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[megavolt17]

OK,

My new bike is a bit too high for me, and I am looking for advice.  I used a shorter (Corbin) seat on my 1998 Road Glide and it helped somewhat but with the narrower seat with thinner, harder padding it was less comfortable for riding.  The lower seat also did not make as dramatic a change in my ability to straddle the bike as I had hoped for.

Short of borrowing platform shoes from Austin Powers what is the best option so that I don't have to stand on my tip toes to walk my 700 lbs motorcycle?  I see lowering kits (front and read) on the HD web page (54631-02B and 54628-06).  This bike is so wide at the transmission/floorboard level that I don't think a narrower seat will do much good.  Is the HD lowering kit a good option, or should I look to an after market suspension product instead?  How much will this affect the handling of the bike?  If the floorboards scrape too easily I can raise them if that will be a problem.

Are there other options I should consider?  Anything else I need to be concerned about before I take the plunge?

Thanks in advance!

[Capo]

OK,

My new bike is a bit too high for me, and I am looking for advice.  I used a shorter (Corbin) seat on my 1998 Road Glide and it helped somewhat but with the narrower seat with thinner, harder padding it was less comfortable for riding.  The lower seat also did not make as dramatic a change in my ability to straddle the bike as I had hoped for.

Short of borrowing platform shoes from Austin Powers what is the best option so that I don't have to stand on my tip toes to walk my 700 lbs motorcycle?  I see lowering kits (front and read) on the HD web page (54631-02B and 54628-06).  This bike is so wide at the transmission/floorboard level that I don't think a narrower seat will do much good.  Is the HD lowering kit a good option, or should I look to an after market suspension product instead?  How much will this affect the handling of the bike?  If the floorboards scrape too easily I can raise them if that will be a problem.

Are there other options I should consider?  Anything else I need to be concerned about before I take the plunge?

Thanks in advance!

Likewise and I had the H-D lowering kit installed and I am not thrilled. I am awaiting a set of Arnott Air Suspension for the back and leaving the lowered fork springs. The money was about the same-if you want these 11" rear shocks make me an offer- they were $275 each and are 6 weeks old with 700 miles on them.

[Hoist!]

1" shorter Traxxion AK-20 front cartridges and 300mm bitubo shocks!

http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=11864.msg184564#msg184564
http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=14208.msg223274#msg223274
http://traxxion.com/cruisers/cruiser_harley.shtml

Hoist!

[grc]

magavolt,

This won't help your situation, but it may make you feel a little better about the difficulty you're having maneuvering the bike.  That "700 lb." bike is actually a 900 lb. bike.  From H-D specifications:   Dry Weight   864.0 lbs.   Running Order   901.0 lbs.

The front end lowering kit from H-D is a reasonably acceptable alternative, although the aftermarket offers better performance at an admittedly higher price.  I wouldn't recommend the H-D kit for the rear.  That is the same shorter air shock that came stock on the SEEG's, and it has very little travel and almost zero damping.  You would be better off with an aftermarket lowering kit that moves the lower shock attachment (using the stock shocks) if you want the least expensive alternative.  If you don't mind losing the air adjustability, conventional shocks from Progressive Suspension have proven to be a popular alternative.  A 12" shock would lower the rear approximately .75" - 1.0".  Of course, if money is no object you may want to look at some of the infinitely adjustable air shocks like the Legends.  There are folks here with several different solutions on their bikes, so you should be able to get good feedback once you narrow down what you're looking for.

Jerry

[BIGDOG]

If you lower the bike it is not a matter of if the floorboards scrape , the left one will for sure. Not a big deal after you get used to the fact. The first time you make a hard left it will get your attention but you will get used to it. After market is great ,but I have lowered several bikes using HD parts and they were fine unless you get crazy thru the twisties. Be sure to lower front and back not just back, looks better and rides better. My only other suggestion is don't use rear shock locator's , do it right the first time.

[megavolt17]

If you lower the bike it is not a matter of if the floorboards scrape , the left one will for sure. Not a big deal after you get used to the fact. The first time you make a hard left it will get your attention but you will get used to it.

The floorboards are adjustable, correct?  Or is that just the passenger boards?  Would raising the floorboards help? 

