Bottoming out : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

HD05CLASSIC · 05-20-2008, 08:08 AM

I have a 05 ultra with stock shocks and a lowering kit on the lower part of the shock. I run about 25psi. when riding two up,but when hitting a large bumb or pot hole the back bottoms out. Any suggestions? and yes the wife is trying to loose some weight.

Dyna_Willie · 05-20-2008, 08:23 AM

when I had my softail rule of thumb was 125lbs. or under, otherwise they did not get on... That helped with the NO FAT CHICK syndrome...

Geezer-Glide · 05-20-2008, 08:41 AM

Now Thats hurtful!

You may not want to hear this, but loose the lowering kit until circumstances allow it's replacement.

Dyna_Willie · 05-20-2008, 08:43 AM

no hurt intended, just how it was...

bountyhunter · 05-20-2008, 09:25 AM

Arnott Air-Ride. Shocks slammed to 9.75" in this pic with 150 Metz ~ can't bottom on fender. No problem running 90psi two-up, loaded for touring.

arnott air ride · 05-20-2008, 09:35 AM

Yes,an air ride system will keep the bottoming out blues from happening-and you will get your full travel,and great harley ride the lowering kit dosent allow

Smoky56 · 05-20-2008, 03:07 PM

Try 25-30lbs of air, but do use ONLY a small volume hand pump for the job. It works for me.

Sarge12R · 05-20-2008, 04:43 PM

A buddy of mine had the exact same issue with his lowering kit. He has a 06' Electra Glide Standard. I was going to order one because they look great, but after watching the sparks fly off his frame, I decided not to. He removed his lowering kit and went back to stock. Problem resolved. I travel on long trips which require alot of weight, to include my ole lady

. If you want the bike lowered your going to have to spend the bucks as mentioned above and purchase a good quality air ride system.

RB Jones · 05-20-2008, 11:03 PM

I never put more than 18 pounds in my shocks even with two up and luggage. I've found that if you put too much air in they shocks get so stiff they feel like they're bottoming out when all you've done is reduce travel to almost zero. Try running 12-15 and see how it feels.

But I don't have a lowering kit on, so this may be a moot point. One of the advantages of the higher ground clearance is better cornering ability. Are looks that important? You have to decide. You can't have it all unless you put out the big bucks for the air system. An awful lot of money just so you can have that lowered look every now and then.

Seahag · 05-21-2008, 01:01 AM

With a lowering kit like that on, you DON'T WANT to use the full range of travel...hence the bottoming. I managed just fine for six years though with my fat as$ and the ol' lady by running 40#psi...pumped up with the HD hand pump of course. When we'd fully load for touring with T-bags and enough gear for a week, we'd have to run 50psi. With all that weight on the bike, the ride didn't feel harsh...hell we put 53,000 miles on that bike with the lowering kit on it and stock shocks...so if the ride really sucked or the shocks were going to fail, I'd be able to tell you.

Just air it up till it stops bottoming.

Bad Bear · 05-21-2008, 06:15 PM

I have an 07 Ultra with lowering kit I have a 29" inseam and I stand flat footed now I run 35 pounds with full load and 120 pound wife I have had no problem but even without the lowering kit if I hit a bad hole or bridge with sharp spot I hear a loud bang never have figuered out what it is because nothing has a rub mark on it

MountainMan · 05-21-2008, 06:36 PM

Not sure your ol is going to like this, but a diet seems to be the cheapest solution

Gunslinger · 05-21-2008, 06:37 PM

I just bought an 08 Ultra and the dealer will be lowering it prior to me taking delivery. I'm 5-06 and want to be as stable on it as possible, especially two-up. They are using HD lowered shocks, like on the Street Glide. Hopefully that will work well and not bottom out.....

Bad Bear....got any pictures of your bike? I'd really like to se a good side shot.....

BOWB4ME · 05-21-2008, 07:24 PM

that was going to be my suggestion, was to maybe try the low profile shocks. they are designed to give a lowered stance but still have the travel. the lowering kit is like cutting coils to lower a car ( not that i've done that

). if ya know someone who has a street glide try theirs out, our go by your local dealer to test ride one. bring you wife and have her go too. and maybe ask them what lbs are in the demo bike.

good luck padna'

Dyna_Willie · 05-21-2008, 08:14 PM

easiest solution... put on a solo seat...