lowering kits - same ??
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 383
Likes: 20
From: Great Britain
lowering kits - same ??
Hi,
Vertically challenged i am thinking of fitting a lowering kit and have 2 questions;
1. does it upset the handling if you only lower the rear of the bike.
2. are all the "kits" basically the same (why some 2 and some 3" kits?)
Thanks everyone.
Rowle - UK
Vertically challenged i am thinking of fitting a lowering kit and have 2 questions;
1. does it upset the handling if you only lower the rear of the bike.
2. are all the "kits" basically the same (why some 2 and some 3" kits?)
Thanks everyone.
Rowle - UK
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 3
From: Central Texas
I am 5'6" and ride a StreetGilde. Like you I am "vertically challenged" lol
I installed a Burley Slammer Kit and had my seat reworked to lower me 2". The front is lowered 1 " and the rear 2". The ride, for me; is better than stock.. somewhat stiff rear wards due to the shorten shocks but my seat handles that very well. Handling is better I believe . Some folks prefer air suspension but the Burley Kit works well for me.
I installed a Burley Slammer Kit and had my seat reworked to lower me 2". The front is lowered 1 " and the rear 2". The ride, for me; is better than stock.. somewhat stiff rear wards due to the shorten shocks but my seat handles that very well. Handling is better I believe . Some folks prefer air suspension but the Burley Kit works well for me.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
there are lowering blocks, which use same shocks. change the angle but retain full shock travel. some like 'em
there are shorter shocks, stock travel on an ultra is 2.75", streetglide 2". after market has lower available- and the option is there to spend alot of money.
either way, suspension is compromised, handling diminished. some parts may scrape and on some models wiring inside the fender can get chewed up by the tire.
many suggest that the 1st thing to do is lower seat with a narrow nose section which'll allow better foot to ground contact
mike
there are shorter shocks, stock travel on an ultra is 2.75", streetglide 2". after market has lower available- and the option is there to spend alot of money.
either way, suspension is compromised, handling diminished. some parts may scrape and on some models wiring inside the fender can get chewed up by the tire.
many suggest that the 1st thing to do is lower seat with a narrow nose section which'll allow better foot to ground contact
mike
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 383
Likes: 20
From: Great Britain
Hi MKguitar,
yes, just moved from an RK custom with the shorter shocks (as standard) but the new ultra is a little higher.- on tip toes !
Got a great solo seat that lowers me but when 2 up I like to keep the comfy seat for the other half.
Rowle - Uk.
yes, just moved from an RK custom with the shorter shocks (as standard) but the new ultra is a little higher.- on tip toes !
Got a great solo seat that lowers me but when 2 up I like to keep the comfy seat for the other half.
Rowle - Uk.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
If you ride solo - you most likly will not notice a difference - Two up - your rider Will..
Iam also 5'6" and 61 - I got my current EG back in 04 - tried the lowering blocks, shorter shocks - I ride two up most all the time.. Wife hated it.. went back to stock - had a Corbin seat made for ME at the CA facory and wear Red Wing boots - no problem..
If I were to do it all over again AND I had a year that would allow ME to install the kit that lowers the seat area - Now thats the way to go...
Iam also 5'6" and 61 - I got my current EG back in 04 - tried the lowering blocks, shorter shocks - I ride two up most all the time.. Wife hated it.. went back to stock - had a Corbin seat made for ME at the CA facory and wear Red Wing boots - no problem..
If I were to do it all over again AND I had a year that would allow ME to install the kit that lowers the seat area - Now thats the way to go...
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: connecticut
Lowered my 09rg about an inch with the blocks. It changes the shock angle a tiny bit but it really didnt change the ride comfort any. And besides that, they are way cheaper than a new seat or shocks. In my opinion i would try the blocks first since you cant return a seat or shocks that cost anywhere from 400 to 1k if you dont like them. The blocks cost me 85 and im happy with them
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
One of the challenges for the shorter of us sitting on the taller models is getting past the edges of the seat, so have you considered getting the nose of your seat trimmed, so you can more easily reach the ground? Or just getting used to your bike as it is? I've been riding my stock height Glide for over 20 years and it is fine! I don't subscribe to the recent 'flat-foot' fashion. No I can't flat-foot, even with only one foot.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
I lowered my '08 UC 1" using blocks. I don't notice any difference in handling or ride quality. When I first did it I noticed that it would bottom out occasionally on hard bumps especially 2up. I ride solo 99% of the time.
