slammin' my softail

6873 Views 20 Replies 8 Participants Last post by apache36, Dec 20, 2005

cambi

Discussion Starter · Dec 14, 2005

Greetings fellow Softail riders...I am the proud owner of a 2005 standard and I'm thinking of lowering it a bit. I'm interested in finding out what is the BEST way to do so....I've seen both front spring adjusters and new shocks but which is better?? I'm leaning towards new shocks but need to learn more....any info would be greatly appreciated......Thanks!! :hmmm:

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

DrHeathenScum

· #2 · Dec 14, 2005 (Edited)

the stock suspension/shocks/springs kind of suck... I would suggest getting a set of Works Performance shocks for the rear and a new set of lowering springs for the front from Progressive or Works. You won't belive the difference... like a totally different bike.

I dropped my Night Train 2.5" front and about 3/4" - 1" in the rear. Oddly enough, the frame only sits a half inch lower than a bone stock Heritage Softail.

edit: forgot to mention, I also put on FLSTF upper fork tubes... they are 1.5" shorter than the FXST uppers.

FLSTNI

· #3 · Dec 14, 2005

Cambi,

Welcome to the board!
Good luck slammin' that killer softail of yours.

cambi

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 14, 2005

DrHeathenScum said:
the stock suspension/shocks/springs kind of suck... I would suggest getting a set of Works Performance shocks for the rear and a new set of lowering springs for the front from Progressive or Works. You won't belive the difference... like a totally different bike.

I dropped my Night Train 2.5" front and about 3/4" - 1" in the rear. Oddly enough, the frame only sits a half inch lower than a bone stock Heritage Softail.

edit: forgot to mention, I also put on FLSTF upper fork tubes... they are 1.5" shorter than the FXST uppers.

Thanks Doc! If I lower the rear with new shocks, do I HAVE to lower the front as well?? Also, what would you estimate the total cost would be including labor....assuming dealer install?? Thanks again!

cambi

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 14, 2005

Thank You FLSTNI.....see you on the road this spring!!!

FLSTNI

· #6 · Dec 14, 2005

cambi,

I hope we can last that long!

FLSTNI

DrHeathenScum

· #7 · Dec 14, 2005

cambi said:
Thanks Doc! If I lower the rear with new shocks, do I HAVE to lower the front as well?? Also, what would you estimate the total cost would be including labor....assuming dealer install?? Thanks again!

you don't have to lower the front if you don't want to. my brother didn't on his, but I was tired of the "up in the front" look these bikes have from the factory, that is even more if the rear is just lowered. your mileage may vary.

I have no idea what a dealer would charge... I did all of my own work on it and probably spent $700 - $800 total in parts.

apache36

· #8 · Dec 15, 2005

i dropped mine about 1.75" in the back, i like the look and i didn't notice any real handling issues, with the exception of you can't lean as far into the corners. i used a lowering kit from white brothers. cost me a 12 pack to have the shocks pressed. other than that i did the install myself. it was too wasy, and is fully adjustable, wich lowering shoicks won't be. check out the pics of the black haired mistress below.
josh

DrHeathenScum

· #9 · Dec 15, 2005

apache36 said:
i dropped mine about 1.75" in the back, i like the look and i didn't notice any real handling issues, with the exception of you can't lean as far into the corners. i used a lowering kit from white brothers. cost me a 12 pack to have the shocks pressed. other than that i did the install myself. it was too wasy, and is fully adjustable, wich lowering shoicks won't be. check out the pics of the black haired mistress below.
josh

most aftermarket "lowering" shocks are adjustable for ride height... I suspect the H-D ones are not, but I know Progressive, Works, and Ohlins are.

csoday

· #10 · Dec 15, 2005 (Edited)

cambi said:
Thanks Doc! If I lower the rear with new shocks, do I HAVE to lower the front as well?? Also, what would you estimate the total cost would be including labor....assuming dealer install?? Thanks again!

