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Custom Vehicle Discussions => CVO™ Street Glide® => Topic started by: Retro 11 on December 25, 2010, 07:48:46 AM

Title: Lowering front end
Post by: Retro 11 on December 25, 2010, 07:48:46 AM
Being and older guy  only 5,7 I have had my bikes lowered 1 in in the front, Will this change the handleing of the bike ? I sit flat footed on the 11 bikes now so I thought I would wait till I can ride one for a while and see how I feel with it. If I feel more at ease with it lowered will it change the way it handled?
              Thanks Retro 11
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Chains on December 25, 2010, 08:42:15 AM
My opinion yes, it changes the handling characteristics, at least it has on everyone I have ever lowered.
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Grizzly on December 25, 2010, 08:59:13 AM
I always lowered every Ultra I've ever owned... Rear & front.

As long as you lower front & rear of bike so that it sits level, I have never experienced a problem with the handling of the bike.

Some say with the reduced clearance that you are more likely to bottom out or scrape the boards in corners, but that has never been a concern of mine.

I like the look of a lowered bike and it handles just fine for me... Wouldn't have it any other way!

Some only lower the rear of the bike, which I do not reccommend as then the bike is not level.  Also with the front lowered your handlebars lower which makes it easier to move (walk) the bike around when parking or cleaning.

My wife's Ultra also has a front & rear lowering kit and she is only 5' 2", and she loves her ride!  I think you will enjoy your ride even more when it's lowered.

JMHO

PS - I have always used H-D lowering kits.
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: ultraroad on December 25, 2010, 10:25:39 AM
I read some where that the S.G cannot be lowered anymore as it already contains the standard lowering kit, I would appreciate any input
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: grc on December 25, 2010, 10:25:53 AM

Lowering the front only is not a good idea and I would never recommend doing so.  If you want to lower the bike, lower both ends equally to maintain the standard steering geometry (rake and trail).  In that way you won't affect "handling" other than a slightly reduced lean angle and decreased ground clearance.  Usually a change of only one inch won't make enough difference to seriously affect safety; I would think long and hard before going much further than that.


Jerry
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: slotbike on December 25, 2010, 10:31:31 AM
You cannot lower the 2011 CVO Streetglide.  The bike is already lowered front and rear from the factory.  I spoke to HD after I returned from the dealer show and was told: The 2011 CVO FLHX is already lowered in the front with a special "tuned" CVO front suspension and they "DO NOT" recommend lowering it any more". Doing any modification to the front end will adversly (bad) effect the handling of the bike.

G
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Fatboy on December 25, 2010, 10:36:17 AM
 Changing the seat or modifying the stock one can also get you closer to the ground without the suspension being effected.
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Retro 11 on December 25, 2010, 12:00:51 PM
Since the rear of the SG is already lowered 2in as are all of the SG 1 in in front should not matter any more then my 08 SG that I have had lowered since new. It seems to ride and handle very well. Have not had any problems. The reason I asked this ? is because I do not know it the SE SG front end is any different the the reg SG. I would like to leave it stock and see how I make out with it. I found that I can sit on it flat footed. Is the front end the same?
          Thanks Retro 11
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Grizzly on December 25, 2010, 12:38:27 PM
I read some where that the S.G cannot be lowered anymore as it already contains the standard lowering kit, I would appreciate any input

It would be best to check with your dealer, but I believe the SESG's come as the SEEG's came - lowered in the rear ONLY... When I purchased my '05 SEEG I lowered the front with H-D lowering kit (progressive springs) and now the bike sits level and rides great.

I think when you check with your dealer you will find the same thing is possible.
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Fired00d on December 25, 2010, 01:13:00 PM
It would be best to check with your dealer, but I believe the SESG's come as the SEEG's came - lowered in the rear ONLY... When I purchased my '05 SEEG I lowered the front with H-D lowering kit (progressive springs) and now the bike sits level and rides great.

I think when you check with your dealer you will find the same thing is possible.
You sure?? I'm pretty sure they were lowered front and back..

