FLHTCU lowering
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Arkansas
FLHTCU lowering
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
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
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.
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.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Rockland County, NY
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.
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.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,373
Likes: 4
+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.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
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.
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.
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.
Last edited by MADHOG; Mar 28, 2011 at 01:01 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Rockland County, NY
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.
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.
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 22
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From: Arkansas
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 saw the YouTube videos from Ride like a pro and they have already helped. Will get the DVD asap.
Thanks again.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 22
From: Denham Springs, La
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.
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.
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
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
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 saw the YouTube videos from Ride like a pro and they have already helped. Will get the DVD asap.
Thanks again.
Last edited by MADHOG; Mar 28, 2011 at 03:41 PM.