Topic: Lowered Convertable?????? (Read 6676 times)

09BlueRoadKing · « **on:** April 23, 2012, 11:00:56 PM »

I know the convertable already comes pretty low from the factory, but the wife doesnt really like how the rear fender sits up high off her rear tire. Has anyone lowered thier bike at least an inch and if so how much difference is it in the ride, and does it look better??? Pics would be nice if anyone has done it, thanks.
Sonny

Mr. Warlock · « **Reply #1 on:** April 24, 2012, 06:28:10 AM »

I don't think "I" would want this thing any lower than it already is they scrap way too easy already and could create a very unsafe situation for your wife.

Lever · « **Reply #2 on:** April 24, 2012, 06:29:23 AM »

prstaples1911 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 24, 2012, 01:14:44 PM »

Dangerous without removing floor boards.

09BlueRoadKing · « **Reply #4 on:** April 24, 2012, 10:04:35 PM »

You guys know how to keep us informed, never thought about the boards scrapping (then I dont ride her bike much, usally to go get gas). Guess the service writer at the dealership wasnt thinking of that when he ordered the lowering bolts for her bike Sat. The bike is going in for a front end make-over in the morning, guess since the lowering bolts are new in the package they can be returned. Thanks for shedding some light on this.

Jasray · « **Reply #5 on:** April 25, 2012, 12:22:26 AM »

I agree on the implications of lowering an already lowered bike. I assume that your wife is the passanger in this scenario? A different seat would be a better alternative to changing the ride and drive of the bike.

Mr. Warlock · « **Reply #6 on:** April 25, 2012, 07:26:35 AM »

What are you having done to the front end? Make sure you post pics after the work.......... and for that matter....

paconico1992 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 25, 2012, 12:20:00 PM »

Have you considered forward controls?

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #8 on:** April 25, 2012, 12:33:01 PM »

Have you considered something like the Legend Air Ride? That way, she gets the best of both worlds, but they are not cheap.

I definitely would not lower the rear end more, not only for clearance purposes, but also suspension travel/fender clearances.

09BlueRoadKing · « **Reply #9 on:** April 26, 2012, 10:56:09 PM »

Its my wifes bike, she rides her own. As far as the front end goes she just had the 7 in light put on with the freight train nacell. trying to figure out how to post pics on this site. She is also selling the complete fairing with the audio set up off of her bike, which is a 2011, just had the 5000 mile service done. Will take pics of the bike and all parts for sale soon and try to post them.

Jasray · « **Reply #10 on:** April 27, 2012, 12:01:38 AM »

Now I'm really lost. This is your wife's bike and she is sitting in a seat that is 24" off the ground and she wants that lowered?

grc · « **Reply #11 on:** April 27, 2012, 12:21:13 PM »

Quote from: Jasray on April 27, 2012, 12:01:38 AM

Now I'm really lost. This is your wife's bike and she is sitting in a seat that is 24" off the ground and she wants that lowered?

Read the first post. She doesn't like the looks of the gap between the fender and the tire. Nothing was said about the seat being too high for her.

There are a lot of folks who let "looks" or "style" lead them to do things to their bikes that are not terribly good ideas. Hopefully she will see the light and leave it alone. Have her read the other thread currently running on the site from someone wanting to know about jacking his up because it scrapes the boards all the time.

Proper handling and safety should ALWAYS trump looks and style.

Jerry

ozarke · « **Reply #12 on:** April 27, 2012, 12:38:09 PM »

"Proper handling and safety should ALWAYS trump looks and style."

Well said.

dcigar · « **Reply #13 on:** May 08, 2012, 08:37:00 PM »

forget about the handling..... the side stand wont even go down if its any lower.....

Willie D · « **Reply #14 on:** May 09, 2012, 03:59:51 PM »

Quote from: dcigar on May 08, 2012, 08:37:00 PM

forget about the handling..... the side stand wont even go down if its any lower.....

Yup

How can she see the 'Gap' with the bags on ?

JMHO

09BlueRoadKing · « **Reply #15 on:** May 09, 2012, 10:34:27 PM »

Thanks for all the "smart" answers, she rides alot without the bags on, and the stand will go down if lowered only an inch. Had someone message me on HD forums.com that has actually lowered his.

PierceEye · « **Reply #16 on:** May 09, 2012, 10:53:17 PM »

Quote from: dcigar on May 08, 2012, 08:37:00 PM

forget about the handling..... the side stand wont even go down if its any lower.....

X2

Mr. Warlock · « **Reply #17 on:** May 10, 2012, 04:51:56 AM »

I don't care what that guy says on HDF I guarantee that she/you will not be happy if it's lowered any more than it already is. After you scrape the underside of the engine and the floor boards dig in you'll be wanting to leave the bike home. I saw that guys deal too but the drivabilty of the bike is going to be very shortened. It won't be any fun to ride having to worry about every move you make on every corner.

ozarke · « **Reply #18 on:** May 10, 2012, 12:33:01 PM »

Quote from: Mr. Warlock on May 10, 2012, 04:51:56 AM

I don't care what that guy says on HDF I guarantee that she/you will not be happy if it's lowered any more than it already is. After you scrape the underside of the engine and the floor boards dig in you'll be wanting to leave the bike home. I saw that guys deal too but the drivabilty of the bike is going to be very shortened. It won't be any fun to ride having to worry about every move you make on every corner.