DRESSED TO THRILL: NEW SCREAMIN' EAGLE ELECTRA GLIDE PACKS 103-INCH TWIN CAM MUSCLE

MILWAUKEE, WIS (August 12, 2003) - The Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) team gives long-haul riders a fist full of power with its latest creation, the 2004 Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide. Based on the popular FLHTC Electra Glide Classic, this limited-edition model is loaded with exclusive custom features and is powered by the 103 cubic inch (1690cc) Twin Cam V-Twin engine, the largest displacement engine offered in a production Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The Harley-Davidson CVO program creates low-volume, custom motorcycles produced by a highly-specialized team of technicians at the Harley-Davidson plant in York, Pa. Approximately 2,750 examples of the 2004 Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide will be manufactured. Suggested U.S. retail price for the Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide is $28,595 ($28,785 in California).
Monster Motor
Tuned to crank out more than 100 ft-lbs. of torque at 3500 rpm-a 20 percent increase over the stock Twin Cam 88 engine-the Twin Cam 103 s created by combining Screamin' Eagle big bore cylinders and a stroker flywheel and rod assembly to the standard Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 88 engine. Bore and stroke are increased from 3.75 x 4.00 inches to 3.87 x 4.37 inches to boost displacement from 88 ci (1450cc) to 103 ci (1690cc). Compression is bumped from 8.9:1 to 9.0:1. The engine, transmission and primary drive case are factory-filled with Screamin' Eagle SYN3 synthetic oil. The EFI system is reprogrammed to match the new engine specifications and to maintain the easy starting and crisp throttle response of the standard EFI Twin Cam 88 engine.
The drivetrain is reinforced to match the power of the engine, with a high-strength final drive belt, a high-performance clutch with hydraulic control, high-torque starter, and a custom oil cooler with chrome cover. The engine is finished with silver powder-coat and chrome covers and chrome touring mufflers with chrome billet end caps. This engine is designed to meet 50-state exhaust emissions and sound regulations.
All The Pretty Pieces
The 2004 Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide features numerous custom features and accessories from the Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories catalog. The CVO team started by installing a Profile Low Rear Suspension kit and a lowered front suspension to match. Chrome Detonator wheels are fitted with chrome Detonator front and rear brake rotors. A one-inch diameter handlebar is fitted with chrome clutch and brake master cylinders, switch housings, and hand levers. The throttle cables and front brake and clutch lines are coated braided stainless steel. A custom leather- seat is backed with a rider backrest and a detachable passenger backrest, both with chrome backplates and Bar and Shield trim inserts. Foot controls include a chrome billet extended reach brake lever and chrome billet heel/toe shift levers.
Convenience items include electronic cruise control, a premium sound system with single CD player and premium speaker assemblies, a custom mounted garage door opener, a CVO indoor storage cover, and a Harley-Davidson factory security system with siren.
Two special, hand-painted color combinations will be offered for the Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide: Candy Cobalt and Starlight Black with Copper accents and Blue pinstriping, and Orange Pearl and Jet Black with Silver accents and Red pinstriping. Both color schemes are completed with a copper leaf fuel tank emblem and a custom cloisonné medallion on the rear fender. The bike comes with color-matched lower fairings, color-matched inner fairing, and custom-painted saddle bag filler strips. The fairing is topped with a custom, dark, mini wind deflector. A custom full-length tank console features a special CVO trim insert, and each bike will be delivered with a custom polished CVO key.
For additional information on the Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide and Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.

# # #


 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Grizzly on December 25, 2010, 01:35:37 PM
Fired00d,

You really know how to hurt a guy!  Reminding me that the US price of these beautiful machines was under $30k, when here in this glorious country of ours we paid over $40k for the same bike!  Of course that was when our $ was worth approx. .78 compared to the green back.

As for the front lowering kit coming stock on my '05... I can't remember all that good at my age, but there must have been an option for an even lower set of springs because I know they manage to lower the front end more to make the bike sit more level.

All I know is that I have always lowered F&R of all my EG's - My '97 Ultra, my '08 SEUC, my wifes's '06 Ultra and would never own one that is not.
I still love to ride my '05 and doubt if I will ever part with it... Came close to trading it on a "11 SESG, but just couldn't see parting with 1 of only 697 2-Tone Teal beauties ever made.

Glad to see you still enjoy riding your '04!

Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Fired00d on December 25, 2010, 03:54:25 PM
Fired00d,

You really know how to hurt a guy!  Reminding me that the US price of these beautiful machines was under $30k, when here in this glorious country of ours we paid over $40k for the same bike!  Of course that was when our $ was worth approx. .78 compared to the green back.

As for the front lowering kit coming stock on my '05... I can't remember all that good at my age, but there must have been an option for an even lower set of springs because I know they manage to lower the front end more to make the bike sit more level.

All I know is that I have always lowered F&R of all my EG's - My '97 Ultra, my '08 SEUC, my wifes's '06 Ultra and would never own one that is not.
I still love to ride my '05 and doubt if I will ever part with it... Came close to trading it on a "11 SESG, but just couldn't see parting with 1 of only 697 2-Tone Teal beauties ever made.

Glad to see you still enjoy riding your '04!

Thanks for the info.
Ouch!!!! Damn... sorry to remind you of that. :oops:

I believe all those (EG's including the SEUC) you mention were normal height and not lowered from the factory.

Thanks... as it says under my avatar.... "Can it get any better?" ;D

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Grizzly on December 25, 2010, 04:10:03 PM
Ouch!!!! Damn... sorry to remind you of that. :oops:

I believe all those (EG's including the SEUC) you mention were normal height and not lowered from the factory.

Thanks... as it says under my avatar.... "Can it get any better?" ;D

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:


Right on!
 :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: SBB on December 25, 2010, 04:15:19 PM
Came close to trading it on a "11 SESG, but just couldn't see parting with 1 of only 697 2-Tone Teal beauties ever made.
Thanks for the info.


