| Author | Message | ||
     Steveford  |
Ladies/Gentlemen, I know that this isn't a Buell thread but same family so perhaps someone can help. A young lady has a 92 XL which already has 10.5" shocks on it. She's kind of short and I need to drop the front end so this midget motorcycle mama can keep from toppling over. So, does anyone have any experience with either the Progressive Suspension front end lowering kit or the Harley front end lowering kit? Thanks in advance, Steve Ford | ||
| Odie  |
Steve, I lowered my wifes '97 Sporty with Progressive springs in the front and Progressive shocks in the rear. I also cut her seat and recovered it. It looked sweet and height was perfect for her....Odie | ||
| Swampy  |
Slide the forks up in the triple trees. | ||
| Leftcoastal  |
Boy, I wish you had asked this question a few years ago, when I RAISED a "Hugger" Sportster back to stock XL specs - I'd have all the parts you would need! If I remember right, all you need is a set of springs and the dampener tubes and you're ready to go. Both are shorter than stock stuff. Both kits you mentioned would do the trick. The design of the stock H-D top triple clamp does not allow for Swampy's suggestion above, though that is something you can do with some of the Buell forks. The choice of seat can do as much to enable 'the inseam challenged' to reach the ground as suspension lowering. Recently, various seat mfg'ers have designed seats that are narrower in the front and re-contoured to allow one's legs to more easily reach the ground. Stock seats are dirt cheap on ebay - get one and cut 'er up like Odie said! Better yet - have her buy one of those 'CG' XB9Rs and use that Sportster for a chopper parts donor! (sorry- just kidden' there, she's probably real proud of that bike, as people can be) AL | ||
| Ray_maines  |
Touching the ground is overrated. It's comforting to be sure, but overrated. My little 28" legs aren't able to let both of my feet touch the deck at the same time but you learn to cope. Besides, people with over active pituitary glands look weird to normal size people. Like you couldn't find a bike tall enough to fit you or something. "Learn to lean" is good advice while you're stopped as well as while you're moving. Shift your butt over and stick your left foot on the ground and leave your right foot on the brake where it belongs. Stretch your arms and upper torso while you have the chance. Oh, by the way, if the bottom of your motorcycle is close to the ground while you're at a stop light, it will also be close to the ground while you're going too fast around a corner. Think about that for a minute. |
