Because I'm somewhat vertically challenged (short legs, mostly), I'm considering lowering my new Ultra. Is it better to lower front AND rear or rear only? Does lowering affect the handling?

 

I've lowered just the rear before and the bike rode ok. That said I think it will handel a little better with both ends lowered. The thing you need to watch out for is you loose some cornering clearence.

Steve

 

Slam that bitch. It's pimp yo'

 

Get some drywall stilts and leave the bike's suspension alone.

 

I lowered the rear of my EGC 1 1/2". I used a set of relocation brackets to get the job done. Cost $83 and took 20 minutes to install. It work to get me flat footedand rides the same but I had to pump up the air in the shocks when riding two up to keep from bottoming out on very hard bumps. But I can touch a lot better now

 

If you just want to do 1 - Get you SEAT LOWERED Mean City Cycle... Heard nothing but good things about there work from the users here & they're a vendor....

I have tried lowering blocks and riding 2-up loaded even with the rear shocks over filled (and when you need to do this you lose the cush for the tush)... Still bottomed out at times....
If you use lowering shocks... you'll have shorter shock travel there by giving up some of the comfort ride...
I would try the seat mod first then if needed go from there...

 

I would try lowering the seat as suggested first. If this doesn't do enough for you I would lower both front and rear together. It will ride a bit more rough but your increased confidence while at a stop will make up for it.

 

I would first try a odd quality seat that will get you lower in combination with good riding boots with a thick sole. If you need more, then I would get a shorter pair of good qualtiy shock, such as progressive. I have 11.5" Progressive 440's on my RK and love them.

 

Glad to see you part of the HDFORUM nation, btw you have excellent products, service and support, bought lots of stuff for my RoadStar but haven't yet for the Ultra but will soon.
Ride Safe Bro and enjoy the Ultra.

 

I have the stock 12" air shocks on my RK Custom. I lowered the front an inch with HD fork springs. I also had my seat shaved down some and narrowed. All helped. Ran into a guy today riding an Ultra that was shorter than me. His secret ? He had his boot soles raised at least 2 inches at a local shop. I couldn't tell till he showed them to me.