Grizzly

Those 05 Teal bikes are rare.
Can't blame you for keeping yours.
Nancy's loving her's.
And FYI, the actual production numbers were 693, although existing numbers may be 692, I do know of one that didn't make it.  :nervous: :nervous:

SBB
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Grizzly on December 25, 2010, 05:18:41 PM

Grizzly

Those 05 Teal bikes are rare.
Can't blame you for keeping yours.
Nancy's loving her's.
And FYI, the actual production numbers were 693, although existing numbers may be 692, I do know of one that didn't make it.  :nervous: :nervous:

SBB

Thanks buddy!  :2vrolijk_21:
Even better!  1 of ONLY 692!!!
Definitely a keeper.
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: jcd520 on December 26, 2010, 02:52:34 PM
Question------------I am of the opinion and have been told by dealers that the SESG2 is only lowered in the rear. It has the new shocks pictured on page 431 of the Accessories catalog(premium ride hand adjustable low touring shocks) which state that a bike can be lowered by up to 3/4 of an inch by using them. So the 2011 SESG 2 is lowered by 3/4 of an inch in the rear and I am told is stock height in the front----------Anybody been told differently? I do know the stock flhx bikes are lowered all the way around. CD
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Retro 11 on December 26, 2010, 10:09:21 PM
If I knew how to make pics smaller I would post my 08 sg lowered 1 in with HD lowering kit. If any one wants to see it shoot me an E mail I will send pics.
             Retro 11
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: grc on December 26, 2010, 10:20:40 PM
Question------------I am of the opinion and have been told by dealers that the SESG2 is only lowered in the rear. It has the new shocks pictured on page 431 of the Accessories catalog(premium ride hand adjustable low touring shocks) which state that a bike can be lowered by up to 3/4 of an inch by using them. So the 2011 SESG 2 is lowered by 3/4 of an inch in the rear and I am told is stock height in the front----------Anybody been told differently? I do know the stock flhx bikes are lowered all the way around. CD

I believe you have it backwards.  The regular Street Glides are lowered in the rear only, and the CVO versions are lowered front and rear.  The following is from the Harley catalog for the front end lowering kit:


Profile® Low Touring Front Lowering Kit

Place the rider's feet firmly on the ground. This kit utilizes components designed to provide a 1" decrease in ride height.  This product is available in multiple variations. Be sure to look for the one that fits the specific model and year of your motorcycle.

54564-09

Fits '09-later Touring models (except FLHR, FLHRC, FLHP, FLHPE, FLTRSE3, FLHXSE/2 and Trike models). Must only be installed on vehicles equipped with Profile® Low Touring Shocks P/N 54635-09. Can be installed on FLHX and FLTRX models with Original Equipment rear shocks.

MSRP US $149.95


Jerry
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Retro 11 on December 27, 2010, 08:53:46 AM
Jerry
Are you saying that the SESG is lowered in the front from the factory? I have not seen anything that says that is is. I hope you are right. does anyone know if th SE sit"s lower then reg SG?
             Retro 11
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: grc on December 27, 2010, 03:14:56 PM
Jerry
Are you saying that the SESG is lowered in the front from the factory? I have not seen anything that says that is is. I hope you are right. does anyone know if th SE sit"s lower then reg SG?
             Retro 11

The front suspension springs and dampers on the FLHX are the same as what is on the standard ElectraGlide.  The FLHXSE has a different spring listed in the parts catalog.  So I believe that supports my original statement that the FLHX is not lowered in the front, while the FLHXSE is lowered.

There is more to the equation than just the front suspension.  There is also a difference in the seats between the FLHX and the FLHXSE, and I've found over the years that seat design can affect how well those of us with short inseams can reach the ground just as much if not more than a one inch difference in suspension height/ground clearance. 

If you need a little more help to feel fully comfortable, I would recommend first looking at your footwear.  Boots with a thicker high traction sole made a world of difference for me when trying to manuever my bike.  Then consider a different or custom seat to let you sit lower or with a narrower front section to let you get your legs down straighter.  The very last resort should be further lowering of the suspension, since it could have handling and safety repercussions.


Jerry
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Retro 11 on December 27, 2010, 04:41:31 PM
Thanks for the info,cant wait to sit on one, I have not ridden any of the new SG since I bought mine in 08.
                        Retro 11
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: slotbike on December 27, 2010, 06:05:41 PM
Retro,

EVEN THOUGH THE CVO (FLHXSE2) IS LOWERED FRONT AND REAR ALREADY, THE ACTUAL SEAT HEIGHT IS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN A STOCK FLHX. THE O9/10/11 (WITH THE NEW FRAMES) ARE ALSO SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN YOUR 08 SINCE THE EXHAUST HAD TO BE RUN UNDER THE FRAME.

G
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: JCZ on December 27, 2010, 06:24:56 PM
Thanks for the info,cant wait to sit on one, I have not ridden any of the new SG since I bought mine in 08.
                        Retro 11

You're in for a very pleasant surprise.  The new (09 and up) baggers are improved leaps and bounds over the old chassis.  I didn't have any intentions of buying a new bike but made the mistake of riding my wife's 09 Street Glide in the mountains.  Put a deposit down in early 09 for first pick of the 2010 CVOs.  The rest is history. :2vrolijk_21: