011 Ultral a couple of months ago and have 1000 miles on it. I still don't feel confident coming to a stop because the bike is top heavy and my feet are barely able to be flat footed on the ground. I rode Yamaha Road Star 1600 for long time and had no problem but bike was much lower and not as heavy as the Ultra.

Question - what is the best approach to lower the bike but still keep a reasonable good ride with 2 up? Does HD have the parts or do I go aftermarket and then what about warranty?

Thanks for your help

 

Low Cost options:
1. Lowering blocks
2. Find a set of Take off shocks from a Street Glide
Ride quality with lowering blocks is better than the SG shocks.

High Cost options:
1. Different seat
2. Aftermarket Shocks
Ride quality will depend on which seat or shocks.

 

FWIW, I did the following:

Pull-back handle bars, after market
"Reach" Seat, Factory
Lowering shocks, Factory

I'm 5'6 and 160lbs on an 07 EGC. I have no issues at all flat footing...

sK

 

I'm 5'8" and did not lower the bike. Everything I read say's it's a compromise of the suspension and ride.
I use a modified seat (mine sent to MCC) or a reach seat. I also had 1/4" added to my boot soles. You'd be surprised how much that helps. I'm flat footed enough to be confident at stops and to move the bike with my feet if necessary. With time you'll also feel better about the weight compared to your last bike.
I recommend getting the "Ride like a Pro" video and learning the techniques. You won't even notice that the bike feels top-heavy any more.

 

+1 on the boots. Although I didn't have anything added to the boot I just bought a pair with a slightly thicker sole plate. Unless you are really set on lowering it this is the least expensive way to go.

 

I'm also 5'8" and I'm sort of going through the flat foot dilemma, stability thing (I have a thread going on a similar note). I have ordered the Mustang Lowdown seat should be in this week, can't wait to try it. If this doesn't do it I'm thinking about the progressive 940 shocks; one step at a time, they are expensive. I'll follow-up and let you know my results...

Funny you mention it, I have the "Ride like a Pro" video, just got it two weeks ago. This is a great training program and it does help build your skill level, I think it's a good program for everyone.

 

Even if you become a little bit proficient at the low speed stuff you'll never worry about the weight of the bike again.
The only way I'd even consider lowering the Ultra is with a front and rear set up from a company like Progressive and maybe having a suspension professional set it up (expensive).
Even then, you're dealing with less suspension travel on a bike that's known for bottoming out under load. You'll also have a kick stand that's too long and, depending on how you ride you could be scraping pegs a lot more often.
A friend has an adjustable system he lowers at stops and raises at speed. I never rode it but he says it works for him.

 

Thanks for the input. I looked at the 940 shocks but hate to mod the bike unless nothing else works. I think the thick sole boots will be my first move. Waiting to hear your results on the seat vilvalv1000.

I saw the YouTube videos from Ride like a pro and they have already helped. Will get the DVD asap.

Thanks again.

 

I have a 29" inseam and the 09 and later bikes are WIDE. That 1/4" can be a BIG help. It helped me a lot. Ride like a Pro helped a lot, too. I have a Reach seat installed as well. Front and rear were lowered. I have recently put the stock rear shocks back on. I'm trying to determine if I can raise the front and still reach the ground.

Cecil

 

Agree; get a good pair of thick soled boots to start. The boots should help, then maybe think about the seat. The lowering part should be last...