I have a 2008 1200R which fits me fine except that I sometimes feel that my legs need to be about an inch longer. I am 5'9" and the 1200L was too short for me, and I really didn't like the feel of the forward controls on the 1200C although the hieght of the 1200C suited me a little better.

I talked to the dealership and they recommended changing out the rear shocks and lowering the front forks. Price was $336 for parts plus about 2 1/2 hours labor @$80/hour.

I also looked at possibly installing a different seat. The HD Reach Solo seat supposedly will drop the rider about an inch lower and move him 1/2 inch forward. Price of the seat is $140 plus tax, and I can change it out myself.

What are the pro's and con's of each method of lowering the bike.

Thanks.

 

Why don't you try sliding the forks up one inch in the triple trees yourself, it's easy & free and might be just enough. Be careful with parking it on any side slope after you lower it as it won't lean as far over anymore while on the side stand.

 

If you're going to change the rear shocks, it's a good opportunity to put on a set of Progressive 412"s.

 

OK showing my ignorance here. Exactly what are Progressive 412's and what benefit will they give over the factory shocks. Also, are those a Harley Davidson part or do you have to get them thru another source.

 

Rock are you sure you want to lower it, I just put these 13.5 inch Progressive 440s Standards on my 1200C, I'm also 5' 9" and these are perfect. I have a Sundowner seat. It rides like the proverbial Cadillac

 

If you haven't adjusted te pre-load on the shocks, set them so the loaded sag in the rear suspension is1 to 1.5".
and +1 to the 412 Progressives.
Have you considered doing these yourself. Pretty easy to do and a reach seat, 12" rear shocks, and lowering the front forks could be done for about 300. If you want to try some used 11.75" stock shocks - you can have mine really cheap