Lowering an 09 Ultra?

[bdn56]

Has anyone lowered the 09 Ultra yet? Not a trike.

A friend of mine is thinking of doing it.

He was looking at seats but decided on trying to lower the bike instead.

He just ordered the kit to lower the rear.

Any pointers? I am going to help him with this project.

 

[Gorilla]

The best way to lower the rear is the shorter shocks. Using lowering blocks works to a certain extent you just give up a lot of shock travel. You have to be careful go to far and the rear tire rubs on the fender. The front requires a change in springs.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

I saw an 08 lowered but it was on its side. That's about as low as you can go bdn.

Is there an issue with feet on the ground or is it just for aesthetics? Remember, if you lower one you change the riding characteristics and the handling.

Ted... doesn't progressive have a sale on their 11"? buy a pair and get the front springs free? I saw this somewhere recently but I've also got Bryan's memory issues...

 

[Nauga Mok]

The part that actualy lowers the HD front ends is the damper tubes. Less travel requires stiffer springs, so it takes both damper tubes & stiffer springs to make it right. I lowered my '06 for better leg reach. I liked the way it handled with just the rear lowered 1". When I lowered the front 1" as well, it was back to the same handeling as stock height. As far as I know, the '09 & up front ends are the same as the older bikes. Ultra Boy can probably confirm or deny this. Be aware that the top fork tube plug is a real pain to get back in against the stiffer springs!!

NM

 

[Gorilla]

Sorry have not seen that sale. Makes since to have a combo sale though.

 

[msocko3]

The part that actualy lowers the HD front ends is the damper tubes. Less travel requires stiffer springs, so it takes both damper tubes & stiffer springs to make it right. I lowered my '06 for better leg reach. I liked the way it handled with just the rear lowered 1". When I lowered the front 1" as well, it was back to the same handeling as stock height. As far as I know, the '09 & up front ends are the same as the older bikes. Ultra Boy can probably confirm or deny this. Be aware that the top fork tube plug is a real pain to get back in against the stiffer springs!!

NM

The 09's are the same as the 06's, they don't have the cartridge front end. I also have my 06 Ultra lowered both front and rear. Did the chrome front end on both my dad's 09 TG and my 10 TG, internals were the same as my 06 Ultra.

 

[bdn56]

Thanks for the replies. I don't think he wants to tackle the front end at this point. He prefers to be a couple inches closer to the ground for feet stability.

The 09 sits a little too high for him.

I am glad he is starting to do his own work on the bike.

He is concerned with warranty issues?

 

[msocko3]

He is concerned with warranty issues?

As long as the work is done properly waranty shouldn't be an issue. The pics I showed earlier was my dads 09 Triglide that had 6 miles on it. It went from the dealer in an enclosed trailer to his garage and wasn't ridden for several months because he took delivery in November so we tore it apart and started bolting on goodies.

 

[TNTriker]

Has anyone lowered the 09 Ultra yet? Not a trike.

A friend of mine is thinking of doing it.

He was looking at seats but decided on trying to lower the bike instead.

He just ordered the kit to lower the rear.

Any pointers? I am going to help him with this project.

My husband and I had an 09 EGC and he had the same issue about feet stability. He ordered the lowering blocks from Road6customs. He lowered it to the second hole which is two inches. Didn't want to go any lower afraid he might tear up the rear fender wiring. He was very pleased with the results. We now own a 08 Ultra and he has lowered it also using the same kit. No problems!