Lowering kits
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 5
From: Tennessee
Two words Mike.......AIR RIDE! $200 do it yourself in an afternoon, rides better than stock and drops 5 1/4 inches.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
I have also done the bitchinbaggers.com lowered stock shocks. Mine are 1 1/2" lower than stock (3/4" lower than Street Glide). I also am using the Sundowner seat which lowered me. I would avoid at all costs the cheap lowering blocks, too many bad things can go wrong with those.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: hooksett nh
And to make sure what I actually have for clearance of rear wiring harness etc. I took off both rear shocks, lifted the bike and rotated the tire with a piece of playdo stuck to the tire, the eye to eye dimension (of where the shocks mount) ended up at 8 1/2" when I noticed the swingarm started to bind against the frame, and the playdo was about 1/4" thick at this same point. So no matter how low you do end up you may want to make sure your travel doesn't go below the 8 1/2". good luck with what ever you do do.
Last edited by budmerrill; Jun 1, 2012 at 02:45 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
So, on MY 2012 SG with lowering blocks, those will be history when I receive the Ricor shocks I've ordered.
Last edited by racklefratz; Jun 1, 2012 at 06:39 PM.
Banned
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,323
Likes: 1
From: Arizona
I'm convinced, based on several web sources I consider credible, that "lowering kits", that move the bottom rear shock mount point rearward, are not a good deal. They limit shock travel, and they add wear, since the shock is now forced to move at an angle. Some info sources I've seen even claim that they can result in damage to the bottom shock mount assembly - cracking, etc.
So, on MY 2012 SG with lowering blocks, those will be history when I receive the Ricor shocks I've ordered.
So, on MY 2012 SG with lowering blocks, those will be history when I receive the Ricor shocks I've ordered.
Banned
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,323
Likes: 1
From: Arizona
Do you have any sources from somewhere not trying to sell me a more expensive competing product?
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: El Dorado KS
I tried the lowering blocks and even with max air pressure, when riding two up the rear seat bolt would bottom out on the tire when going over the smallest of bumps. I ruined two rear tires before saying enough is enough. I weigh 185 and my wife weighs about 140 so its not a weight issue. I went with the Bitchin Baggers drop shocks 1" lower and progressive lowering kit on the front and Mean City Cycle seat mod. I am about 5'8" and my feet are now flat on the ground and knees bent. I can back the bike up with confidence. The ride is great and with the Bitchin Baggers shocks I still bottom out once in a while when two up and loaded for a trip but I am only hitting their built in stop and am not ruining an expensive tire like I did twice before.