I bought my bike used with 1600 miles on it. The guy I bought it off of had purchased a lowering kit but never installed it. He gave it to me when I bought the bike. This kit is good for up to a 2" rear lower. I want to install it but not sure if I should go the full 2 or something less. Wondering if some of you out there could share your experiences with lowering on a similar model. Don't want to have to worry about bottoming out. I usually ride alone but my wife does climb on with me occasionally. Combined we weigh about 340 lbs. I love my bike but I do believe the softail, particularly the Standard could use a little lowering.

 

My softail doesnt have great travel as it is. i wouldnt think about lowering it unless I had a real good reason.

 

Vinny,

If 2-up touring is your regular ride, especially on trips, lowering a Softail too much will definately make the ride harsh. I've attached a pic of my '02 that I've lowered almost the full 2". It can ride like a hardtail at times. It's a bar hopper, so no big deal for me. As for bottoming out, the swingarm stops hit before the fender could contact the fender. Just some feedback to help you make an informed decision. The look is killer, but the ride suffers.

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Thanks guys. Appreciate the quick reply. Sorry about the double post.
BTW, Velocity1, thats one beautiful bike!

 

I have the kit on my FXSTS and had to raise it up. Kept dragging pipes on one side and primary cover on the other and I do not ride double up. We have twisties here on the coast and not much "super" on the corners. They are pretty flat.
Slowing down helps as I don't have to "lean in" as much then but it takes some of the fun out of riding.
I'm still about an inch lower than stock so the bike still looks good.
Harsh ride is not a factor as I've always had hardtails before this ST.

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Have you had any issues since raising it up to 1 inch below stock?