1. After 20+ years it's time to pass the torch. If you are interested in acquiring this forum please contact support@cv-performance.com for details. Any spam will be reported and blocked.
  2. Welcome to Bike Talk, a forum for all bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts. If you are new to Bike Talk, be sure to register for free and join the conversation.

    There's always someone around willing to help out with questions or give a friendly wave back. All Harley and metric riders are welcome.

Lowering Kits

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by ldyofharley, Jan 18, 2006.

  1. ldyofharley

    ldyofharley New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2006
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    I have a 04 sportster 1200 custom. I've been looking at lowering kits. Has anyone lower the front and back of the 1200? What does it look like when lowered on the front at the forks?
  2. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2005
    Messages:
    12,545
    Likes Received:
    10
    i have seen them lowered, and if you like the looks of a lowered bike.......i dont.........they look ok.......
    chuck
  3. slickrick

    slickrick New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2005
    Messages:
    34
    Likes Received:
    0
    I lowered the back of my softail and I think it looks way better. If you need to do it because of your height I would say do it. I dont know about the front though.
  4. Bernie Blouin

    Bernie Blouin New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2005
    Messages:
    32
    Likes Received:
    0
    loweringkits

    Lowering Kits do improve the looks of a Bike,but it also cuts down on your cornering ability.
  5. ldyofharley

    ldyofharley New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2006
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    I need it lowered because of my height. I've seen the rear lowered but I haven't seen the front lowered. I don't know exactly how the kits work though I've looked at them. I just didn't want the bike lower on top of the forks if that makes sense.
  6. Bernie Blouin

    Bernie Blouin New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2005
    Messages:
    32
    Likes Received:
    0
    The lowering part of the front end would be shorter fork tubes.
  7. CD

    CD Guest

    Lowering kits use a shorter spring and spacer with a longer top out spring so rebound travel is reduced.
  8. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2004
    Messages:
    13,682
    Likes Received:
    584
    Location:
    Mouseville USA
    YOU have a lot of lean angle on the sporty to begin with, so lowering will reduce clearance for corners but not as bad as on a softail

    I would start with lower or shorter rear shocks with adjustable pre-load that way you can set the ride tension on the shocks from rock firm to soft,

    Progressive makes a IAS shock that is very good, check with CD here at Direct parts for a price, the lowering kits "work" but the kick the shock out to a different angle, try and pop on stock bags etc and it's different.

    IT also changes the rebound angle of the shock, shorter shocks - better ride and adjustablility.

    Do that first, then if you need lower the front with some progressive suspension lowering springs for the front, you have to take the forks apart but you'd have a balanced kit.

    IF you haven't changed seats out, look at a Corbin solo or hollywood solo if you want to go real low, you'll get a inch or more because the Corbin seats are narrow so your legs drop down at a better angle than the HD seat which is wider.

    Have someone hold the bike upright with a level on the seat and measure seat height, then compare to your inseam you know how much heel you need on a boot or lowering distance.

Share This Page