When I bought my bike, the guy who sold it to me had bought a rear lowering kit (2 inch) but never put it on. From what he told me, I could lower it to whatever I wanted to a max of 2 inches. My question is, how far can I go before I run into rubbing/handling problems? If this is a dumb question, I apologize, this is my first bike and not terribly up on the mechanical side of motorcycles so I have to get a shop to do it. The local HD dealer said its 2 hours labor so I would like to get it right the first time. Learning a ton on this site though, hoping some of you more experienced out there can offer some suggestions. Love my bike but it could a touch of lowering.

Thanks people!
All the best in '08!

Vinny

 

What going on man? Not much here, some much needed rain, some cold and some wind. You know, the stuff that keeps the Misstress, as my wife calls it, in the basement. Anyway I went with about 1" in the rear and the factory lowering kit for the front, whitch was about 3/4". I think the factory kit is about $100 and I don't think it should take more that one hour to install. I changed the fork oil and some copper seals in the fork lowers, that will drive the price up a little but I think it's a nessary step. Talk it over with who you have to do your work, they might cut you a tiny break for doing both. My wife was also thankful for me lowering Pigglet, another name she has for it, because with her short legs it's now easier for her to get on and off.
Nice looking ride you've got and I don't think you'll go wrong sittin' her down a little, if you haven't scraped in a turn yet, your chances will increase after lowering. But remember, you've a cruser not a sport bike. You will quickly learn how far you'll be able to go.

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Vinny, before getting turned on to air ride, I had some different lowering kits on my bikes. On my softail, 2 inches is a little too much if you want comfort, it bottoms and scrapes a lot( iam about 250lbs though). An inch seemed to be a healthy compromise, considering a softail doesn't ride great to begin with. Good luck and enjoy your first bike!!

 

I dropped the rear of my softail standard 1 inch. I would like more (I think it looks cooler), but it'll compromise ride quality. So, in my opinion, don't go more than 1 inch.

 

Lowered my Electra Glide this weekend, 1 inch. Don't sound like much, but there is a huge difference in the feel. Still handles well. Now when we go 2up gotta put a bit more air in the shocks to keep the rear tire from rubbing. Over all I like it better lowered.

 

Vinny I would go 1.5 in. not 2 in. . A co worker at my firehall has a deuce and lowered it
2 in. it rubbed so he went to 1.5 in.

 

Ditto on above post ...on my Deuce 2" is pushing it...mine was 2" and raised it to 1 1/4-1 1/2" still looks good but rides better and way more cornering lean angle available

 

I've got a 210 Metzeler on my '06 FXST, with the Arlen Ness lowering kit.&nbsp\\; I lowered it as far as the lowering kit will go (to the end of the bolts).&nbsp\\; The ride is fairly stiff, but it looks much better.&nbsp\\; The bottom of the fender is even with the edge of the wheel.&nbsp\\; I haven't had any problems with rubbing when by myself or with the old lady on board.&nbsp\\; I am 190# and she is 105# for reference.&nbsp\\;