Ground Clearance when Lowered
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
Ground Clearance when Lowered
Have an 04 Road King Classic that I'm considering lowering an inch. But, when I look at how little ground clearance I've already got, it gives me great pause. For I do not feel like seeing how many diffent speed bumps and the like I can scrape the frame over.
So, those of you who have lowered your bikes, can you tell me about the ground clearance problems you do and do not have? Both in terms of simple speed bumps in parking lots, and finding yourself suddenly unable to corner hard or such?
I've tried looking around in the forums, but ground clearance issues from lowering aren't something I could find answers on.
So, those of you who have lowered your bikes, can you tell me about the ground clearance problems you do and do not have? Both in terms of simple speed bumps in parking lots, and finding yourself suddenly unable to corner hard or such?
I've tried looking around in the forums, but ground clearance issues from lowering aren't something I could find answers on.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
Stock Street Glides come from the factory an inch lower than your bike. I've never had a problem with anything hitting the bottom of my bike. Yes, you will scrape the footboards a little sooner but still not a problem unless you are really an aggressive rider.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 4
From: nebraska
I put 11" Bitchin Bagger Drop shocks on my 08 RKC but did not lower the forks .
I have never bottomed out on the frame .
I also raised my floorboards up one notch to prevent scraping on the twistys and for more comfort for my short legs.
If your goal is to get flat footed before you lower , try some taller boots FIRST !
Have the local cobbler make the heels and sole thicker . if that dosn't do it, NEXT consider an apolstry place lowering and narrowing your seat.
I had MeanCity Cycle redo my seat lower narrower and memory foam added .
WAY THRIFTY compaired to buying a new low seat .
I have never bottomed out on the frame .
I also raised my floorboards up one notch to prevent scraping on the twistys and for more comfort for my short legs.
If your goal is to get flat footed before you lower , try some taller boots FIRST !
Have the local cobbler make the heels and sole thicker . if that dosn't do it, NEXT consider an apolstry place lowering and narrowing your seat.
I had MeanCity Cycle redo my seat lower narrower and memory foam added .
WAY THRIFTY compaired to buying a new low seat .
Last edited by baust55; Jan 12, 2013 at 06:43 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 565
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh
I've lowered my bike front 1" with the Progressive Mono Tubes and in the back with the Ohlin's. If you take the speed bumps to fast you will bottom and if you're not carefull where you bottom you could hit the kickstand spring hard enough that you're kickstand won't stay in the up position completely. I know cause I've done it.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 502
Likes: 0
From: Roads of Idaho
X2 Why r U lowering it? There may be a better solution. Yes they do drag easier, and if U scrape hard enough just for an instant, u will leverage your bike via that dragging part to take just enough weight off of the rear tire and BAM U will be picking U and the bike up, at best(ask me how I know)!!!! And the spring on the KS is another one that U can (ask me how I know)!!! No more of that risk, as I have my current bike raised to higher than stock by nearly 3/8" in the rear, and will be lowering the front down to 1/2" above stock with the Progressive Cartridge lowering fork kit, as I have a 21" wheel as opposed to the stock 18" which raised me 1 1/2" and needs to drop the 1" to get the weight dist. front to rear the way I like and seems to give me good rear traction while not having too little weight on the front to get the bite I need when riding it hard, too little front end weight will cause a push effect where the front end will slide sideways enough to make me pucker!
Good is here better is near by with the front end lowering...
Good is here better is near by with the front end lowering...
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