 lowering a bike
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 281
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 281 |
If I am to lower the back of my bike, do I have to lower the front also?
I've interested in Progressive 412 Series Shocks that will lower my bike from 12.5 inch to 11.5 inch.
/Rune
Black '07 Speedmaster FTW!
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Re: lowering a bike
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382 |
11.5" Progressives on the rear will actually lower the back end about 2".
You don't "HAVE" to lower the front but, the engines sump will thank you if you do.
Actually lowering the front is very simple.
Method 1: loosen the upper and lower fork clamp bolts and slide the forks upward till the bike is level.
Method 2: Pull the top cap off of the forks, remove the metal spacer tube, get some PVC tubing the same size and cut it down till you get the front where you want it.
Keep in mind, method 2 will decrease the front fork up-down travel.
Tony G
'03 America
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Re: lowering a bike
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
I lowered the back of Wendys bike 2" and haven't lowered the front. I lowered it for about an hour and it scraped too easily so I put it back. There have been no problems with oil pressure or anything else. It rides nice and handles good,so I would offer that it's a matter of choice.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: lowering a bike
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988 |
So what you are saying is that if I go with 12 inch shocks it should lower the bike about an inch? Correct? if so has anyone gone to a 12" Progressive 440 and what would the part # be for the 12"? Thanks Ron
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Re: lowering a bike
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382 |
I'm pretty sure the 440's only come in the stock length. You can check with eddy at Fast Eddy's Sports
Tony G
'03 America
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Re: lowering a bike
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
Talk to ED (Oldroadie) I think he had one of the Progressive models and it lowered his bike.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: lowering a bike
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 281
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 281 |
Quote:
I lowered the back of Wendys bike 2" and haven't lowered the front. I lowered it for about an hour and it scraped too easily so I put it back. There have been no problems with oil pressure or anything else. It rides nice and handles good,so I would offer that it's a matter of choice.
Cool! then I will try that too... don't really like the big gap.
hear alot about ikons or progressive. why are there a $200 difference?
Black '07 Speedmaster FTW!
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Re: lowering a bike
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
I used the Hagons and like them and saved quite a bit. I got them from Bella Course. Hagon makes them to order. You specify spring tension and dampening as well as length. If you lower 2" you will have to cut the chain guard or fender for clearance. Not sure about the air box but the tab above the chain for the tool box on the Freak bracket will need to be cut or bent to clear the chain.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: lowering a bike
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 281
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 281 |
don't have the freak yet, so I will check out the airbox.
Black '07 Speedmaster FTW!
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Re: lowering a bike
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
If I am to lower the back of my bike, do I have to lower the front also?
I've interested in Progressive 412 Series Shocks that will lower my bike from 12.5 inch to 11.5 inch.
/Rune
The 11.5" progressives (412-4254c) are a good choice and they lower the rear end nicely. If the front seems too high when they're on you can always slip the fork tube up in the yokes 1/2" to compensate (but it's not really neccessary). I found the handling to be the same with the rear lowered 1" and I tried the front forks both ways. FYI, changing the length is not a job you can easily do on the side stand.
I also replaced the front springs with Progressives (stock length) and I highly recommend that improvement.
A proper front end lowering kit has replacement springs and includes the 1" spacer springs that get installed on the front fork damper to "fool" the fork into not returning to full length; however, that requires a complete disassembly of each fork tube and that's a 4 star out of 5 stars mechanical aptitude job and you'll need a good compliment of tools to complete the job. It's not rocket science but it is serious wrench work.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: lowering a bike
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,701 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,701 Likes: 22 |
http://www.skullenterprises.com/shocks.htmlThese guys say they will cut down your shocks
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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