I would like to lower my 2004 RK Classic. Do I have to loose the air shocks? I,d rather not if possible

 

I used a set of Progressive 1" short air shocks and the standard Harley 1" lowering spring kit on the front, it worked very well. The rear shocks are way better than Harleys and the springs seem to firm up the front end.

 

You can get shorter air shocks from Harley, the ones they use on the SG. They're 1" lower. You can change your seat too, or do what I did on my RK and just shave some foam off the stock seat. You can find instructions online on how to do it. It was very easy and came out perfect (if you do it right). I've seen a couple butchered jobs too. The trick is to take your time and slice or sand a little at a time.

 

Lowering the bike front and rear will help you and it won't affect handling noticeably.

 

Contact Bitchen Baggers. they can cut your stock shocks down a whole lot cheeper than buying new ones and you can retain your factory ride.

 

This is what im doing, I have some 11.5" progressives currently. Gonna go back to the air shocks though.

 

whats the deal with going back to the air shocks

 

ride is a little stiff riding 2up and loaded. will be also changing out seats in the near future. Find my bike upgrade priorities have changed around a little now that she has taken a liking to riding all the time.

 

Thanks the reason I went to the R K from the Iron883 was wife likes to ride and more comfort, the seat is a touring type similar to yours in the pic but one piece. I believe there is a lowering bracket you put on at the bottom of the shock. that's what I need. I'll keep looking

 

Although the bracket is cheaper, I have heard of issues with them. As they change the shock angle, which can create unsafe handling. Also creating some clearance issues. Have heard of people using them successfully, but I dont mind spending the extra $70 to avoid taking any chances.

Main reasons Im replacing the seat is that it is a 2piece and I want a rider backrest also wife says the pad is too narrow. So Im going with the sundowner which accepts rider backrest, and pad is a few inches wider.

Also was told by Ron at BB that their 1" lowered shock mod they do only lose 1/4" of travel over stock air shocks.