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[HD Gamer]

I recently purchased a 2013 CVO Road Glide Custom and I'd like to lower it 2". I'm 5'8" and have trouble backing it up, especially up an incline. I have a Softail that sits 2" lower (granted its 100 lbs lighter) and I have no issues.
I'm considering seat changes, air shocks, or combination of things. Not high heels on my boots though - please don't go there.
Has anyone else lowered their bike and what would they recommend or advise against?

[GregKhougaz]

Your bike already has 12" rear shocks instead of the usual 13". You could install a Progressive Monotubes and lower that an inch as well. I think you will like the handling. There are many other front end kits as well.  If you use the search function here, you'll find more information than you'll ever need.

A custom seat from Corbin, Lapera, or others will also help.   See their websites.  Good luck!

[grc]

I recently purchased a 2013 CVO Road Glide Custom and I'd like to lower it 2". I'm 5'8" and have trouble backing it up, especially up an incline. I have a Softail that sits 2" lower (granted its 100 lbs lighter) and I have no issues.
I'm considering seat changes, air shocks, or combination of things. Not high heels on my boots though - please don't go there.
Has anyone else lowered their bike and what would they recommend or advise against?

The rear suspension of your bike is already lowered one inch from the factory.  You really don't want to lower it any further if you value comfort and safety.  You could lower the front one inch as Greg mentioned.  If all you need is the ability to get more traction when backing up, the best approach is a seat with a lower and narrower rider section that let's you get your feet down closer to the bike (less bowlegged if you know what I mean), and better riding boots with a thicker heel and high traction sole.  I'm not talking about high heels; the boots I use came from Harley and have a reasonable looking heel and soul sole that is thicker than many of the things I see people wear on their bikes.

If you have deep pockets you can always look at one of the air suspension systems like Legends or Arnott that have an onboard compressor.  Lower the suspension for parking lot maneuvering, raise it back up for actual riding.  There are plenty of people on the site who can answer questions related to those systems.  You could also employ the deep pockets approach and install a reverse gear option, making backing up a breeze.

Jerry

[Gnarl78]

have trouble backing it up, especially up an incline.

I resemble that remark  I make sure I don't park it where I have to backup an incline. Even when I had a Legend air ride I wasn't able to do that!

[HD Gamer]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm considering the Arnott Aldan air suspension. Any issues?
Should I lower the front end too? I really only need to lower it when parking and possibly at traffic lights.

[GregKhougaz]

Lowering the front may not help your height issue that much but if you search "Progressive Monotubes" here, you'll see many comments about how much better your bike will handle / ride.   

[Snapperkid]

You can lower it one inch using a good 40.00 lowering kit found on ebay. They say they won't work but they will. Got it on my 13 RK CVO. Get another inch with a good seat.... I have a Corbin that's at least an inch lower than stock.

[Para Bellum]

Should I lower the front end too?

The Progressive monotubes referred to above are for the front end.  They have 2 kits, one to keep stock height, and the other lets you lower the front as much as 2".  They also improve the handling.  Check http://progressivesuspension.com/.

There's also a system made by Traxxion Dynamics that's way more expensive.  Check http://www.traxxion.com/

[HD Gamer]

I discovered an active suspension option from CDC: a hydraulic shock that drops 2.5" below 13mph and automatically goes back up to stock length. They claim that it provides full travel even when retracted.
It's very pricey, $3500. Does anyone have experience with this?
http://www.hdsuspension.com

[Imbuilt2ride]

I have a 2012 CVO RG and I am 5' 8.  I put the progressive mono shocks up front and lowered it 2 inches.  It made a huge improvement in handling and I am flat footed now.  I am about to throw on a air ride for the back from Xotic Customs $499 shipped.  Then i will be sitting with my knees bent. lol

[FlaHeatWave]

I'd suggest doing a seat first, then suspension if you still need to go lower

[deldago]

I just ordered a Corbin with what they call a nose job which narrows the front of the seat,I will let you know how it works when I get it as I am the same height and having the same problem.

[Jswerve]

I'm only 5'6" tall and can flat foot with Harley boots and a lower seat with narrower nose. 

[deldago]

I'm only 5'6" tall and can flat foot with Harley boots and a lower seat with narrower nose. 

What seat are you using?Do tell!

[Jswerve]

What seat are you using?Do tell!

The stock seat on short rides and when I throw my tour pak on for long trips I switch to the reach seat (the most conservative one not the other two).