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CVO Technical => Wheels/Tires/Suspension/Brakes => Topic started by: wadeh on June 07, 2010, 01:05:54 AM
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My '09 SE Ultra rides terrific but seems super top heavy with even the slightest off camber maneuver (backing out of parking space, etc.). I'm 6'4" but the damn thing still seems top heavier than any of my other bikes. I don't want to screw with the ride, but thinking about 1" lower shocks on rear and lowering kit on front...anyone try this?
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I had the same problem with my '09 SEUC and used Progressive 11,5" in the back, with no other change. Worked quite well. Obviously there are many more expensive options.
Ride safely,
Louis
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:confused5: Lowering the bike isn't going to eliminate that "top heavy" feel, but it will negatively affect the ride quality. I'd suggest thinking this through a bit more.
Jerry
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My '09 SE Ultra rides terrific but seems super top heavy with even the slightest off camber maneuver (backing out of parking space, etc.). I'm 6'4" but the damn thing still seems top heavier than any of my other bikes. I don't want to screw with the ride, but thinking about 1" lower shocks on rear and lowering kit on front...anyone try this?
Did the QA1 air shocks with on board compressor from Arnott. Drops when I need to and if I am two up just add air!
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Put the sesg adjustable shocks on my 2010 seuc last week. Lowered the bike within 1/2" of my 09 serg. Absolutely love the shocks. I have used a lot of aftermarket shocks thru the years on various dressers. IMHO these are without question the best riding and handling. I have them adjusted 2 turns (can't hear the clicks) out for me and the tp. No bottoming out period. Wheel seems to be glued to the road. Rode about 250 miles 2up this weekend turned 3 turns out. Slightly more stiff but same results. Momma says this bikes rides like the Cadillac and serg was more like the Vette. Don't know how or why they work and don't care. I'm keeping them. Only problem now is the front end seems to stiff. Going to install the Progressive Mono's and see how they perform.
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Pics
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pics
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:confused5: Lowering the bike isn't going to eliminate that "top heavy" feel, but it will negatively affect the ride quality. I'd suggest thinking this through a bit more.
Jerry
Being you are 6'4" i agree with Jerry.... F.Y.I. You may want to have your dealer check to see if you have the early style side stand
bracket, which enabled the lean angle further with stand down. This could be your solution :)
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I am 5'7" and I had to install the Arnott Air suspension in my '09 SE Ultra as soon as I purchased her.....I couldn't reach the ground ???....they are great :2vrolijk_21:
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Installed the 1" lower rear shocks on my Ultra. Made a big difference in my feel at the stops and lots.
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I use Legend Air Suspension on the rear and 1" lowered Traxxion up front. Rides nice and is comfortable...
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I'm "only" 5' 9" and have noticed the same slightly top heavy feel with my '10 Ultra that you describe, Wadeh. My BSR has noticed it too -especially after I dropped the bike and her on a slightly off-camber side hill. :'( :'( I was less than happy about either one of my babys hitting the ground, so I used Harley's front lowering kit and installed their 54635-09 Profile Low Touring (air) Shocks. Now I feel more comfortable handling the bike at low speeds, but the rear ride quality sucks (putting it mildly). It feels like there is almost no suspension travel in the rear now because the rear suspension bottoms on almost every little bump in the road -even with 50 psi in the shocks.
We (BSR & me) hadn't realized how bad the ride quality was until we took our '07 SERK for a good ride. The SERK came lowered from the factory, but has the earlier style rear lowering shocks. They seem to have more travel, and maybe better damping too. They give a cushy ride and rarely bottom. 8)
Meanwhile back on the Ultra -we're so disappointed with the ride that I'm seriously considering putting the stock suspension back on. The SESG shocks sound good, but I'm nervous about spending $500 to find out. We do most of our riding 2 up, (our combined weight is about 330 lbs before adding luggage, etc.) and are getting the bike set up to tow our trailer. We're getting ready for a several thousand mile road trip, and we want to use our trailer, but don't want to bottom out on every little pebble in the road.
:confused5: Lowering the bike isn't going to eliminate that "top heavy" feel, but it will negatively affect the ride quality. I'd suggest thinking this through a bit more.
Jerry
I have to agree with Jerry -lowering the bike didn't eliminate the top heavy feel, and did negatively affect the ride quality... but at least I can plant both feet firmly on the ground now and get some good leverage on the bars.
Does anyone know why the Mo Co says the early style air shocks (up to '08 I think) don't fit the late style frame? ('09 and newer) I've compared the shocks on both bikes and at 12" they are the same length. Looks like they have the same mounting hardware size too... I would try the shocks from the '07 on the '10, but I'm a little worried that suspension travel may be the big difference. If I put the '07 shocks on, and they have more travel it may allow the tire to contact the fender or destroy the wiring under there. Anybody know if the travel is the difference? ???
Not happy with the current suspension, but not sure which way to go now either. And running out of time quickly! :'(
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Trying to resolve the same top-heavy issue, this is what I have done with my FLHTCUSE3 08 SE Ultra.
1st. Installed rear lowering shocks
2nd. Took the stock seat off and had seat reworked in the saddle-trimmed down sides- and had trim shop install gel pads for rider+ passenger.
3rd. Replaced stock handlebars with Pull-Backs.
I am 6 ft. 1 in. weigh 190 lbs, and with these mods it handles better, feels better all around.
I adjust the rear shocks (max. pressure with my wife on)
My suggestion is that whatever you do, go out and progressively ride a little harder each time and really get comfortable with your bike and its set up.
I am fortunate to have the local Abate Rider Course in our area very close to my home, and will at the end or beginning of a ride go run through it for 20-30 minutes and go at it a little harder each time.
I have also taken the Beginners, and Advanced Course, and just go through the same exercise's
You can also go to any vacant parking lot and practice these same exercise's.
I feel better with these mods/ and it makes the day or day's out more enojoyable.
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I have lowered a lot of my Harleys and in most cases just because they looked better. No matter if done with Shocks or Springs, it has always affected the handling negatively. I would go with a lower seat, just my 2 cents worth.
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Some of us like the lowered look period. You don't get nothin for nothin. There are trade offs on most any change you make. However I think these shocks are a win win. The factory air shocks suck. We all agree on that. The lowered air shocks really suck. I have had 5 different dressers over the last 15 years and have tried a lot of different shocks. If you go lower on the older bikes you will give something up either ride or handling or both. Being younger and tougher looks won out back then. Now being a tad older comfort is more important. The 2010 seuc is a huge improvement over my 2008 ultra no doubt. IMHO the serg shocks are awesome. No loss in handling or ride and 1" lower stance. To me the rear tire now seems glued to the road and I like that feeling also. Most important thing is BS rider says it was money well spent.
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I have 2010 SESG new Coilovers available with less than 120 miles on them...
Let me know if there is a interest in them for your bikes....
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I have friends interested. How much? Have you found something better? enquirering mind needs to know?
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I would like to get $375.00 for them or OBO - I decided to go with Ohlins, contemplated on Air Suspension (arnott or legends)
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Rode over to JP Cycles Open House this weekend and seen a new conversion fit from Fat Baggers Inc. They have a bolt on kit that drops the seat height 3 inches, narrows the saddle and really fits short leg guy really well. They have a regular version and one for people 5' 6" or shorter. I am 5'9" and after sitting on both, I prefer the shorter stance with the bike dropped and inch in the front and back. Check them out they are cool.
Supershooter