That is a nice set up on muds bike

 

I have been contemplating going higher.

my sporty has some 13" 440's, but forward controls, and i had some ok turning ability...

I rode my friends sporty, he had some progressive 440's on there, 12 or 13", he had mid controls, he was taking corners like a champ. when I rode it, i felt like my knees were at my chest...like i was on a crotch rocket, just sat straight up...but damn it can corner.

meanwhile, i got some DK bear traps, and 1 min into my commute to work, in my neighborhood, i scrape my peg...wtf? ever since, i have been super cautious...i use my boot as my warning: "you gonna be scraping your pegs up if you turn any harder" SO, i think i may have to raise the bike up a little higher

 

First off let me tell you what I'm trying to do with my new to me 2009 FXD. My idea is to pretty much leave the Motor & Exhaust pretty much stock as this will be my everyday go to bike. No hassle's with the law and I can come & go as I please with out upsetting the neighbor's.

What I would like to improve are the brakes, handling and ground clearance. Thought I'd start with some Progressive HD 440 13.5" shocks to give me a better ride & improved clearance.

Unfortunately the right shock's bottom mount won't clear the rear HD Stock Muffler. Since the Swingarm is lowered the muffler is in the way. Has anybody else had this happen to you and if so what did you do?

With out changing the exhaust I'm thinking I'll probably have to go back to stock length shocks.

Stumped,
P

 

my sportster swing arm would hit my exhaust when i got off the bike. stock pipes with SE slipons...i guess i didnt do anything, accept that it hits, and cringe when i look at the damage. its not much, but enough to notice when looking up close.

I am actually looking at getting some air shocks from any of the touring models, seems they are anywhere from $50 to 500...so, i am on the hunt for a $50 pair of 13" or so.

 

I use my boot heel as an "early warning" to. lol

On your Bear Traps you can adjust the allen screw to give you more clearance before scraping if you want to gain some lean angle.

 

I just did yesterday, and let me tell you, made a world of difference in comfort. having them angled in toward the bike vs flat, and so far, I haven't scraped yet. seems like maybe a half inch or clearance. we shall see. thanks!

 

I can understand wanting more performance/better handling out of your bike, but damn! The way some of y'all talk about your Harley makes me wonder why you bought one!

 

12.6" works single rate black trackers and race tech springs with gold valves up front.....rides like a cadillac

 

I love the stock 13.5" fully adjustable shocks and front forks on the FXDXT we just picked up. I am yet to scrape anything with this setup which is stock yet. Of course I am yet to really push the bike either. The font end definitely needs to be stiffened up but I think a quick compression adjustment will take care of that.

 

get a fork brace, steering damper, adjust fall away and give the forks a tune up youll be set....

i gotta come out and check out the fxdxt in person...