Front fork lowering with H.D. kit -- parts $99.95+ fork oil--$2, labor--2.5 hour
I put the Progressive Air Tail on the back $1,500 + 3 hours (half that time to add the compressor)

Also, if you lower both don't forget a shorter kick stand-- $82

apache36

· #11 · Dec 15, 2005

DrHeathenScum, thanks for the correction on that one. i think you're right though in saying that the HD ones are not adjustable.
josh

FLSTNI

· #12 · Dec 15, 2005

Apache,

Love the look of your scoot. The single seat, lowered rear and the street slammer bars really make the bike. Very nicely done. VH Big Radius are cool too.

Cambi...have a look at the pics he provided in the link, in particular those with the April date. I think this is the look you're going for.

cambi

Discussion Starter · #13 · Dec 15, 2005

apache36 said:
i dropped mine about 1.75" in the back, i like the look and i didn't notice any real handling issues, with the exception of you can't lean as far into the corners. i used a lowering kit from white brothers. cost me a 12 pack to have the shocks pressed. other than that i did the install myself. it was too wasy, and is fully adjustable, wich lowering shoicks won't be. check out the pics of the black haired mistress below.
josh

Thanks Apache, great looking bike and good advice; I've got the same stock bike as you...same color too except I went for the chromed outer primary and VH staggered big shots.....I'll post a picture soon. Did you have the stock shocks modified? what comes with the "kit" that you purchased??
Thanks Again!!

apache36

· #14 · Dec 15, 2005

Cambi, i to went with the chrome outer primary. it was out of nessicety though. after lowering the ass i scrubbed a curb, hence the reduced lean angle i mentioned earlier. it was an expensive mistake to make, but the final outcome looks alot better. i'm not sure if i have any updated pics in my gallery, but there have only been minor changes if any since i posted the last few. thank you for the comments by the way (FLSTNI you too), there greatly appreciated. if you want some updated pics pm me and i'ss email some to ya.
josh

nochrome

· #15 · Dec 17, 2005

I bought the White Bros adjustable kit for the rear. Cost me $72 CDN. I had the dealer install it when the bike was in for service (two birds with one stone idea) Less hassle for me and because they install these things all the time why not let the pros handle it, I think he told me it took him about 30 minutes max. As for the front end J&P cycles have them in the book for about $100 and change. Seems like an easy process so I'll do it myself as I have already taked the front end off before. I lowered the back 1.5 and think the front is to high also so I'm thinking two inches drop. Have a set of Donnie Smiths going on this winter and repainting the whole bike again this winter as well (can't leave things alone for to long you know). APACHE36 I like that front fender you are putting on the bike, awsome look! I'm thinking of changing mine out to just not sure on style yet.

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apache36

· #16 · Dec 17, 2005

nochrome, thank you the fender is done i just got around to updating the pics the other day. i'm not sure if you can see the final outcome but from what every one has said they really like it. i did it initially to keep the front cylinder a little cleaner, but it really looked alot better than i ever could have hoped for. that whole two birds with one stone thing.....lol.
josh

nhrafan43

· #17 · Dec 17, 2005

Hey Josh, the mistress is looking great. Thanks for the updated pics.
Ride safe and take care.
Nicky

apache36

· #18 · Dec 17, 2005

Thanks nicky, once the weather warms up here and i get me winter project done i'll get some more taken.
josh

nochrome

· #19 · Dec 19, 2005

Hey josh I can't see the finished job with the front fender but I'm sure it looks great. Keeping the front jug clean is one big reason for wanting to change mine this winter. We still have five to six months of winter yet so I have lots of time to decide what I want. I paint my own bike so booking a painter is not an issue, just deciding what look I want. Anyway Good luck with the rest of your projects this winter.

FL8X

· #20 · Dec 19, 2005

I used the Arlen Ness slammer kit to lower my night train 1.5" front and 2" rear. Used some heavier weight fork oil to stiffen up the front and adjusted the preload on the rear to stiffing it up. Bike rides and looks awsome. Kit came with everything need to lower the bike except the fork oil, also can with the shorter kick stand. Good luck.

Tim

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