Progressives

[SAFXDL]

Just installed some Progressive 11" 412's on my FXDL..and while riding in this morning I noticed the smooth ride...and of course the lower posture of the bike....but I also noticed that the rear end felt a bit loose and squirrelly in turns. Any ideas?? Probably just me...but wanted to see if anyone noticed this after their frist ride with new Progressives especially some that are 1 1/2 inches shorter than stock. I do have the preload set to 3...if that makes any difference.

[godzilla22]

Any time that you alter the stock suspension you change the way the bike handles. Lowering usually has a negative effect particularly when you just lower the rear of the bike.

[SAFXDL]

Originally Posted by godzilla22

Any time that you alter the stock suspension you change the way the bike handles. Lowering usually has a negative effect particularly when you just lower the rear of the bike.

Kinda had that thought....will be lowering the front...hopefully this weekend...thanks.

[godzilla22]

Ya' gotta be careful with that too. If you get it low enough it will start draggin' stuff in the corners. I've got a couple of brothers that lowered their bikes only to find that they can't keep up with the pack in the twisties 'cause they keep scraping.

[Hey Joe]

Thats a small price to pay to look good while catching up on the straightaways.

[godzilla22]

Only if you think a lowered bike looks good...I don't.

You'd probably never catch me on the straigtaways either.

[Ed Y]

If you can't see it while you're on the bike and going down the road, it's a waste.

[murphdog]

Originally Posted by SAFXDL

...but wanted to see if anyone noticed this after their frist ride with new Progressives especially some that are 1 1/2 inches shorter than stock. I do have the preload set to 3...if that makes any difference.

I put some stock length 412's (12 5/8") on a few months ago and didn't notice anything different. I did find the ride a little harsh even with standard springs and the preload all the way soft.

[SAFXDL]

Here's a pic of the shocks and I notice that my swingarm is angled up a bit...I know it's from the 11 inch vs the 12.5 inch shocks...but is that ok??

[Hey Joe]

Thats not a problem. The problem is that by just dropping the rear youve changed the rake and trail of the front end.

[SAFXDL]

Originally Posted by Hey Joe

Thats not a problem. The problem is that by just dropping the rear youve changed the rake and trail of the front end.

Yep....I will probably be doing the front this weekend.....just took her out for a 2 hour spin...and she does ride nice...low but nice

[dougsthang']

I just rode home from Hog Pro. I had Progressive 418's 11.5" installed. That lowered my Dyna Wider Glide 1". I also lowered the front 1" with the Progressive front end kit.

First ride I noticed a much smoother ride. The bike didn't react to every bump in the road the way it used too. I also installed SE Heavy fork oil. The front end feels much more stable. That coupled with the new Metzeler ME880's and the bike feels like a young pup.

My swing arm is just like yours. My V & H Big Shot Staggereds used to run right along the swing arm, now they dip a little below.

Straight aways, twisties, who cares. bring it on!

[fxdl raw]

Hey SA, I lowered my 2K Lowrider with progressives as well. Just remember though, taking 1 inch from the shock really lowers the bike about an inch and a half. You change the angle of the swingarm as well as the angle of the shock. It will be a different feel. Mine felt a little loose at first too, but you get used to it. I have a short inseam and it helped. I think it looked a lot better too. I had the 440s.

[Geezer-Glide]

Yo dog, looks like you picked up some road kill on the rear pulley. Better clean that nasty sh1t off!!

[SAFXDL]

Originally Posted by Geezer-Glide

Yo dog, looks like you picked up some road kill on the rear pulley. Better clean that nasty sh1t off!!

Easy there Geezer...that's clipped from my Christmas cards!!!