X2

When parking, I always make sure that I find a place that is lower to the left side (definitely not higher) as the bike stands to erect with the side stand it has now. If lowered any more a new side stand will be required.

grc · « **Reply #19 on:** May 10, 2012, 01:28:47 PM »

Save your breath guys, it's obvious that "looks" is the determining factor here, not function, practicality or safety. I'd suggest if someone is really that concerned about a little space between the rear tire and fender they should get a custom rigid with the fender slammed onto the fat tire, like the crap on OCC. Those are great for parking in the garage or trailering to a show. Of course if you pay attention to what those OCC boys really ride on a trip of more than a mile or two, it isn't one of those bikes they make for the rubes.

If the bike highsides off the stand due to a slight bump or a gust of wind, I guess she can get it fixed or buy another one. If something solid makes contact with that high spot in the middle of a curve and dumps her and the bike, she can buy another bike and hopefully any missing skin or broken bones will eventually heal. Assuming she doesn't slide under a semi of course.

As for the guy in that other forum, all I can say is if you ask enough people you will eventually find someone who will tell you what you want to hear. It's obvious you and your wife want to lower her bike, so just do it. The majority here seem to think along the same lines as I do, but when it comes to her and her bike it's not a democracy; she gets the final say.

JMHO - Jerry

Mr. Warlock · « **Reply #20 on:** May 11, 2012, 07:08:48 AM »

Quote from: 09BlueRoadKing on April 23, 2012, 11:00:56 PM

I know the convertable already comes pretty low from the factory, but the wife doesnt really like how the rear fender sits up high off her rear tire. Has anyone lowered thier bike at least an inch and if so how much difference is it in the ride, and does it look better??? Pics would be nice if anyone has done it, thanks.
Sonny

Can you post a pic of your wifes bike? I was out tinkerin last night and realized that there is no gap between the tire and fender on mine and don't remember there ever being one.

PierceEye · « **Reply #21 on:** May 13, 2012, 12:20:18 AM »

Quote from: Mr. Warlock on May 11, 2012, 07:08:48 AM

Can you post a pic of your wifes bike? I was out tinkerin last night and realized that there is no gap between the tire and fender on mine and don't remember there ever being one.

I dont have any pace either to speak of
http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=56832.0;attach=174801;image

Mr. Warlock · « **Reply #22 on:** May 13, 2012, 07:26:19 AM »

Well........... that looks the same as mine, not sure what gap is your wifes concern, I don't see any gaps. I think the height of the fender over the rear tire is perfect as far as looks go.

lshot · « **Reply #23 on:** May 13, 2012, 08:39:04 PM »

I really havent had any problems with mine lowered. Im that guy" I did add fluid to the front forks to solve the dive issue. So far no problems.

Lennyiti · « **Reply #24 on:** May 14, 2012, 07:14:10 PM »

Well I am taking my wife's bike to the shop this week to get it lowered and we are also shaving some of the seat filler off the sides a little off the top and adding a little to the rear to push her forward. She is short " about 5'2" and had been riding it fine as this is her third bike and she has about 20k of miles riding, but she has become ill and doesn't quite have the strenght she use to so I am hoping this will get her back riding as she has became devastated with her not being comfortable riding lately. I know I am going to need to give the side stand some "love" but I didn't think about the floor boards rubbing. I may have to addres that issue now too. I will keep you posted with pics of what I make out with this next week.

Mr. Warlock · « **Reply #25 on:** May 15, 2012, 06:21:03 AM »

Very sorry to hear that she has been ill, give her our best and keep her safe. Hope you can get it so she can enjoy it more.

09BlueRoadKing · « **Reply #26 on:** May 15, 2012, 10:49:20 PM »

Wife and bike are just fine, you guys enjoy your ride.

Kevan2k · « **Reply #27 on:** September 19, 2012, 11:47:20 PM »

Lowered mine, rides fine. Sets on stand fine. Custom fit RK bags, makes it look even lower.....

codten · « **Reply #28 on:** September 20, 2012, 02:34:44 PM »

DocHogette · « **Reply #29 on:** September 26, 2012, 10:27:29 AM »

I am barely 5 feet tall and lowered my convertible an inch just to be able to reach the ground. (Also did a couple of other things to get it to fit me better.) I haven't scraped yet, though is suspect there will come a day when the foot boards might. I have gone over several speed bumps and no scrape there either. Still handles like a dream. The kickstand still goes down no problem. I don't think I would have lowered it strictly for looks, but for me it was a necessity just to be able to ride.

SteveO · « **Reply #30 on:** October 09, 2012, 08:06:03 PM »

MUD FLAP !!

Gamma742 · « **Reply #31 on:** October 10, 2012, 12:19:08 AM »

My wife always scraps

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