lowering (how-to)

HD dreambook has different solutions as does most of the other catalogs you can get free from companies.

You already have one of the lowest Sportsters. Do you need it lower due to legstance or just want it lower?

The rear shocks are easy to replace with shorter units (11.5) but I would suggest getting the repair manual from HD (about $55) before replacing the front springs in the forks.

Don't know about your bike but some have adjustable rear shocks. I dropped mine down a notch in about 10 seconds flat. Have a look at the lower end of the rear shocks. It will be very obvious if they can be adjusted (you will see several notches and one of them will be resting on a pin). If so, someone with a good grip can twist them down to the next notch. They are designed for a c spanner but I moved mine by hand. Raising them would be a whole lot harder. Good luck

lazy-t said:

How hard is it to lower a 1998 1200 custom? I am a woman who is not mechanically inclined, are there books to buy on this subject or instruction that come with the kits? Any help will be appreciated.

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Hi, you can buy the Factory Service manual for your bike, it has everything you need to know in there. If you need diagrams to figure out how everything goes together, get the parts manual too.
To lower the bike, many have gone to shorter progressives shocks with good results.

It is not difficult to change out the shocks, but it'll be nice to get someone with experience to help you with it. You'll need a torque wrench too, you can borrow it from the nice experienced someone.

Hope this helps.

Being that we run the riders edge program we get a fair amount of riders that are women . Many buy the sporty and have them lowered. A simple kit from white Bros will lower the rear, .... or you could adjust the spring postion on the rear shocks. The front kit is a bit more in depth you might want to get help. you could go to White Bros web site and download a copy of the directions for the fron and rear lowering kits. That would let you see what you would be in for. By the way PA has some great beer Rolling Rock. Good luck