Road King Lowering
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4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 8
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From: Phoenix
Road King Lowering
I just traded in my Super Glide Custom for a Road King (like 1.5 days ago) I am loving the RK, but I think I would feel more comfortable if I lower it. I am flat footed at a stop, but would like a little bend in my legs when backing up. Looking for suggestions... Also, do I have to lower both the front & back? Thanks for any input
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
many of us lower the rear an inch or more
there are drawbacks in lost suspension travel or ride quality...bottoming out or the tire contacting the inner fender.
lowering blocks from $25 on ebay
some use shorter shocks such as on the streetglide ( about $150 used- check classifieds) or premium priced ($500+) shocks are available which may be better tuned to your needs.
the rear can be lowered without lowering the front- but NOT viceversa
Mike
there are drawbacks in lost suspension travel or ride quality...bottoming out or the tire contacting the inner fender.
lowering blocks from $25 on ebay
some use shorter shocks such as on the streetglide ( about $150 used- check classifieds) or premium priced ($500+) shocks are available which may be better tuned to your needs.
the rear can be lowered without lowering the front- but NOT viceversa
Mike
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 659
Likes: 4
From: Michigan
I had my stock ultra shocks shortened an inch, ride was very firm. Seemed like after a year the shocks kinda blew out and developed a leak. I went back to a set of stock shocks with the lowering blocks and the ride is much better with no rubbing. Wished I had went this route from the beginning. I left the forks stock.
I had my stock ultra shocks shortened an inch, ride was very firm. Seemed like after a year the shocks kinda blew out and developed a leak. I went back to a set of stock shocks with the lowering blocks and the ride is much better with no rubbing. Wished I had went this route from the beginning. I left the forks stock.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,088
Likes: 1,962
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
I changed out the stock shocks with the HD Profile Lows front and rear when I got my bike. Had the seat modified as well. I ride mostly solo, so it's been good for now.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 247
From: Florida
I used Bitchin Baggers rear shocks to lower my RK by about 1.5in(I only have a 29" seam) and now about to fit a 23inch front wheel so will be adding a set Progressive drop in lowered springs to get the bike sitting level.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Maine, USA
I just traded in my Super Glide Custom for a Road King (like 1.5 days ago) I am loving the RK, but I think I would feel more comfortable if I lower it. I am flat footed at a stop, but would like a little bend in my legs when backing up. Looking for suggestions... Also, do I have to lower both the front & back? Thanks for any input
You can get the lowering brackets for ~$30 or less and its easy as pie to install.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330685967042...84.m1497.l2649
Do have to be a little more careful when pulling in and out of driveways (I have the longer bags as well) but worth it. I still have plenty of clearance for cornering. I went with a 2" drop for now but my plan is to drop the front ~1" later and bring the back up 1".
I didn't notice any ride quality difference but I ride solo @ 180lbs. I run real low air pressure in the shocks.
Last edited by crawlgsx; Jul 15, 2014 at 08:43 AM.
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