Thoughts on Lowering?

[MikeyG]

Hi - first post here, just bought a 2014 SG. Like many others, I find myself vertically challenged - I'm 5'6".

Just got my seat back from MeanCityCycles (which I found through this forum...), and they did an awesome job, but I could use another inch or two when backing up......would love to hear everyone's suggestions.

Thanks!

 

[Mandrew]

I think lowering the bike that much is risky.
I lowered mine almost an inch by putting the progressive 944 ultra low in the back and the Harley premium low front shocks. This combo (including the seat change) gave me more confidence in the parking lots, but it is a bit stiff on rough roads.
I recommend that you check out an air ride solution like JNR Designed or Dirty Air. You can lower the bike when you need to push it around, and utilize a safe and comfortable height on the highways.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Budman15]

My wife is only 5'2" and just traded for a 2015 street glide. She has trouble with moving the bike around with her feet also. We put on a reach seat and ordered burly 11.5" rear shocks. When we get them on I will update on how much of an improvement they are. They also come in 10.5" but I think that's way too low.

 

[Mandrew]

My wife is only 5'2" and just traded for a 2015 street glide. She has trouble with moving the bike around with her feet also. We put on a reach seat and ordered burly 11.5" rear shocks. When we get them on I will update on how much of an improvement they are. They also come in 10.5" but I think that's way too low.

Are you going to do anything with the front suspension?

 

[wildchld]

My wife is only 5'2" and just traded for a 2015 street glide. She has trouble with moving the bike around with her feet also. We put on a reach seat and ordered burly 11.5" rear shocks. When we get them on I will update on how much of an improvement they are. They also come in 10.5" but I think that's way too low.

Had the Burley 10.5's they ride rough but functional. Air ride you can go from 9.5 to 14 and the ride is about same as stock. Advantage is you can drop the bike to move it around then pump it back for riding. DYI can cost as little as $200

 

[MikeyG]

Thanks everyone. I may follow through on a set up like Mandrew has, but here's another question.....where do you go to have some of these mods done? I just left a harley dealer who said the only thing he would do to a street glide is put a lowering kit on the front, and wouldn't even discuss changing shocks..... I'm good at putting some of the toys on a bike, but like to have a shop do anything that affects motor or suspension......

 

[Mandrew]

Thanks everyone. I may follow through on a set up like Mandrew has, but here's another question.....where do you go to have some of these mods done? I just left a harley dealer who said the only thing he would do to a street glide is put a lowering kit on the front, and wouldn't even discuss changing shocks..... I'm good at putting some of the toys on a bike, but like to have a shop do anything that affects motor or suspension......

If you have a jack, you can do the rear shocks yourself. Installation involves taking your bags off, loosening the upper and lower bolts, jacking the bike up, removing bolts on one side, installing the new shock, remove and replace on other side, check sag, lower the bike, and make sure all bolts are properly tightened.
This is a rough description, but it is easily a do it yourself job if you have the right tools.

 

[MikeyG]

Sounds good, and thanks for this help.....what did you put on the front, or could I just put the progressives on the rear?

 

[Mandrew]

You can just change the rear, but you might want to level things out a bit by modifying the front.
I used the Harley lowered front; progressive also has one. However, since everyone frowns upon lowering the bike, maybe you can do the rear and then do the front later if necessary.
Progressive customer service is pretty good- give them a call, describe what you need, how you ride (2-up etc), and share your height/weight- they will give you honest input on whether the 944 is the right option for you.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Budman15]

Are you going to do anything with the front suspension?

No, we put the burley 11.5" shocks and the HD reach seat and she can just about flat foot. She can now back the bike on her own. It did make the ride a little harsher but not much. She says the trade off is worth it. So far no issues with scraping.

 

[Mandrew]

Good to hear- footing really helps with confidence.

 

[MikeyG]

Thanks again everyone.
Step one, after reading many posts here, have seat lowered by mean city cycles. Decided not to move myself forward any.
Step two, decide that's not enough. More reading, more posting. Order progressive 944s, which, strangely enough, were cheapest at Amazon.
Step three, while impatiently waiting for the shocks, call MCC and see if they could move my seat forward a bit. Not only do they agree, but even though I admit I asked not to do it the first time, they won't take more money.....will make the adjustment at no charge. I can't say enough good here about their customer service! Made an appt for a few weeks from now.
Step four, put new shocks on. WOW!!! It's amazing what a difference an inch makes (I know....that's what she said....)
But it's true....ride is awesome, and so much more confidence when both feet comfortably, flatly, touch the ground. I'm riding a lot this weekend, and may decide to not move the seat forward as I might have found my happy place on my new bike......
So, thanks again for all of your input, it's great to be able to do all your research here, one stop shopping!

 

[Mandrew]

Awesome. Good to hear.

 

[t8ness]

My wife is only 5'2" and just traded for a 2015 street glide. She has trouble with moving the bike around with her feet also. We put on a reach seat and ordered burly 11.5" rear shocks. When we get them on I will update on how much of an improvement they are. They also come in 10.5" but I think that's way too low.

My wife wants a SG like me. She's a lil taller than your wife. I dunno if I trust her and the consequences on my wallet. Has your wife always ridden or what? That bike is heavy....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mandrew]

My wife wants a SG like me. She's a lil taller than your wife. I dunno if I trust her and the consequences on my wallet. Has your wife always ridden or what? That bike is heavy....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What is your concern, her strength? Riding skill? I've seen riders who are weaker or shorter than me, ride very skillfully and confidently on a big bike. Now, if the rider is weaker, smaller, and less skilled- well, that can be concerning.
If your wife has taken a rider course and knows how to ride, but you're unsure about her ability to handle a streetglide- maybe you can rent one and see how things go.

 

[t8ness]

What is your concern, her strength? Riding skill? I've seen riders who are weaker or shorter than me, ride very skillfully and confidently on a big bike. Now, if the rider is weaker, smaller, and less skilled- well, that can be concerning.
If your wife has taken a rider course and knows how to ride, but you're unsure about her ability to handle a streetglide- maybe you can rent one and see how things go.

No, my wife has never ridden anything except on the back of my bike, but now she wants one of her own. She definitely needs take that rider course though....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TomA]

I would suggest the riders course and maybe a different smaller bike to start with. Something smaller unless after the course she can handle the bigger bike.

 

[yegg]

Another new rider here. I'm 5'6" (5'7" on my license) and every dealer I went to would not lower a Street Glide for me. I bought the 2015 Street Glide Special and had swapped the stock seat with an extended reach seat (found on the Ultra Low) and also had the primary cover replaced with a low profile version. That was what really did the trick. Once I was able to bring my left leg in closer I had a lot less problems with "feeling" comfortable.

 

[Mandrew]

Good to hear. The narrow outer primary is only about an inch narrower, but it's enough to make big difference.
If anyone has the narrow version that comes stock on the 2016s and doesn't like it, I'm game to trade my big chrome outer with you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[yegg]

One thing I forgot to mention about low profile primary cover. The derby cover on the regular one dies not fit. I had to get a new one.