Need some help...

I recently changed the wheels on my RG to 21" front, 18" rear. I am really happy with everything except it raised the bike a little more than I had planned. I am already running the HD touring low front and rear suspension. I would like to lower the rear to get the stance I am looking for. Here is my question, with the 18" in the rear, how much lower can I go? Sorry if that seems like a stupid question but if I can't go loooow, I don't really want to put out $1200 for a Platnium system and don't want to bottom out using a lowering bracket. Hindsight being 20/20, I should have taken a bunch of measurements when I did the wheel swap but I had no idea it was going to be a concern.

I appreciate any feedback,
RJ

P.S. NO DRAGGIN BAGGER OFFERS PLEASE....

 

Shocks shorter than 12" and you risk bottoming out. 10" is as low as you can possibly go (hardtail) without risking harness or fender damage. Ask me how I know! 18" rear will give you less clearance than a 16".

 

I lowered my Bike 1" in the rear

 

I am riding on the same 21" front 18" rear and I have been trying to figure out the same thing, I am riding on 1" rear shocks already and am in fear of attempting to go any further...though I want to the circumferance is differant it is hard to actually figure it out based on the inner well.
Just like you though I am kicking air around just not sure on the 1200+ at this time.

Any experts opinions are welcome


Celtic King
2004 Road King
Southern California

 

have you thought about putting a different seat on it to lower you down another inch? or is it for cosmetic reasons you want to lower it.

 

Pics when you get it phiggered out!

 

You could go with an 11.5" rear shock and still be ok. Depends on how heavy you are and how often you ride 2-up and loaded when it comes to bottoming out. If you go with a high quality shock like a progressive 440, you would have the option of using the heavy duty version which would also help. It would also give a very stiff ride if you went with the HD spring.

 

I have a couple seats, one is a low profile Badlander. If I am cipher'n right, the back should have raised less than 1"....18" vs. 16" and a slightly lower profile tire.

There aremultiple reasons for wanting to go lower. I am use to my bikes being loooow andlike sitting on the bike with both feet comfortably flat footed on the ground. I also like the look, no doubt.

I am sure the Platinum system would be a good choice but the $1200 is a little steep without knowing all of the details. Their website is terrible and Ican't find the infoI need to make a decision. Like, how low will it go, will it bottom me out, still don't understand the ride adjustments, does it dump, etc. Ie-mailed Shooter64, hopefully he can give me the scoop. There is an adjustable lowering block on e-bay that may be worth a try for $160 but it is obviously not adjustable on the fly.

The search continues....

Thanks,
RJ