Front suspension upgrade. Will 1" lowered ruin the plush ride I'm looking for ?

[pyuchem]

2016 SGS 36,000 miles.

Upgrading my front suspension. Definitely looking for plusher ride. Nothing harsh or firm. Something that will glide over the bumps in the road and soak in all the harshness. What are your recommendations those who have tackled this. Really appreciate your feedback.

Tech I talked to said for my height 5'5 I should go for 1" lowered front. He said lowered front will not affect how suspension feels. Is that correct ? Don't want to compromise plusher ride if 1" lowered causes an issue. 1" lowered front will be good, if it does compromise ride quality I'm ok with standard too. Cuz main goal is plusher ride not lowering.

What are my choices for plusher ride ? Any inputs on what brand you have got amazing results. Thank you

 

[hulkss]

Ohlins fork cartridges work for me.

Call Howard at Motorcycle Metal. https://motorcyclemetal.com/

Lowering will remove available suspension travel and reduce ride comfort.

 

[pyuchem]

Ohlins fork cartridges work for me.

Call Howard at Motorcycle Metal. https://motorcyclemetal.com/

Lowering will remove available suspension travel and reduce ride comfort.

Thanks Hulks. Just found out Ohlins also has 1" lower front shocks. What do you think of that ? I know it will reduce available suspension travel however considering how Ohlins are superior I'm thinking even though they are 1" lower they will be much better than stock. What say you ?

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/ohlins-fork-lowering-cartridge-kit-for-harley-touring-2014-2016

For me if this is even slightly better than stock and little more plush than stock, it's a game changer.

 

[hulkss]

Only lower it if lower is more important than comfort. Howard can set you up with springs and preload to sit a little lower without giving up travel.

 

[pyuchem]

Only lower it if lower is more important than comfort. Howard can set you up with springs and preload to sit a little lower without giving up travel.

Got it. Thanks Hulkss. I'll give Howard a call. Hopefully he's answer to my prayers. I like my SGS and hate to buy Indian Challenger just because of suspension. I like Harley's relaxed feel of the engine. I had Indian Chieftain before, that I traded for SGS and loved it's suspension. But overall I hated everything about Chieftain. I like everything on SGS but hate this dang suspension.

 

[FLHX14]

Only lower it if lower is more important than comfort. Howard can set you up with springs and preload to sit a little lower without giving up travel.

I've also wondered why some want to go 1" lower, whether it be front and/or rear suspension? Is it just for looks? It does not seem like it would improve the ride nor handling?

Just wondering and looking for opinions. Thanks.

 

[pyuchem]

I've also wondered why some want to go 1" lower, whether it be front and/or rear suspension? Is it just for looks? It does not seem like it would improve the ride nor handling?

Just wondering and looking for opinions. Thanks.

I'm thinking I'll leave it stock height.

I've narrowed down to Ohlins Road and track or Traxxion AK-20 fork cartridges.

 

[hulkss]

You should be looking at Ohlins NIX 22 for the forks. I just put a set on my bike. Amazing. The best I've ever ridden.

street-glide-harley-nix-22-cartridge-kit

 

[Lammas]

Before I changed to a 21" front wheel, I dropped my front suspension an inch to accommodate the bigger front wheel and rode it around like that for a few weeks because there was a shipping issue with my new wheels and tires. Having the front dropped an inch with the stock 19" front wheel made the bike noticeably more snappy in terms of initiating turns and coming out of turns. I got used to it pretty quick was a little bummed when I put he 21" wheel on as my handling returned to more of a normal feel.

 

[hulkss]

Before I changed to a 21" front wheel, I dropped my front suspension an inch to accommodate the bigger front wheel and rode it around like that for a few weeks because there was a shipping issue with my new wheels and tires. Having the front dropped an inch with the stock 19" front wheel made the bike noticeably more snappy in terms of initiating turns and coming out of turns. I got used to it pretty quick was a little bummed when I put he 21" wheel on as my handling returned to more of a normal feel.

That's because the Streetglide is basically a touring bike with the rear suspension lowered 1 inch. Raising the rear 1" will get the same good handling you experienced and improve the ride quality.

 

[Lammas]

That's because the Streetglide is basically a touring bike with the rear suspension lowered 1 inch. Raising the rear 1" will get the same good handling you experienced and improve the ride quality.

I put 13's on the back the at the same time I dropped the front an inch but to be honest, after I set the sag, the 13's didn't feel much different in terms of height than the stock 12's did. I remember it being noticeable, but just barely enough to wonder if I was imagining it or not.

 

[pyuchem]

You should be looking at Ohlins NIX 22 for the forks. I just put a set on my bike. Amazing. The best I've ever ridden.

street-glide-harley-nix-22-cartridge-kit

As of now that's what I think I'll go with. Did you buy ur Ohlins from Howard at motorcycle metal or someplace else ?

I know Howard redesigns cartridges from Ohlins specifically for you. Should I get it from him ? Or Will I get same comfort and handling if I just get it online from Ohlins ?

 

[hulkss]

Howard will make sure you get the correct springs, suspension fluid, and a couple simple tools to get the job done. I needed a long 12mm hex bit on my 2019 Softail forks to get the sliders off.