Lowering Ultra
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Polk, OH
Lowering Ultra
Just bought a new Ultra yesterday and had the Profile Low Touring shocks added to lower the seat height. It helped quite a bit but would like it lower yet. Would lowering the forks help lower the height more or would it just make the ride more flatter (less pitch)? I know the forks package is $149.99 but involves 4 hours of labor ($66/hr).
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 17
From: Southeastern Wisconsin
My Ultra is lowered front and rear. Fits me just fine but you do get a bit rougher ride. Feels good when at a stop or coming to a stop knowing I can actually flex my knees a bit to help balance or push the bike around. I am sure lots will come on here and say to save the labor cost and do it yourself but the forks intimidate me so I would leave that to a tech. 66 per hour is a steal on labor rates around here it is 90 plus.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Polk, OH
If it makes a difference thats what matters. Safety is most important. Its not a huge investment. If anybody else has any imput on it I would like to hear it.
Last edited by hunter1jonathan; Mar 24, 2013 at 10:44 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque, NM
Yes, lowering the front will help, also, you might want to look at a new seat that will lower you down. If you do decide to put the lowering kit in, now would be great time to add chrome fork lowers if that's your taste.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 69
From: Badlands of ND
I would look at a lower profile seat like one of the reach seats from HD before playing more with the suspension. You could also look into getting longer legs.
That is what I did. The easiest modification to make is getting a new pair of boots with a 2" heel.
That is what I did. The easiest modification to make is getting a new pair of boots with a 2" heel.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 22
From: Denham Springs, La
Lower your front 1" and you will be sitting 1" lower than stock. With just the rear lowered, you will be sitting about 1/2" lower than stock.
When I bought my bike I had it lowered front and rear and installed a Reach seat. I was able to get my feet on the the ground comfortably. The ride was pretty rough. I put the bike back to stock height front and rear. I got some boots with taller heel/sole and had the Reach seat shaved down a little. I've got my feet on the ground with slight bend in my knees and the ride is much better.
$66/hr is a really good price for labor. My dealership just changed hands and the labor rate went from $85 to $115.
When I bought my bike I had it lowered front and rear and installed a Reach seat. I was able to get my feet on the the ground comfortably. The ride was pretty rough. I put the bike back to stock height front and rear. I got some boots with taller heel/sole and had the Reach seat shaved down a little. I've got my feet on the ground with slight bend in my knees and the ride is much better.
$66/hr is a really good price for labor. My dealership just changed hands and the labor rate went from $85 to $115.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 4
From: nebraska
You could also send your stock seat into MeanCity Cycle to have it lowered and narrowed .
This is way cheaper than a new low seat .
I had this done to mine plus memory foam added for comfort.
My total cost including shipping both ways was just under $150.
Very comfy i have rode 500+ miles NP.
This is way cheaper than a new low seat .
I had this done to mine plus memory foam added for comfort.
My total cost including shipping both ways was just under $150.
Very comfy i have rode 500+ miles NP.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 614
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
I have my FLHTK lowered front and rear, and am running a 21' RC Nitro on the front. Some rake, rougher ride, but I like it.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 565
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh
Don't waste your money on the HD low profile front fork lowering kit. All they do is replace the stock spring with a shorter spring. Install a Progressive Monotube 1" lowered front fork cartridge kit. It will greatly improve the handling of the bike.
Unfortunately you've already wasted you're money on the HD low profile rear air shocks. Those shocks suck also. Save some money up and either purchase the Progressive Lowered 944 shocks or go for the gusto and buy a set of JRI-B 12" adjustable shocks.
Unfortunately you've already wasted you're money on the HD low profile rear air shocks. Those shocks suck also. Save some money up and either purchase the Progressive Lowered 944 shocks or go for the gusto and buy a set of JRI-B 12" adjustable shocks.