Lowering '05 RK

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Jul 31, 2005 | 03:16 PM

Bill918

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From: New Jersey

Lowering '05 RK

I have a 05' RK Standard. I would like to lower it a bit if possible. My question is this, can I lower just the rear by replacing the shocks to see if I like it before doing the front? Does the front and rear need to be done at the same time? HD claims using the lowered RK air shocks lowers the seat height abouth 3/4". Does anyone have any experience on how this effects the ride as well as ground and cornering clearance?

Thanks all

Bill

Jul 31, 2005 | 04:34 PM

TuxedoCartman

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RE: Lowering '05 RK

Harley claims that if you lower the front or rear, the other needs to be done at the same time. I have to agree with them. Doing one but not the other seems like it could throw off the suspension/steering geometry.

I had my 05 RK lowered using the Harley Low Profile rear shocks and the Harley Profile Front Lowering kit, and it rides really well. I can now get flatfooted easily, and there's been no scraped pegs or loss of ride quality. I know a lot of people swear by Progressive's suspension components, too.

Jul 31, 2005 | 06:46 PM

katoomofdoom

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RE: Lowering '05 RK

strangley enough, it seems like the street glide has a lowered rear suspension, but the lowered touring front end is optinal - wouldn't this contradict the "both ends at the same time" theory?

Jul 31, 2005 | 07:48 PM

Bill918

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RE: Lowering '05 RK

That's exactly what I am not sure of. Harley states, at least in it's catalog, not to lower the front end unless the rear has been done. This makes sense because you would not want the bike to be front loaded with weight. It does not have the same disclaimer under it's rear lowering shocks. Opinions and info are appreciated

Bill

Jul 31, 2005 | 08:40 PM

TuxedoCartman

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RE: Lowering '05 RK

Maybe, and I'm just speculating, it's alright to lower the rear but not the front, but not the front and not the rear. Did anybody understand that?[8D]

Jul 31, 2005 | 09:16 PM

mikeisglidn

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From: jacksonville, nc

RE: Lowering '05 RK

my glide is lowered in the rear, front is stock i have no problems at all! good luck

Aug 1, 2005 | 12:17 AM

pilot1996

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RE: Lowering '05 RK

Just thinking out loud here...

I seem to remember something from MSF course where they described why you do not brake in a turn. Reason was too, weight shifted to the front end, and there is not enough friction to keep it on the road. You accelerate through the turn to continue to put weight toward the rear tire...

So, if that is the case, perhaps shifting a little extra weight to the rear doesn't hurt, as the front is the one that we are most concerned with loosing traction with...obviously you want both wheels turning and neither sliding, but you get the idea. The back tire is generally bigger, with a larger amount of rubber making contact with the ground.

Mac