Sportster too tall!

I have two questions for those that know more than I. My wife just purchased a 1996 Sportster XL883 and the problem is she is only 5"2" so I need to lower the bike so she can touch the ground. I have looked at the dealer's kits and also found a Burly Slammer kit in JP Cycles. They are both coming in around $300.00. Is there a better option than these two kits and what problems can I expect to encounter?

Second, the bike is pretty much all stock set-up except it that it has forward controls which she can barely reach. Can I easily change back to the stock controls and what problems can I expect there? Thanks for the help!

Check out some of the other online sites for prices on lowering kits before you buy - JP is a little high - Try [U]www.Bike Bandit.com [/U]and Dennis Kirk to compare - there is also a whole bunch of others that will give ya a good deal.
Also watch for the material used, some of these kits are a rip off and IMO dangerous.
As far as redoing the foreward controls it shouldn't be a major problem. Just make sure you have a HD shop Manual before you start. The info in it is invaluleable.
And post some pics on the project before and after; it might help another rider with the same problem.

Thanks Sarge7, I will check into these two sites as well. I found a Progressive drop -in kit for the front forks that might not be too bad. My service manual is on its way as well.

Cowboy, I enjoy reading your posts as you always have good information to share. Where do I look for the locator kit? I am waiting on the service manual for this bike, (should get here this Thursday) and then I can look at moving the front tubes up in the triple tree. Did you have any problems with the front end modification?

California Phil recommended the Burly Slammer Kit so it is on its way. Thanks to everyone for their help on this issue.

Brent

Good Luck and don't forget the pics.

:worthless:

HarleyMan1,
If you are looking for stock mid foot controls, I have a set for a 2001 Sporty if you are interested and if they will fit.

My wife is the same height.
I want to Thank Harley Davidson for Demo days.
I think anybody lookin for a bike should attend one of these.

I took her to a few demo days and she rode a Nightster. It sits lower to the ground than the other sportsters.
Got her a 09 Nightster last year. Think all I'm gonna have to do it git her a windshield.
Mabe you can check at the stock rear shock length on a nighster and look at what size tires it has to give you a couple ideas.

sportster lowering kit, eBay Motors. Great deals on eBay!

All you need to do is get Progressive suspension for both ends & the stock suspension sucks anyway. Progressive makes shocks in several different lengths, all the way down to 11", but I would not go that low as you lose so much spring travel (stock length is 13.75"). My '95 Sportster had 12" Progressive 412's on it when I bought it 'cause the previous owner is about 5'4" & his wife barely 5', but both of them could put both feet down no problem.

He'd also replaced the front springs with Progressive & with that kit you can lower the front end 1" or 2" - he went 2" so the bike sat level & the same height as the "Hugger" model, that'll you'll need the kickstand from. Also, the Corbin "Gunfighter" seat he got drops you down 2" more & the stock seats are awful. I liked that seat enough that I got another one for the '00 bike & although I didn't lower it, Progressive on both ends is the way to go - changing the front too makes a huge difference in ride / handling & virtually eliminates nosedive under braking.

As to the rear lowering kits like White Bros. that move the rear shocks, you do NOT want to go that route as it changes the suspension geometry & ride / handling suffers. It's nowhere near as good as getting Progressive shocks in the length that suits the application & as many bad things that may be said about the MOCO, their knowledge of suspension geometry isn't one of 'em.

As to the foot controls, the stock ones will bolt right on, so replacing the forwards with mids is no problem. I've gone back & forth with the '95 & you can make the change in the driveway.

Almost forgot to add that the Progressive shocks are available in standard & heavy-duty, and unless the rider is over 200 lbs., and/or carries a passenger often, the standard is what you want.

Thanks, everyone for all of the ideas. I have ordered the slammer kit and hopefully it will be low enough for her to sit comfortably.

HarleysLR, she wants to wait on the mid controls until I get the bike lowered and see how everything fits. Then I may be contacting you about the stock controls. Thanks again

It does on a Sportster, especially if you ride it "Sportily"

I've gone all 3 ways i would sugest the shorter shock, the bolt on kit to me had alot more sway in the turns to me, if it's still to tall you can go with the struts at 10" also you can get a low profile seat that will get you 1" some tall heal boots and your good to go.

I put the forward controls on my 95 sporty before my son took it over. I still have the stock mid controls (- the little shifter peg, you can get those anywhere, use loktite!). If you are interested I could let them go cheap, to get them out of the garage. If interested, I will have to check with my son first, just to make sure he does not want to switch back.

Panthera, let me get the slam kit installed and we will see if she still needs the mid controls.
Thanks for the offer!