Need some advise
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3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Shelby township
Need some advise
Hello all, I am new to this site. I recently purchase a 2007 street glide. This bike came with 18 inch wheel on the rear, and stock Harley air shocks. I had a hard time touching the ground since I am only 5'6". I thought the best thing to do was to have it lowered, but that is not working out for me. Ever since I got the bike back it bottoms out on the rear fender just with me on it, but I put almost 35 lbs of air and tried to take my girlfriend for a ride and it was bad news. Now I have the bike at a local bike shop and they are trying to tell me an actual air bag suspension is the best way to go. What do you think? I don't have problem spending the money if that's what has to be done, but just wondered if this is the best option!!!! THANKS.
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Shelby township
That is what I thought, but they told me that it is very common to put that size wheel on this bike.
I would hate to have to replace the wheel because it matches the front and to get another one would
Cost to much, by the time I buy a wheel and tire.
I would hate to have to replace the wheel because it matches the front and to get another one would
Cost to much, by the time I buy a wheel and tire.
Last edited by FLHX renegade; Aug 15, 2012 at 05:28 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
Hello all, I am new to this site. I recently purchase a 2007 street glide. This bike came with 18 inch wheel on the rear, and stock Harley air shocks. I had a hard time touching the ground since I am only 5'6". I thought the best thing to do was to have it lowered, but that is not working out for me. Ever since I got the bike back it bottoms out on the rear fender just with me on it, but I put almost 35 lbs of air and tried to take my girlfriend for a ride and it was bad news. Now I have the bike at a local bike shop and they are trying to tell me an actual air bag suspension is the best way to go. What do you think? I don't have problem spending the money if that's what has to be done, but just wondered if this is the best option!!!! THANKS.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
Well, its a non-point, I think its nutty to spend a ton of money lowering a bike with an 18" rear wheel, and have a crappy ride as a result.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
Most of the time, they install a thinner tire so you wind up with the same diameter overall. However, the thinner tire does affect the ride quality.
I have an 07 SG & the stock wheels are 16". If you do have an 18" rear & if it has the same diameter tire are the 16" (stock is MU85B-16) does then it should be sitting level. Try measuring the frame clearance to the floor, the stock SG setting has the rear about 1" closer to the floor for a SG. You need to find out what you have before throwing money at it...air bag suspensions are expensive & may not be needed.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: wet coast BC
you left the 18" tire and stock shocks and added a lowering kit to the back, correct? First off I believe your bike has a cable of wires inside fender and rubbing through them will increase your grief more than right now. remove lowering kit to start with. stock tire size is 16? Look at seat options and add thickness to your boots.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
As mentioned, i would take the lowering kit off...most of them suck as far as ride quality. Look at replacing the stock shocks with some quality shock....Progressive, Ohlins, or HD premium. With you height, you'll also need to lower your seat height. There are plenty of options to do this. I would recommend Mean City Cycles. The adjustable air ride system you mentioned may also work for you, but usually a very expensive upgrade.
