Dropping a Road King
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
Allan
I had a RK with a Corbin Solo & passenger pillion. I have the same set up on my SG currently. It also had SG shocks in the rear and Harley’s shorter springs in the front (don’t remember exactly what it is called). I am 5’8” and could flat foot it with no problem. I also had an unmodified Sundowner that I used once in a while but it felt like sitting on a stack of pillows after getting used to the Corbin.
If your modified Sundowner was cut narrower in the front it should help, as it is more the width of the seat that then the height that is the problem. If is was me I would not lower the bike itself any lower than the 12” shocks in the rear and 1” lower in the front. If it didn’t work with the modified Sundowner I’d get a Corbin. They will design a seat based on your inseam and model of bike with no up charge. (They are already expensive as sheet.)
I had a RK with a Corbin Solo & passenger pillion. I have the same set up on my SG currently. It also had SG shocks in the rear and Harley’s shorter springs in the front (don’t remember exactly what it is called). I am 5’8” and could flat foot it with no problem. I also had an unmodified Sundowner that I used once in a while but it felt like sitting on a stack of pillows after getting used to the Corbin.
If your modified Sundowner was cut narrower in the front it should help, as it is more the width of the seat that then the height that is the problem. If is was me I would not lower the bike itself any lower than the 12” shocks in the rear and 1” lower in the front. If it didn’t work with the modified Sundowner I’d get a Corbin. They will design a seat based on your inseam and model of bike with no up charge. (They are already expensive as sheet.)
Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
Like already mentioned, shorter shocks, modified seat and more sole/heel on boots. And disregard the dipsticks that had the nerve to post sarcastic responses. They prolly can't check their own oil without help. Best of luck. I am looking to put the stock shocks back on my Road King. PM me if interested in the shorter ones.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 4
From: nebraska
i have the MeanCity MOD and 11" Bitchin Bagger shocks . there the stock HD air shocks cut down .
have a cobbler build up the sole and heal on some good riding boots .that will give you another half inch.
Get the HD kickstand exstention if your also having trouble getting it UP or down , about $30.
have a cobbler build up the sole and heal on some good riding boots .that will give you another half inch.
Get the HD kickstand exstention if your also having trouble getting it UP or down , about $30.
Last edited by baust55; Apr 14, 2012 at 09:22 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Central NJ
I have a 29" inseam and changed the rear shocks of my '11 RK to the HD Premium ride touring shocks low profile, (P/N 54680-10 about an inch lower). Also did the matching front (P/N 45500106). I just use HD boots or similar, stock seat and can plant both feet. Hope you find the right combo for you as the RK is a great bike.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 799
Likes: 8
From: central Il
you didn't say what year bike if its the newer frame I remember seeing a drop seat conversion of I think 1.5" or so mod that is a bolt on change cant remember who makes it but it is out there google or someone else chime in
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro, TN
I have street glide shocks on my RKC and a reduced reach seat that I had further modified by mean city seats. My inseam is 29-30 and I can stand flat footed at stops.
Congrats on the new bike.
Congrats on the new bike.
I knew a gal who got there with a seat change and boots. 1 1/2" should be fairly easy to make up. Good luck!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 34
From: Newport news, Virginia
Don't listen to all the haters! LoL!
I am 5' 4" with a 27" inseam and I ride an '08 FLHT and I flat foot my Glide with slightly bent knees.
That said my ride has the Front H-D Profile suspension along with the rear H-D Profile shocks installed at delivery. The Ride is great. I also use the Reach seat when 2 up and a Mustang solo saddle modified by Mean city cycles. I also wear a pair of Sketchers boots. I have been riding this glide for over 4 years with absolutely no height related problems.
Short Riders UNITE!
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 86
From: Centeral Coast, California
Don't listen to all the haters! LoL!
I am 5' 4" with a 27" inseam and I ride an '08 FLHT and I flat foot my Glide with slightly bent knees.
That said my ride has the Front H-D Profile suspension along with the rear H-D Profile shocks installed at delivery. The Ride is great. I also use the Reach seat when 2 up and a Mustang solo saddle modified by Mean city cycles. I also wear a pair of Sketchers boots. I have been riding this glide for over 4 years with absolutely no height related problems.
Short Riders UNITE!
I ride a Road King Custom, which as mentioned has 12" shocks. I put a Danny Gray Short Hop on it, which is fine for 98% of the riding I do, and it brought me down an easy inch over the stock seat. I'm now almost flat footed. Close enough for comfort.
To the OP....hang in there and do your due diligence. There are a number of easy solutions, and you'll settle in on the combo that best suits you.
To the Doc...... really beautiful Glide!