J&P Community

If you are already lowered an inch with a Burly lowering kit, there is no way 2 inch shorter shocks will give any tire to fender clearance. The max you can lower an FXD with a light solo rider is about 2 inches. Anything more and you get rubbing issues.

Gary,

The part numbers and prices you requested are as follows. Both sets of shocks are in stock and ready to ship.

701-219 Progressive™ Suspension 412 Series Shocks, Standard Chrome 11.0", $299.99 ($269.99 Gold Club)

701-739 Progressive™ Suspension 412 Series Shocks, Standard Black 11.0", ($269.99 Gold Club)

Mahalo speedking72 for your help!

Gary

Hello Tech Dept. HD-experts, 

I have a few more questions about lowering my '08 FXD...

I raised the bike and measured the r-shocks...look like 12.5 inches is it, but I saw literature that quoted 12" (?) so I measured.

If I use a 11" Prog. 412's in the rear (assuming I have the fender clearance), can I (or should I) only lower the front the same amount, using Prog. drop-in lowering spring kit and no more lower (which lowering more will not work well. Right?)

What I'm thinking is I need to know my current OEM eye-to-eye r-shock length? (will measure, so I know the difference to installing a 11" shorter shock).

Which translates to a 1.5 front drop, only, if my rear OEM is 12.5...

Sorry, if I sound unsure, but haven't explained this before.

Tried to keep the words as few and plain as possible.

I'm sure you guys know ahead of what I'm trying to communicate...just have to be sure of this lowering my bike issue...

Originally wanted a 2 inch drop (i.e., Burly slammer kit but a little concerned about the 10.5 shocks, since I'm a little older (or a lot) rider that doesn't need a hardtail ride but wants to lower the bikes center of gravity...

Will purchase "highway bars" next after this project...

Mahalo again, 

Gary

 Aloha Gary, The stock FXD shoks are actually 12 5/8ths", To going to an 11" will lower the bike 1 5/8".

Here is an article that may help you understand what each change you make affects.

http://community.jpcycles.com/articles/tech-articles/pages/triple-trees-and-frame-geometry.aspx

Thank you Xea for the info!

Yes, I agree, that measurement I made did look a little longer than 1.5 "...

Now, if I lower the front forks 1 5/8" to match the 11" lower rear shock effect of 1 5/8 " lower...

Wonder if I could get away with lowering the forks a full 2 inches? That would decrease the fork trail?

How much do I cut the PVC spacer in Progressive's "drop in fork spring kit"? PN?

So that it matches the lowered (1 5/8 ") rear drop...

Guess, Burly's "slammer" kit with 10.5 shocks would be a little too extreme drop? (-2 1/8") Giving a lower than recommended 2" drop.

I did read some discussions online where readers had installed on 08 street bob's without bottoming out but way stiffer ride...

Burly recommended meaning rear tire to fender contact point to be at less than 9.63 inches. Will do this before I decide what to buy in terms of lowering the rear of my bike...

Mahalo for you assistance...I did read the tech article you suggested about rake-trail-etc...

Aloha,

Gary

 Yes, lowering the front more than the rear will decrease trail sligtly. This will make the bike a little (and I STRESS little) more nimble at lower speeds, and not handle quite as well in a sraight line. You Hawaii boys have to ride around in circles anyway.........After rideing 15 minutes or so, you will not even detect any differance.

 try again: A h-u-i ho...

To be certain on the cutoff point, I recomend you call Progressive. They also own the Burley brand name and anything packaged from Burley these days is coming from them.

 Thanks Xea, I will call Progressive at some point...still trying to get out to the garage...

Aloha,

Gary, still on Oahu after all these years...

 XEA,

I called Progressive Suspention about cutting the drop-in lowering kit PVC spacer for my '08 FXD...

There answer: Just like you suggested about lowering the front end of this bike...cut the spacer in 1 inch increments, for a 2 inch drop...

That is what a Progressive tech. told me and that would decrease front wheel trail = more responsive at low speeds...

The Progressive person said that is the best suggestion and will work out fine for riding, even if the 11 inch shock is used in the rear for a 1 5/8 inch drop...all will be good...

All the responses by Prog. people is just what you wrote to me, Xea...Mahalo...

Just wanted to share this with you and the other guests (if interested)...

Aloha,

Gary