Ride Height Q??
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
From: Chicago burbs
Ride Height Q??
Ok here's my scenario. I'm a short little turd bout 5'7 or 8 ish. Weight bout 215. On VERY rare occasions my wife will go on short rides and she'll kill me for posting but she's bout 140 ish. I have the stock 13 inch air shocks in the rear with a 1 inch lowering kit installed. I myself am a hair away from flat foot and even though it's doable for me, I'd like to be flat footed. With my current set up and the wife with me, if we hit a good dip in the road it has bottomed out a little bit. I have a Mustang solo seat that I suppose I could get shaved down to give me the reach to the ground I need. Or I'm thinking ditch the lowering kit, get a decent set of 12 inch something shocks (Progressives as I cannot spend a ton on Ohlins like I want to LOL!!) Or if don't do the seat mod should I go with 11.5 inch shocks (and no lowering kit)? I have 2 concerns with going 11.5. 1. With no lowering in the front, wouldn't that be a little weird lookin and affect the handling too? And 2, if I'm already "technically" at 12 inches (13 inch stockers with the 1 inch lowering kit) and bottom out a little with the wife, wouldn't the 11.5's bottom out even more? Or if they're that much better of a shock, I shouldn't have to worry bout that?
Another thought is the pressure in my current shocks. I have no clue what they are set at currently. And given all my info above what should the pressure be at? Maybe 20 to 25? Sorry if this is all confusing or complicated whatever. But I'm lookin for the right solution to get me flat footed riding solo and to not bottom out on the RARE occasions the wife is with me.
Thanks guys.
Another thought is the pressure in my current shocks. I have no clue what they are set at currently. And given all my info above what should the pressure be at? Maybe 20 to 25? Sorry if this is all confusing or complicated whatever. But I'm lookin for the right solution to get me flat footed riding solo and to not bottom out on the RARE occasions the wife is with me.
Thanks guys.
I *think* this is all good info, I will be corrected shortly if it's not! 
Are you sure the lowering kit reduced your suspension travel? My guess is it lowered the seat height, but you kept the same 3" of travel (or whatever you have). Also guessing that you did or should have checked to see if anything was going to get in the way if your shocks bottomed out completely so that you're not hitting tires with your fender or whatever. I don't think a lowering kit reduces your suspension travel. If you're bottoming out, I would check your air pressure. You need to invest in a specific pump for the suspension given the low volume and pressure. Everyone will give opinions on the shocks, but on my '02 I found nothing wrong with mine once I found the solo and 2-up sweet spots. That's me, everyone is different.
Are you sure the lowering kit reduced your suspension travel? My guess is it lowered the seat height, but you kept the same 3" of travel (or whatever you have). Also guessing that you did or should have checked to see if anything was going to get in the way if your shocks bottomed out completely so that you're not hitting tires with your fender or whatever. I don't think a lowering kit reduces your suspension travel. If you're bottoming out, I would check your air pressure. You need to invest in a specific pump for the suspension given the low volume and pressure. Everyone will give opinions on the shocks, but on my '02 I found nothing wrong with mine once I found the solo and 2-up sweet spots. That's me, everyone is different.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
From: Chicago burbs
You're right socal. It did not reduce my travel. Only my seat height as that is what I was looking for originally. To your other point if I checked to see about bottoming out when I installed the lowering kit? Typical noob response is nope. I should have. But to your third point, yes I gotta check on that air pressure for sure. For me solo is no prob at all. It's when a full size passenger is on I "may" or have bottomed out just a touch. I checked for damage afterwards and so far I'm ok. But I bring up Progressives as a possible solution cause if I can A. lower the ride so I'm flat footed. B. Not bottom out with an adult passenger. And 3. (yes that's a joke LOL!!) Maybe get a smoother ride out of it. Cool. Ya know? :-)
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
First of all, you need to get the proper tool to check the air pressure in your shocks. Go to your local Harley dealer and get their shock air pump. It's specifically made to check/add/change pressure in these low pressure shocks. There is really no substitute. You may have to play around with the pressure to get it to the proper level that's comfortable without bottoming.
Second, i would strongly suggest you do not change to a shorter shock. Your ride comfort will suffer greatly. The Harley 13in touring shocks are not bad as far as air shocks go. Their 12in air shocks absolutely suck!. If you need to get your seat height a little lower then the best way is to modify your seat. I would suggest Mean City Cycles. These guys wrote the book on seat modification and have great customer service.
Second, i would strongly suggest you do not change to a shorter shock. Your ride comfort will suffer greatly. The Harley 13in touring shocks are not bad as far as air shocks go. Their 12in air shocks absolutely suck!. If you need to get your seat height a little lower then the best way is to modify your seat. I would suggest Mean City Cycles. These guys wrote the book on seat modification and have great customer service.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 129
Likes: 5
From: St. Charles, MO
"you need to get the proper tool to check the air pressure in your shocks. Go to your local Harley dealer and get their shock air pump. There is really no substitute."
A: Yes and No: You need an air pump and gauge designed for air shocks. But there ARE substitutes, other than Harley, i.e. check autoparts chains, Sears, Harbor Freight, etc.
"Second, i would strongly suggest you do not change to a shorter shock. Your ride comfort will suffer greatly. Their 12in air shocks absolutely suck!."
A: Wrong. I didn't go with a Harley shock, but I think they make pretty good parts. I went with an aftermarket, one-inch shorter shock to get a chromed one for bagless days. I'm 6'3" 210, and don't need it shorter. I sometimes ride two up.
There is a difference between a pre-2009 bike and a 2009 up bike, but I doubt there is a great difference between the two; and in particular, the statement that your ride would "suffer greatly".