Traxxion vs HD lowering kit on the front (with thicker fork oil to dampen better).
Bitubo vs Progressive vs Legends vs HD lowering air shock on the rear.

Traxxion is $1200 plus install (ouch).  What is the cost of the Bitubo, Progressive and Legends?  My first bike only cost $1000, of course you could fill it up for $1 back then 

[HogDude]

The floorboards are adjustable, correct?  Or is that just the passenger boards?  Would raising the floorboards help? 

Traxxion vs HD lowering kit on the front (with thicker fork oil to dampen better).
Bitubo vs Progressive vs Legends vs HD lowering air shock on the rear.

Traxxion is $1200 plus install (ouch).  What is the cost of the Bitubo, Progressive and Legends?  My first bike only cost $1000, of course you could fill it up for $1 back then 

MegaV,
Here's another to throw in the mix as far as air suspension goes
http://www.arnottairride.com/products/makeDetails.asp?makeId=16

[Air1]

Hogdude,
looks like a good set up.

[HogDude]

Hogdude,
looks like a good set up.

Air1,
I have been considering this one, but I haven't pulled the hammer yet.

Decisions, decisions.

[Air1]

I'm thinking p/u a pair of Arnott's in Port Canaveral and head up to Traxxion (AK-20 front cartridges) in ATL, get it all installed there (2 or 3 day process).

Looking to see if someone has used them yet.



   

[Capo]

I'm thinking p/u a pair of Arnott's in Port Canaveral and head up to Traxxion (AK-20 front cartridges) in ATL, get it all installed there (2 or 3 day process).

Looking to see if someone has used them yet.



   

They just arrived yesterday probaby installing my self next weekend. I will post after test ride. I did unpak and verify packing list and the components and package look heavy duty and well organized.

[HogDude]

I'm thinking p/u a pair of Arnott's in Port Canaveral and head up to Traxxion (AK-20 front cartridges) in ATL, get it all installed there (2 or 3 day process).

Looking to see if someone has used them yet.
   

Air,
Here's a thread... Old Wrench on the forum has the air version
http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=21623.0;all

[BIGDOG]

The floorboards are adjustable, correct?  Or is that just the passenger boards?  Would raising the floorboards help? 

Traxxion vs HD lowering kit on the front (with thicker fork oil to dampen better).
Bitubo vs Progressive vs Legends vs HD lowering air shock on the rear.

Traxxion is $1200 plus install (ouch).  What is the cost of the Bitubo, Progressive and Legends?  My first bike only cost $1000, of course you could fill it up for $1 back then 

One thing to remember is if you are short coupled like I am [29" inseam] using an air system that raises the bike will create issues when you come to stop lights and other areas of stop and go. I have always used the HD lowered air springs because they are a happy medium , I believe the legend air and others like it are smooth when inflated but quite stiff when dropped . To confirm that maybe someone who has that system could answer the question. Front springs just need to be progressive wound and I think HD springs are so that easy.
Hope this helps and maybe saves you some money. [I can't believe I said that]

[Air1]

Air,
Here's a thread... Old Wrench on the forum has the air version
http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=21623.0;all

The V-rod folks are doing GB with Arnott. Frank at Arnott is motorcycle rep. I've been playing phone tag with him this afternoon.
I think the best thing is for Arnott to set up special pricing for CVO Harley members and we do direct buys. 

[old wrench]

Air,
Here's a thread... Old Wrench on the forum has the air version
http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=21623.0;all

I have made a change on mine from the original Arnott system, I put some of the Aldan adjustable shocks on that they offer, you can buy them with the system and they do add more cost to it. But there is a big ride difference in the Aldan shocks compared to the Bilsteins I had on it. With the Aldan you have a larger piston and a cover airboot, and the adjustment gives you the choice of return rate, the ride is alot better on rougher roads. If your looking for somthing to just change the height of the bike then the Bilsteins are fine, if you looking for height and ride comfort I would spend the extra coin and go with the Aldans. 

