Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[CTcvorider]

I currently have an '08 SECU that was lowered at purchase.  I'm 5'6" with 28" inseam.  I believe that the dealer put on 1" shorter shocks in back and shorter springs in the forks.  I've had no handling issues to speak of other than grinding the floorboards a lot (but I expect that I'd grind them no matter what when treating a touring bike like a sports bike).  I'm contemplating trading for an '11 SERG.  I've sat on one at the dealers and I feel a bit uncomfortable with the stock height.  If I go through with this, I'd plan on lowering the SERG too.

My question:  What are the pros/cons of using a lowering block approach with the stock length shocks as compared to getting a shorter length shock?  It seems to me that the advantage of the lowering block would be that I'd retain the travel of the stock shock. 

Anybody out there that's done both and can comment on the differences?

[mjb765]

I can't speak from personal experience, but the new Progressive 940's have the same travel as a stock 13" shock, but lower the bike to the equivalent of a 12" shock. Going lower than a 12"--I have tried this---gives you ground clearance issues and the biek bottoms out too easily. Other than that, have you looked into a lower seat?

[sadunbar]

I run 1" lowered Traxxion front fork cartridges and Legend Air Suspension in the rear.  The Legends on the rear of the bike allow me to raise or lower it by several inches with the push of a button.  This allows me to drop the bike when my feet need to be on the ground and raise the bike when riding, maintaining full shock travel...  The Legends combined with the Traxxion fork cartridges provide a great ride....


http://www.arnottairsuspension.com/products/productDetails.asp?groupId=157

http://www.legendsuspensions.com/Products.aspx

http://www.traxxion.com/AK-20AxxionCartridgeKit_Harley-Davidson.aspx

[cahdbiker]

CTcvorider, I had my stock seat modified, and it got my feet a lot closer to the ground. The upholster installed memory foam and of course reinstalled the heater in the seat. The passenger seat was not modified. I made a post with a picture in the "discussions for Ultra Classic section ". I had put the street glide shocks in when I first got my bike in Aug 08 (it is a 09SEUC), but the money I spent to have the seat modified was well spent compared to to the shocks although they did lower the bike a little. The upholster lowered my seat and made it a little more narrow in the front. Good Luck. CAHDBIKER

[LRebel]

I have used the lowering shackles or blocks.  You are right, in that you maintain the stock shock travel.  The only problem I had with them was that the pair I used lowered the bike a little too much.  It was fine with just me on the bike.  With my BSR on back and my Bushtec trailer hooked up, the rear tire would hit the fender on hard bumps.

I then spent $$$ for an Arnott Air Ride system.  I can't speak about the Legend Air system, but IMO, don't waste your money on the Arnott system.  The Arnott is way too stiff with just me on the bike... on rough Oklahoma roads (and believe me they are rough), some of the bumps are painful and I worry about damaging something on the bike.  I have tried to vary the air pressure, but doesn't help.  It's not bad with the BSR on back and the trailer hooked up, but I only ride that way when we are on a long trip.

Anyway, I am about to pull the Arnott shocks off.  May try some Progressive shocks..... or may just put the stock shocks back on and use the other bike for trips pulling the trailer.

[grc]

I strongly suggest that you leave the suspension mods alone until you have exhausted the other "fixes" available.  First, as noted earlier, consider a thinner, narrower rider seat.  Second, get some riding boots with a nice thick high traction sole, to help with manuevering the bike.  If you still need more after that, then consider a good aftermarket shock and fork kit combination.  Call some of the places like Works Performance, Progressive, etc. and ask for recommendations.  Avoid anything that sounds to good to be true at a super low price, like many of the so-called lowering block kits.  Anyone can buy a drill press and a batch of metal blocks and go into business making those kits.  Stick with a properly engineered shock and fork combination designed for your bike.

BTW, I wouldn't waste my money on the 1" lower air shocks from H-D.


Jerry

[bf2002flht]

The lowering blocks change the angle of the shock, defeating the engineering that went into them. You change the angle of the shock, it's not going to perform like it was ment to. 

[BADBAGG]

I have the lowering blocks on my SERG. I have had no issues solo or 2 up. IMO there was no noticeable change in the ride. I liked them so much , put them on the wife's Street Glide. $ 100.00 is alot cheaper than shocks..... With all that said , you have to do whatever you are most comfortable with. It's your scoot.......

[LRebel]

I have the lowering blocks on my SERG. I have had no issues solo or 2 up. IMO there was no noticeable change in the ride. I liked them so much , put them on the wife's Street Glide. $ 100.00 is alot cheaper than shocks..... With all that said , you have to do whatever you are most comfortable with. It's your scoot.......

Agree.  With the lowering blocks you don't sacrifice the range of travel on the shocks.  And, there is something to be said for lowering the center of gravity and being able to safely get your feet firmly on the ground... just sayin 

[Hogg]

LRebel what lowering blocks are you using, I would like to try them. 2008 SE Anniversary

[rcamp2009]

I have blocks on my FLHXSE3 with stock shocks. I noticed no difference in ride. Lot easier to move around and looks better. However, if you are a spirited rider. You will rub the boards more often. I have ridden the Dragon several times with no problem. I have rubbed the boards. However if I got into the board mounts it would go back up.

[Hogg]

What is the name brand of lowering blocks you are using

[Grizzly]

I currently have an '08 SECU that was lowered at purchase.  I'm 5'6" with 28" inseam.  I believe that the dealer put on 1" shorter shocks in back and shorter springs in the forks.  I've had no handling issues to speak of other than grinding the floorboards a lot (but I expect that I'd grind them no matter what when treating a touring bike like a sports bike).  I'm contemplating trading for an '11 SERG.  I've sat on one at the dealers and I feel a bit uncomfortable with the stock height.  If I go through with this, I'd plan on lowering the SERG too.

My question:  What are the pros/cons of using a lowering block approach with the stock length shocks as compared to getting a shorter length shock?  It seems to me that the advantage of the lowering block would be that I'd retain the travel of the stock shock.  

Anybody out there that's done both and can comment on the differences?

Keep in mind that the '09's and later models sit higher to begin with to allow for the pipe to be routed under the frame... So, even with the same front and rear lowering kit you have on your '08 installed on an 2011, the bike will still sit higher than you're used to.  As others have mentioned, modifying the seat will also be needed.

[Chains]

In the past when I have lowered front and rear on my bikes, it messed up ground clearance and handling, looked cool sitting still (big deal).  The last one I lowered the rear and left the front the factory height and it handled better.  Now I would follow grc's advice and exhaust all other avenues prior to lowering.

[rcamp2009]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-2012-HARLEY-STREET-GLIDE-ADJUSTABLE-LOWERING-KIT-1-or-2-INCH-/320859852661?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ab4bccf75

Here it is Hogg