how low?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
All the way down......
to the dealer where you will find a bike that fits you! Maybe an Electra Glide's just too bike of a bike for you??? Maybe look at a Deluxe with a lower seat height?
Otherwise, if you have 13 inch rear shocks, you can ditch the lowering blocks and gain an additional half inch in the rear, with Burlys, slammer kit. That's pretty much as low as suspension can drop a bike. The whole front and rear Burly slammer kits only $250, and lowering the front 2 inches as well, really helps. Lastly, send the seat out to Mean City Cycle for an extra half an inch or so. They will also get you in the right spot on the motorcycle.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,573
Likes: 138
From: StL, MO. USA
I'm running rear air-ride with a set of the Gabriel air shocks and 1" lowering blocks on a '99 Road King. I made sure that the taillight wiring is routed properly - to avoid rubbing, but I can roll with the system fully dumped.
The Gabriel's have a collapsed length of 9.75"...
It's not a quality ride if the bike is slammed, but there is clearance to go very low if needed.
The Gabriel's have a collapsed length of 9.75"...
It's not a quality ride if the bike is slammed, but there is clearance to go very low if needed.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 69
From: Badlands of ND
My buddy had a Road King that he lowered way down to fit his height. It scraped on all the bumps and every corner. No suspension left when they road two up. Had it a season and traded for a Deluxe. Loves it.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 35
From: Fl
I lowered my Streetglide 1 1/2 inches, rides great. Progressive HD 11.5 inch shocks in the back along with a 1 inch lowering block, and Progressive drop in springs in the front. No problems, even 2-up.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
Sometimes reality intrudes. As a short rider myself, there are bikes that are just too tall for me. Lower the bike enough and the frame scrapes everywhere. Lower the seat enough and your legs stick out sideways and the seat is darn hard and uncomfortable.
So, perhaps it really is a matter of a different bike? I understand the later model touring bikes have the center section as a bolt in on the frame, and the seating can be made very low on them. There is also the softail. That's a darn low bike, especially in several of the variations.
Reverse might also be a help. Short little legs barely tippy-toeing the ground can't push the bike backwards. I know I frequently have to get off myself in order to shove it backwards. Having a reverse to handle the movement while toeing the ground to hold the bike up might be a viable option. Not cheap, which is why it's not on my bike yet. But that really is a yet, sure would make riding a lot more casual, without constantly having to think about how I'm going to back the bike.
So, perhaps it really is a matter of a different bike? I understand the later model touring bikes have the center section as a bolt in on the frame, and the seating can be made very low on them. There is also the softail. That's a darn low bike, especially in several of the variations.
Reverse might also be a help. Short little legs barely tippy-toeing the ground can't push the bike backwards. I know I frequently have to get off myself in order to shove it backwards. Having a reverse to handle the movement while toeing the ground to hold the bike up might be a viable option. Not cheap, which is why it's not on my bike yet. But that really is a yet, sure would make riding a lot more casual, without constantly having to think about how I'm going to back the bike.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,080
Likes: 1,957
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
When I got my RK, the dealer's fit shop used pads under my feet to see what was needed to get me flat foot on the bike. Then they used a combination of suspension and seat mod to get me there.
You might try that in your garage. If you still have the stock suspension and stock RK seat on your EG with the blocks, you can get 1" lower suspension and another 1 1/2" seat mod to get even lower.
You might try that in your garage. If you still have the stock suspension and stock RK seat on your EG with the blocks, you can get 1" lower suspension and another 1 1/2" seat mod to get even lower.
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