I know this belongs in the Sportster section, and I posted it there, but they don't seem to be as friendly with the advice. Maybe because I'm from the touring family. Maybe because my question makes no sense, either way, I figured you guys might be able to help me out. I also know that many of you have multiple HDs, not all touring bikes so I'd like to tap your knowledge thinking some of the geometry might be the same... If it gets moved/deleted I understand, just figured I would give it a shot!

I have a friend who owns a 2004 Sportster. She is approximately 5'6 and looking to do a few mods to help make the bike fit her better. She is awaiting the delivery of 10.5" shocks. So my questions...

1. If she puts the 10.5" shocks on the bike, does she need to adjust the front forks at all? If she doesn't make any adjustments to the front, will it affect the geometry of the bike or make it unsafe? I am not sure, but I think the stock shocks on the 2004's are 13", but I could be wrong. Would a lowering kit be a better option? Am I just paranoid thinking the adjustment of rear shocks only will have a negative affect on the bike's handling?

2. I originally looked for a super reduced reach seat in the catalog but couldn't find one for the 2004's. Does anyone have experience with a reduced reach seat on a Sportster? If you do, did you lower the bike as well, or just swap out the seats?

Thank you for your help!

 

I don't know if they make this kit for a sporty but you can always look into it. I'll show you what I did to my RK and you can search and call Road 6 Customs:

 

I've owned a couple Sporties in the last 25 years.

She won't have any problems if she doesn't lower the front after she installs the 10.5" shocks. It'll ride fine. If she's still got problems getting her feet on the ground after the shock install, you can lower the front with either shorter springs and/or slipping the fork tubes up in the triple clamps. Depending on what seat is currently on the bike, a shorter seat may help also.

Good luck!


...

 

If a solution can be found in a seat, that would allow the suspension to stay closer to stock and full travel ( ride comfort)

otherwise:


the rear of the bike can kinda go up and down with the front at stock height with no ill handling effects.
when she lowers the rear the high speed stability will be increased- but the bike will feel slightly heavier at low speeds. this is due to the effectively increased rake of the front forks.

Once she is sure that the rear is ok for clearance and is not bottoming out etc.

Then maybe look at lowering the front- a progressive spring lowering kit is under $100, and/or the forks can be slid up in the triple tree to lower the front of the bike--- this can be done for free.


I am not up on the newer Sportys, but on some models further lowering of the rear can be found by moving the top shock mount to a forward location. Some HD frames have 2 available shock mount points.

Mike