[Smiler]

 
Has to be said

[Air1]

I have made a change on mine from the original Arnott system, I put some of the Aldan adjustable shocks on that they offer, you can buy them with the system and they do add more cost to it. But there is a big ride difference in the Aldan shocks compared to the Bilsteins I had on it. With the Aldan you have a larger piston and a cover airboot, and the adjustment gives you the choice of return rate, the ride is alot better on rougher roads. If your looking for somthing to just change the height of the bike then the Bilsteins are fine, if you looking for height and ride comfort I would spend the extra coin and go with the Aldans. 

Thanks for the advice, I'll go for the aldans.

[old wrench]

Has to be said

I know I had just put the bag on when I thought about the pics, so it was take it back off and get the pics or take it for a ride  like I said the ride was a lot better than the other shocks, I will get some this weekend, the Aldans are a damn good looking shock, I got the chrome they were the same price as the black even though they dont show that much.

[Capo]

I have made a change on mine from the original Arnott system, I put some of the Aldan adjustable shocks on that they offer, you can buy them with the system and they do add more cost to it. But there is a big ride difference in the Aldan shocks compared to the Bilsteins I had on it. With the Aldan you have a larger piston and a cover airboot, and the adjustment gives you the choice of return rate, the ride is alot better on rougher roads. If your looking for somthing to just change the height of the bike then the Bilsteins are fine, if you looking for height and ride comfort I would spend the extra coin and go with the Aldans. 

OW thanks for the update I have emailed a request to return the bilsteins for the aldans and to get the 10%-so I have cancelled the install until I hear their reply. Glad I caught this the system showed up the day you posted this and I was planning to install this morning-everything happens for a reason-huh?

[megavolt17]

This was a more complicated process than I thought.  I ordered the Traxxion AK-20 and the Bitubo HD 300 mm rear shocks.  The AK-20 arrived within a couple of weeks and we then waited another 3-4 weeks for the Bitubos.  Finally everything came in and I brought my bike to Appalachian HD to do the install.  After disassembling the front end they realized the AK-20 were not set up for my bike.  A few calls between Appalachian the Traxxion and it appeared the AK-20 were set up for a 1998 Ultra.  Appalachian HD did not feel comfortable modifying the cartridges and sent the whole assembly to Traxxion.

3 more weeks pass with my bike partially disassembled and on a lift at Appalachian.  I am 1 week out from my bike being packed to ship to Germany and panicking.  What was I thinking to have done this during riding season and prior to PCSing!  How am I going to get my bike to Germany?

Knowing my dilemma Appalachian HD kept calling Traxxion who express shipped my front end back to Appalachian.  Brian Quizenberry called yesterday to let me know that my AK-20 had arrived.  Everything was finished this morning and I just picked up my bike.  Talk about cutting this close!

First ride:
I took the long way home on my bike going on I 81 at well over the legal limit past trucks with a cross wind - no more bike buffeting like a kite with a short tail (this was a complete surprise as I have not read any posts about this).  I braked hard and immediately noticed no front end dive!  Rather when you hit the brakes it depresses about 1/2 inch and immediately, even before you release the brake, it returns to it's prior position.  Releasing the brakes it does not rebound up at all as it did with the stock shocks.  It felt completely different than prior and much more stable.  I think this will help on the Autobahn where there are no speedlimits.

Then off to the side roads with ridges, ripples, etc.  Not as smooth as I had hoped on the bumps, but less harsh than prior.  I did not manage to bottom out or top out the bike even with it now being 1" lower than prior.  Oddly I did not scrape the floor boards either  (Appalachian adjusted them and the kickstand I believe) as I had expected on the S curves and long sweeping corners, many with ripples and dips.  It felt glued to the road compared to prior, I wonder if I had more wheel hop prior than I had realized?

The feeling of the bike wandering around a curve is gone.  The feeling of it being unstable if taken into a curve a bit too suddenly is gone.  It used to corner OK if I did a smooth deliberate corner, but felt unsteady if I abruptly cornered or changed my path while cornering.  It no longer does the S curve or slalom "wiggle" that made the rear end feel as if it was cornering differently than the front of the bike.  If I apply the brakes while cornering it feels sure footed and not as if I are going to either go over the handlebars or dump the bike.  Low speed cornering seems easier, but that might be because it is now 1" lower.  When I come to a stop I can touch, nearly flat footed!

I will see you all when I am set up on the other side of the pond!