Bottoming Out!
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 22
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From: Knightdale, NC
Bottoming Out!
So I lowered my 05 Electra Glide Classic 1 1/2". Now when riding 2 up, I bottom out (rear tire hitting the underside of the rear fender) when I hit just about any dip in the road. Last year, I had a rear tube blow out at 70+ mph with my niece on the back. We hit a transition in the pavement (approx. 4 inches) that the paving crew left while paving the interstate! Scared the S**T out of me. Anyway, what pressure do you guys think I should be running in the rear air shocks to keep this from happening again? I've got 3 different answers from 3 different HD dealerships here in NC!!!!!! Thanks!
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Joined: Jan 2010
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From: earth
So I lowered my 05 Electra Glide Classic 1 1/2". Now when riding 2 up, I bottom out (rear tire hitting the underside of the rear fender) when I hit just about any dip in the road. Last year, I had a rear tube blow out at 70+ mph with my niece on the back. We hit a transition in the pavement (approx. 4 inches) that the paving crew left while paving the interstate! Scared the S**T out of me. Anyway, what pressure do you guys think I should be running in the rear air shocks to keep this from happening again? I've got 3 different answers from 3 different HD dealerships here in NC!!!!!! Thanks!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,144
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From: Mass
...sorry, but you are going to keep having problems with it that low...you can maybe get away with lowering an inch..but 1 1/2 is too much for a classic when 2 up, and any kind of gear in the trunk...if you are on stock shocks...the shocks just aren't that good..
my advice is to get a good heavy duty shock like Progressive 440's..in a 12 inch length..
my advice is to get a good heavy duty shock like Progressive 440's..in a 12 inch length..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
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12 inch 13 inch and different years all have different max pressures,i think the 12 inch shocks are dampend a little stiffer to help avoid bottoming.you will likely rub the taillight wires until they short out as well.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
There is nothing you can do that will guarantee not bottoming out while your rear suspension is too short. Put that right by throwing away your lowering kit, or if it is adjustable, set it so nothing bottoms out. Once you have done that we can start talking about shock pressures that will improve ride quality!
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
By lowering the bike 1-1/2", you've left yourself with 1-1/2" of travel. You're going to either bottom out or have a ride that's so stiff, it's miserable.
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Send your shocks to bitchin baggers and have Ron to rework them,he will make them shorter and install a stop in them so you won't bottom out on your fender, then get get rid of the lowering kit. They will ride much better.
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