I am trying to decide between two mods for my 93 883. I'm looking for experience with either mod, opinions, experiences, etc...

1. Z Drag bars. I'm thinking about replacing my stock low rise drags with Z drag bars, but only if the stock controls just switch over.

2. Lowering the rear suspension. Thinking of Burly Slammers. My stock shocks are 13 1/2", so the drop to slammers would be 3 1/2" total. The catalog says there could be other mods necessary to make this work, like chain guard among other things.

I don't want to bounce the rear tire off the inside of the fender every bump, so other lowering options that were maybe 2" may be workable. I don't necessarily want to replace the progressive springs in the forks, I put them in about 7000 miles ago, so if lowering the back will create problems with that the mod is out.

Opinions? Experiences?

Thanks!

 

I did both to my bike, progressive 11.5" rear shocks and licks 10" zbars. I love the change. It definitely change the turning angles but I got used to it fast. I really don't recommend going any shorter in the rear than 11" unless you go with struts. Mine at 11.5" is damn close to hitting fender. Check out the link on my sig for pics of you want.

 

just curious, what is the intent of lowering the bike? is it to improve reach or simply asthetic? I think it looks really good when the fender sits extremely close to the rear tire, although I think the only way to safely achive this is to hardtail the rear. the closer you get the fender to the tire while sustaining any amount of suspension travel I think you are just asking for trouble. but I have no personal experiance in this, I was simply curious...

 

Matches, thanks for the info, exactly what I needed. I was pretty sure that dropping with slammers was going to cause issues, you reinforced that. I like your Z bars, though I'm thinking of doing the Z drags.

Solo, it's mainly aesthetic. After I wrote this, went to lunch and in pulled a 95 Sportster with stock shocks, and I realized that the bike may not be slammed like a newer Sportster, but it's got a look all its' own when stock.

Still not sure which direction I'm headed, so I'm going to keep thinking about it and keep researching.

 

The ol lady and I ride 2-up all the time on 11" shocks. No issues, just much improved highway manners, IMO.

 

Lowered my softail. I think it looks great. Handles well. But hard on my back. No more long rides on this baby without a back brace.

 

I have read that there is a way to mount the fender to the swing arm, so that the fender travels up and down with the wheel. Never actually seen this done, and probably takes a bit more modding, but I think it eliminates the problem with the fender hitting the rear wheel.

 

Your tire will not hit the fender with the Burly slammed 11.5" shocks.

 

+1, and it will not hit the fender running the Lick's 10" short shocks either.......I run the 10"s on my sporty and ride 2up all the time. Not one issue with my tire hitting my fender in the five or six years I've been running them. The ride is a bit harsher though.