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2011 street glide for vertically challenged ????
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 807
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee, WI
Ok, well I have have the progressive springs on the way. Picked up some screaming eagle heavy fork oil today. Going to attempt to tackle this little project myself. Been searching for a step by step tutorial, and keep coming up empty. Anybody know if there is one? Just want to start looking into taking the front fairing apart and wondering if I will be needing any specialty tools. Also wondering if I need to take the forks off completely or not. Any help or guidance will be greatly appriciated.......
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 114
Likes: 4
From: Bartlett IL
Well got my progressive springs yesterday, and against the advice of some, went ahead with the installation on my own. Had the front end torn down and waiting for the springs to show up. Other than compressing the springs enough to get the fork cap on, I think it went pretty smooth, considering I really wasnt sure what I was getting myself into..... (had a couple of buddies came by and saw my 3 week old bike in pieces and said I'm an idiot, shouldve taken it to the dealer..... maybe.....) In any case I went with the 2" drop, and screaming eagle heavy fork oil. Got everything together in about 2 hrs. Didnt break anything, no extra pieces, and everything works like it should. Very satisfied in myself, I took it for a spin. First off, I can flat foot it with sneakers on. Couldnt do that before even in boots. Took it out for a spin for a half hour and very happy. Not as plush as it was stock, but definately not super stiff. Front brake dive almost doesnt exist. Turning radius also seems to be tighter. All in all, I cant complain about anything.
So now my buddies are asking me to do this and that.... Lol... F U, I'm an idiot. Take it to the dealer. Now my only bit of slight concern is with the kickstand. Obviously after lowering it, it doesnt lean nearly as much as it did before. It still leans, just wondering how long till it falls over. So curious as to any ideas for a solution? My buddy told me just to bend it.... And I'm the idiot... All in all I've got under a hundred bucks in the springs and fork oil and am very happy with the results.
So now my buddies are asking me to do this and that.... Lol... F U, I'm an idiot. Take it to the dealer. Now my only bit of slight concern is with the kickstand. Obviously after lowering it, it doesnt lean nearly as much as it did before. It still leans, just wondering how long till it falls over. So curious as to any ideas for a solution? My buddy told me just to bend it.... And I'm the idiot... All in all I've got under a hundred bucks in the springs and fork oil and am very happy with the results.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 807
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee, WI
WOW! Great news - and great job! Which springs exactly did you go with? Got a part number or a link? Congrats, man!
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 114
Likes: 4
From: Bartlett IL
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 807
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From: Milwaukee, WI
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Central Virginia
I went through some of what you're going through. I'm 5'6 with a long trunk (short inseam). I tried the reduced reach seat and after picking my nads out of my throat a few times after a ride, I got rid of it and tried the lowering blocks. I then started scraping the crap out of my beautiful V&H Monster Ovals since I like to ride the twisties often. Eventually, I sat on a buddies bike that had a Mustang Touring seat on it. It didn't lower me as much as the reach seat, but it was enough where I felt like I could get my footing a little better. I still have to be careful where I park because if it's gravel or a slight incline, I need help backing out. It's tough for us vertically challenged.
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Joe Kucinski
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 212
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From: Wickliffe, Ohio
Well got my progressive springs yesterday, and against the advice of some, went ahead with the installation on my own. Had the front end torn down and waiting for the springs to show up. Other than compressing the springs enough to get the fork cap on, I think it went pretty smooth, considering I really wasnt sure what I was getting myself into..... (had a couple of buddies came by and saw my 3 week old bike in pieces and said I'm an idiot, shouldve taken it to the dealer..... maybe.....) In any case I went with the 2" drop, and screaming eagle heavy fork oil. Got everything together in about 2 hrs. Didnt break anything, no extra pieces, and everything works like it should. Very satisfied in myself, I took it for a spin. First off, I can flat foot it with sneakers on. Couldnt do that before even in boots. Took it out for a spin for a half hour and very happy. Not as plush as it was stock, but definately not super stiff. Front brake dive almost doesnt exist. Turning radius also seems to be tighter. All in all, I cant complain about anything.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
First what type of riding do you do and do you ride two up often?
I am 5'4" 28 inseam. I ride alot of touring, mountain and freeway--50% two up.
I would ride you bike a bit before changing anything, but during that period use your stacked heel boots. I use Wesco Boss and Firestorm. Once you familiarize yourself with the bike then look at changing thing on your bike (that should be the last resort). Learn timing when you slow down and plant your foot or feet. To many riders blame the bike before looking in the mirror.
Before changing suspension look at different seats. Me after my search I have settle with a stock Ultra seat that has LOW molded on the seat pan. It was the best and end the end cheapest fix. For two up it was perfect because the stock SG seat for the passenger is a a 2 X 4.
If the look bothers you put the stock seat on when you put the bike in the garage, because when you are rideing who cares aboout looks.
The touring model seats worked fine on the my SG, RK and Limited
Good luck ride far and save money for gas and lodging for the up coming season.
I am 5'4" 28 inseam. I ride alot of touring, mountain and freeway--50% two up.
I would ride you bike a bit before changing anything, but during that period use your stacked heel boots. I use Wesco Boss and Firestorm. Once you familiarize yourself with the bike then look at changing thing on your bike (that should be the last resort). Learn timing when you slow down and plant your foot or feet. To many riders blame the bike before looking in the mirror.
Before changing suspension look at different seats. Me after my search I have settle with a stock Ultra seat that has LOW molded on the seat pan. It was the best and end the end cheapest fix. For two up it was perfect because the stock SG seat for the passenger is a a 2 X 4.
If the look bothers you put the stock seat on when you put the bike in the garage, because when you are rideing who cares aboout looks.
The touring model seats worked fine on the my SG, RK and Limited
Good luck ride far and save money for gas and lodging for the up coming season.