I've read plenty of like-minded reviews and can tell you there is not a measurable difference in ride or performance with a one-inch shorter shock, unless you are maybe doing laps with a stopwatch. I keep my stuff dialed in right. I can keep up with anyone on the twisties, or loaded down touring at highway speed.
Check your owners manual and keep the shocks properly inflated, probably around 25 lbs (my '09 is rated higher)
Get some thick-soled boots, I cringe when I see guys tippy-toeing, especially with a passenger on the back. These things are heavy!
Good luck
A: Yes and No: You need an air pump and gauge designed for air shocks. But there ARE substitutes, other than Harley, i.e. check autoparts chains, Sears, Harbor Freight, etc.
"Second, i would strongly suggest you do not change to a shorter shock. Your ride comfort will suffer greatly. Their 12in air shocks absolutely suck!."
A: Wrong. I didn't go with a Harley shock, but I think they make pretty good parts. I went with an aftermarket, one-inch shorter shock to get a chromed one for bagless days. I'm 6'3" 210, and don't need it shorter. I sometimes ride two up.
There is a difference between a pre-2009 bike and a 2009 up bike, but I doubt there is a great difference between the two; and in particular, the statement that your ride would "suffer greatly".
I've read plenty of like-minded reviews and can tell you there is not a measurable difference in ride or performance with a one-inch shorter shock, unless you are maybe doing laps with a stopwatch. I keep my stuff dialed in right. I can keep up with anyone on the twisties, or loaded down touring at highway speed.
Check your owners manual and keep the shocks properly inflated, probably around 25 lbs (my '09 is rated higher)
Get some thick-soled boots, I cringe when I see guys tippy-toeing, especially with a passenger on the back. These things are heavy!
Good luck
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Rockland County, NY
My situation is very similar to yours.
I did send my seat to MCC. They are one of the best vendors on this site. Very reasonable and fast turn around.
Keep the 13" shocks without the lowering kit.
Get a Harley shock pump and figure out best pressure for one and two up.
Go to a shoe repair shop and add 1/4" to your soles.
You'll be amazed what a difference it makes.
I did send my seat to MCC. They are one of the best vendors on this site. Very reasonable and fast turn around.
Keep the 13" shocks without the lowering kit.
Get a Harley shock pump and figure out best pressure for one and two up.
Go to a shoe repair shop and add 1/4" to your soles.
You'll be amazed what a difference it makes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 5
From: CT
"you need to get the proper tool to check the air pressure in your shocks. Go to your local Harley dealer and get their shock air pump. There is really no substitute."
A: Yes and No: You need an air pump and gauge designed for air shocks. But there ARE substitutes, other than Harley, i.e. check autoparts chains, Sears, Harbor Freight, etc.
"Second, i would strongly suggest you do not change to a shorter shock. Your ride comfort will suffer greatly. Their 12in air shocks absolutely suck!."
A: Wrong. I didn't go with a Harley shock, but I think they make pretty good parts. I went with an aftermarket, one-inch shorter shock to get a chromed one for bagless days. I'm 6'3" 210, and don't need it shorter. I sometimes ride two up.
There is a difference between a pre-2009 bike and a 2009 up bike, but I doubt there is a great difference between the two; and in particular, the statement that your ride would "suffer greatly".
I've read plenty of like-minded reviews and can tell you there is not a measurable difference in ride or performance with a one-inch shorter shock, unless you are maybe doing laps with a stopwatch. I keep my stuff dialed in right. I can keep up with anyone on the twisties, or loaded down touring at highway speed.
Check your owners manual and keep the shocks properly inflated, probably around 25 lbs (my '09 is rated higher)
Get some thick-soled boots, I cringe when I see guys tippy-toeing, especially with a passenger on the back. These things are heavy!
Good luck
A: Yes and No: You need an air pump and gauge designed for air shocks. But there ARE substitutes, other than Harley, i.e. check autoparts chains, Sears, Harbor Freight, etc.
"Second, i would strongly suggest you do not change to a shorter shock. Your ride comfort will suffer greatly. Their 12in air shocks absolutely suck!."
A: Wrong. I didn't go with a Harley shock, but I think they make pretty good parts. I went with an aftermarket, one-inch shorter shock to get a chromed one for bagless days. I'm 6'3" 210, and don't need it shorter. I sometimes ride two up.
There is a difference between a pre-2009 bike and a 2009 up bike, but I doubt there is a great difference between the two; and in particular, the statement that your ride would "suffer greatly".
I've read plenty of like-minded reviews and can tell you there is not a measurable difference in ride or performance with a one-inch shorter shock, unless you are maybe doing laps with a stopwatch. I keep my stuff dialed in right. I can keep up with anyone on the twisties, or loaded down touring at highway speed.
Check your owners manual and keep the shocks properly inflated, probably around 25 lbs (my '09 is rated higher)
Get some thick-soled boots, I cringe when I see guys tippy-toeing, especially with a passenger on the back. These things are heavy!
Good luck
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
From: Chicago burbs
Hey thanks all so far for the feedback. I think for now I'll pick up a shock specific pump/gauge and check on my current shocks. Then I'm thinkin (If money allows) get some 12 inch Progressives AND talk to MCC for options with my seat. Maybe the combo of the two will do what I'm lookin for. Keep the feedback comin though gents. Appreciated so far.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 415
Likes: 28
From: Albany
I did the lower air shock changout last year, just now had the fronts changed out to the Progressive monotubes. Much more heel contact after this..Can't wait to ride it and try out the better ride and rake.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 102
Likes: 6
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Like Groucho1 I have Progressive's monotubes, mine is the 1" shorter version. Made a huge difference for me in terms of getting my feet flat on the ground. Also helped a lot with ride quality in general and brake dive specifically. I'm 5'8 so I also share your pain. I went with a set of Ohlin's for the rear suspension. Not as expensive as you might think...