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Does an inch really make a difference?

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Old Nov 4, 2012 | 05:57 AM
  #11  
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Lilman
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From: Statesboro, GA
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My front and rear are lowered 1". It made a difference to me, but I am short! My setup is 1" drop monotubes in front with Ohlin #3-#3 in rear on a LA Chopper 1" drop kit. The LA Chopper kit is the only kit I will use or recommend. It does not change the shock angle, you just have to pay particular attention to the shock spacing and especially alignment when installing the shocks. They have to be perfectly aligned top to bottom or you risk shock damage or poor performance.

I have drug the floorboards but only in tight twisties or u-turns.
 
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Old Nov 4, 2012 | 06:06 AM
  #12  
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My Roadglide came with 12" shocks , I went to 13" Ohlins and got a GREAT ride , just switched to 12" JRI and the ride is equal if not slightly better than with the Ohlins
 
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Old Nov 4, 2012 | 06:07 AM
  #13  
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Chunker
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From: Hartford, AL
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I had my FLHTK lowered front and rear before I took possession. I test rode both heights and preferred the lowered bike. Also bought a Mustang Lowdown but not good for me in seat cushion after a couple hours. Did not like the 12" air shocks and removed them for the Progressive 940. Description says 12" shock with 13" travel. Seems to work. Also have now the Mustang Wide touring seat which is comfortable. When the nose of the seat is narrow you can get you feet flatfooted better. It can be a puzzle with lowered front, rear and seat combinations. Before going the 940 route, talk to the Progressive folks. A rep at a rally told me they worked best on the heavy touring, like what I have. They do have different springs for them too.

Edit: I am not an overly aggressive rider and have no problems with anything scraping.
 

Last edited by Chunker; Nov 4, 2012 at 06:13 AM.
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Old Nov 4, 2012 | 06:09 AM
  #14  
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jus2anoyu
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Lowering your bike 1" will significantly reduce your lean angle. If you ride aggressively in curves,you will miss what you lost. My bike is stock height, and I just installed Michelin commander II'S on it. They are a little taller than the dunlops. Enough so that I noticed more lean angle before the boards scrape. I'm sure it's less than an inch, and it's noticeable....
 
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Old Nov 4, 2012 | 06:13 AM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by OldEnuf2NoBtr
I thought this post was going in a different direction! Sorry. Continue on.
Oh it will after the question has been answered. Threads with loaded titles always do.
 
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Old Nov 4, 2012 | 11:53 AM
  #16  
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Ape Hangers
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From: Albuquerque, NM
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You can try sitting on a street glide or road king classic at the dealer, I"m pretty sure they come stock with the 1" lower shocks. I have my road king lowered 1.375" in the rear and 1.5" in front using just a new dampening tube (no front fender bottoming), both are from Bitchin' Baggers and I really am pleased with both. The 1" will make a noticable difference for you in the rear.
 
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Old Nov 4, 2012 | 12:57 PM
  #17  
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tringle
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I ride a 2009 Ultra and I had my shocks modified by bitchin baggers. My bike is lowered 1.5 inches. I've been all over the US with no problems.
 
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Old Nov 4, 2012 | 01:01 PM
  #18  
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piesik650
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I added a inch in back to get me back to level with my 21" front wheel. and I would never go back to the 12" shock. not enough stroke if you ask me. and I asked my wife and her reply was "of course every inch counts"
 
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Old Nov 4, 2012 | 01:03 PM
  #19  
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NETacomaFatboy
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From: Tacoma
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I dropped my 2010 RG 1" front (monotube) and 1" rear (Progressive). I lost quite some clearance.
 
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Old Nov 4, 2012 | 01:08 PM
  #20  
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Da-mack
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From: North Central Indiana
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Just because I'm fat and lazy and the Bears are pounding Tennessee into dust;

What is the standard length of the OEM shocks on a 2010 Ultra Classic?
 
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