3" lowering shims install?

P21 wrote: the back end of bikes not going to like that not on a shaftie
but then again live and learn
good luck

Thanks for the heads up. I was told my bike wouldn't like 11.5" rear aftermarket shocks from a HD Sportster, and its never rode better! Now it's time for the front. I was thinking about getting, 10.5", or even 10" rear, aftermarket shocks after I lower the front 3". If it doesn't work out, then I'll send the forks off to a machine shop. Its going to be 3" lower in the front, regardless. I think you guys will like my finished project!

4TheKZ1000 wrote: You can get 1 inch by loosing the triple tree bolts and sliding forks up on the tree 1 inch.

I installed 2 inch spacers on mine for a total of three inches.

I Ended up going to two, as the forks felt to harsh.

If the ride is too harsh, then I'll just cut the fork springs...

2" in the back and 3" in the front your header's gonna hate you.
On mine with 10" strut's and the fork's slid to the bar's I was hittin
the header a lot that's why I did the sidewinder header.

I removed the upper springs on my Shaftie and replaced it with some spacers, forgot how long. I just played with it until I liked the height. Bike rides and handles fine and I'll do 150 mile trips no prob on them.

Serpent7 wrote:

4TheKZ1000 wrote: You can get 1 inch by loosing the triple tree bolts and sliding forks up on the tree 1 inch.

I installed 2 inch spacers on mine for a total of three inches.

I Ended up going to two, as the forks felt to harsh.

If the ride is too harsh, then I'll just cut the fork springs...[/quote]

It has been my experience that if you shorten the spring, it gets firmer, not softer just sayin'

Two inch is good for the street. But I hate soft front ends.
Three drag only. Too low
Just remember that if you install 2' spacers your not gonna get lowered 2".
Your gonna get 2" of PRELOAD added to the spring stack.

In stead of spacers I have used 6' sections of a dual rate spring pack.
Soft for 1"of travel then hard.

As you increase the preload you stiffen and lessen travel.

And yes as you increase preload it will get harder to put together.
The easiest way to do those is this...
Place fork on a floor jack next to a wall and mark top of fork on wall.
Now build an upside down shelf bracket to put the top of the fork on by jacking up.
I used 2 x 4s. Screw it temporarily to the wall real good.
Jack up the fork to compress it on the bracket and loosen the top nut while compressed.
Reassemble the same way.


You will have to completely disassemble to do this as the spacer goes on the bottom (rebound) spring.

You can always shorten the spacers if needed.
I've seen guys use PVC pipe for this though I wouldn't.

zukdave wrote: 2" in the back and 3" in the front your header's gonna hate you.
On mine with 10" strut's and the fork's slid to the bar's I was hittin
the header a lot that's why I did the sidewinder header.

I have a sidewinder header installed...

gearheadmm wrote: Two inch is good for the street. But I hate soft front ends.
Three drag only. Too low
Just remember that if you install 2' spacers your not gonna get lowered 2".
Your gonna get 2" of PRELOAD added to the spring stack.

In stead of spacers I have used 6' sections of a dual rate spring pack.
Soft for 1"of travel then hard.

As you increase the preload you stiffen and lessen travel.

And yes as you increase preload it will get harder to put together.
The easiest way to do those is this...
Place fork on a floor jack next to a wall and mark top of fork on wall.
Now build an upside down shelf bracket to put the top of the fork on by jacking up.
I used 2 x 4s. Screw it temporarily to the wall real good.
Jack up the fork to compress it on the bracket and loosen the top nut while compressed.
Reassemble the same way.

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You will have to completely disassemble to do this as the spacer goes on the bottom (rebound) spring.

You can always shorten the spacers if needed.
I've seen guys use PVC pipe for this though I wouldn't.

I like this idea…. Hmmmmm. Going to try my 3" spacers first. If they don't work to my liking, then I'll try this!

The spacer kit he's talking about go on the damper rod's
and stop the fork from fully extending shortening the fork..

As for spring's they'll be three inch to long so cut two inch off them
adding one inch of preload. to stiffin them.

Serpent7 wrote:

P21 wrote: the back end of bikes not going to like that not on a shaftie
but then again live and learn
good luck

Thanks for the heads up. I was told my bike wouldn't like 11.5" rear aftermarket shocks from a HD Sportster, and its never rode better! Now it's time for the front. I was thinking about getting, 10.5", or even 10" rear, aftermarket shocks after I lower the front 3". If it doesn't work out, then I'll send the forks off to a machine shop. Its going to be 3" lower in the front, regardless. I think you guys will like my finished project!

I would Like to see pics of this work in progress!!
So, can you post pics of the Rear shocks you used? Is the rear rim/ tire stock? or......... did you use a 16" rear rime / tire?
Sounds interesting, and Look forward to ride report after mods!
Just Curious, thats me!
Regards
Ed

zukdave wrote: The spacer kit he's talking about go on the damper rod's
and stop the fork from fully extending shortening the fork..

As for spring's they'll be three inch to long so cut two inch off them
adding one inch of preload. to stiffin them.

Thanks ZukDave! Sounds like you have experience with this lowering kit. What am I up against as far as installing it? I tried to take my left, and right engine covers off last night and was not too successful… Any insight you could give would help greatly.

ed spangler wrote:

Serpent7 wrote:

P21 wrote: the back end of bikes not going to like that not on a shaftie
but then again live and learn
good luck

Thanks for the heads up. I was told my bike wouldn't like 11.5" rear aftermarket shocks from a HD Sportster, and its never rode better! Now it's time for the front. I was thinking about getting, 10.5", or even 10" rear, aftermarket shocks after I lower the front 3". If it doesn't work out, then I'll send the forks off to a machine shop. Its going to be 3" lower in the front, regardless. I think you guys will like my finished project!

When I get home, I'll dig up some info. on my purchase. I'll snap some pics too and post.


I would Like to see pics of this work in progress!!
So, can you post pics of the Rear shocks you used? Is the rear rim/ tire stock? or......... did you use a 16" rear rime / tire?
Sounds interesting, and Look forward to ride report after mods!
Just Curious, thats me!
Regards
Ed