Hello folks. I just recently bought my first Harley about a month and a half ago and have been spending some time reading some of the posts on this website.. My bike a low mileage, '96 model FXDL. When I got it, the previous owner had just installed some of the Progressive shorty shocks on it. Riding solo, with the preload set to stiff, it rides pretty good, but I notice that the handling seemed to suffer just a bit. The riding position seems more comfortable (I have occasional back trouble).
I put the original HD shocks back on and there was a noticeable difference in the bikes' ability to handle turns. It also handles better when riding two-up. The thing is, I noticed that after about an hour, my back starts tightening up. I'm having a difficult time deciding whether to go comfort, or function. I like the more reclined riding position I have with the Progressives, but hate to give up maneuverabliliy to get it. I think I should mention that the bike has a Corbin seat with the removeable back support for the operator.
I got a real messed up back, and was having trouble riding over 200 miles in a day, So, I moved my foot pegs forwards 1-1/2" and it made a world of difference, now I ride up to 350 miles and more in a day.
Can you pull back the handlebars just a little to see if that helps???
seems like if the shorty shocks make a difference in your comfort, maybe thats the way to go, but giving up performance dont sound good,.
__________________ Scott aka Unclepsycho
Redneck without a clue
I got a real messed up back, and was having trouble riding over 200 miles in a day, So, I moved my foot pegs forwards 1-1/2" and it made a world of difference, now I ride up to 350 miles and more in a day.
Can you pull back the handlebars just a little to see if that helps???
seems like if the shorty shocks make a difference in your comfort, maybe thats the way to go, but giving up performance dont sound good,.
Thank you for the warm welcome, friend! Sorry to hear about your back. I have already moved the mini-apes rearward a bit, so I'm not reaching now. I'd like some 8" riser drag bars, but don't know if it would be comfortable or not. The bike came with the forward controls already installed. It's more to do with the weight distribution difference via the riding position that I'm seeing. I'm more comfortable in the "lowered" setup, but the bike definitely feels much more stable and "flippable" with the OEM shocks. I am thinking of trying the shorties again. The only other issue with the lowered setup is that upon making the transition from dirt to pavement, I and the wife bottomed out when driving over the shoulder of the roadway. I guess I need to go on a diet, huh?
Last edited by Big_Cheese; 07-02-2009 at 10:41 PM.
Reason: haste
Naw, No, no need fof diets.... waste of time.... just makes ya irritated and dont enjoy life... diets are no good. getting out and doing more is the answer. Set your goals on fun things... enuff diet counselling,....
so there is a difference in how your low back takes the weight when you have the stock set up versus the lowered.
Maybe take a picture of yourself parked and setting on the bike with each set up.... then put the good suspension on and try to duplicate your body position by changing pegs, handlebars, seat etc.....
seems like a lot of work, I did it with a honda I had... then went and bought a Harley... that's how I fixed that one... he he... but really, the Harley change was because there are so many options out there for the bikes, and honda just dont have them.
__________________ Scott aka Unclepsycho
Redneck without a clue
Sounds like good advice. I've never had much use for diets anyhow. I'm 5'-10" and 240lb. Between that and my 42+ years, I guess it's no mystery why my back gets tight..... I saw in your signature that you're a HOG member. Mount Airy is hosting a HOG rally this year. I am trying to decide if it is something worth spending some coin on. Would you recommend it? The wife and I are somewhat new to biking, even though her family has a long history with Harley Davidson's products. We pretty much stick close to home, but I got sick of watching so many beautiful summer days escape us without enjoying them. Motorcycling is in my blood. This year I decided would be different. This year, we ride!
That's cool, I had a break in riding for a few years, but each spring, I would pace the floor rubbing my right wrist (throttle) and my wife would seee it, I was doing it without even knowing it, Finally in 2003 I went and bought a new honda... after a while, it was not doing the job, so I got my first Harley. Yup riding is in the blood.
As far as a HOG event, I havent signed up for a pakage deal yet, I ride off and onn with the local weekend rides. It's a great way to meet new people, with a common intrest. I havent met anyone I dont like yet...and dont plan on it. So I say if you have the time off and want to... go for it! life's short, have fun.
I blew a disc out in by low back, in '91. had surgery in '98. I have been known to ride upwards of 500 to 600 miles in a day. So I know that a bike can be adjusted to fit you personally, just takes a few ideas, try them. what works for me may not work for you. There are plenty of forum members here that can jump in and let ya know what they did to make thier ride more comfy.
__________________ Scott aka Unclepsycho
Redneck without a clue
I have a 1995 Lowrider and wanted to lower my bike. I went with the 11 1/2" progressive lowering shocks in the rear which lowered the bike about 1 1/4". I also slipped the front fork tubes through the tripple trees 3/4". this was after trying the Progressive front lowering springs which I did not care for,(too low). I'd have to say the ride quality has suffered somewhat but I think the handling is as good as ever. For me it was a matter of getting my feet closer to the ground. Actually knowing what I know now I would not have changed the motorcycle but sometimes it's hard to leave well enough alone.
Do you have the 11" or the 11 1/2" shocks?
Last edited by banginona40; 07-03-2009 at 09:06 AM.
They are the 11" HVYDY #412-4045C. I guess I'm really lucky to have both shock sets on hand to try out. I thought that if I decide to use the OEM's I'd put the Progressives up on ebay motors. Then reinvest the proceeds back into the bike somhow. Perhaps those aforementioned drag bars? But after riding with both, I have found distinct positives and negatives with both setups.
Not to hijack my own thread, but I noticed some light rust coming through the chrome on one of the forward control levers. I am planning on taking some fine steel wool and some penetrating oil to the afflicted spot to try and remove the rust. Besides oiling the area, is there any good methods to prevent the rust from easily returning?
After the rust is removed, I have used clear fingernail polish, in places that are not right up on the upper part of the bike, just to keep it from being seen. the fingernail polish I used was kinda thick, maybe i shoulda thinned it down a little.
__________________ Scott aka Unclepsycho
Redneck without a clue
Cool, I'll give that a try. The worst of it is on the inboard side of the shifter. Looks like some lettering cast into the pedal arm. I'll bet if the mfg'r had forgone putting raised lettering there, I wouldn't be seeing a rusty spot! There's a couple of other minimal rust issues I'll need to address with this bike, mainly buttonhead screws/socket headed bolts but overall I'm pretty happy with my purchase. I got'er for $7,800. She only had 8,250 on the odometer, S&S Carb, (unsure of type) Vance & Hines pipes, new tires. I was told that other than the carb and pipe change, and oil changes, of course, that the engine itself has never been wrenched on.
"Lowering" a Lowrider? 
Re: "Lowering" a Lowrider? 
I guess I need to go on a diet, huh? 
Sounds like good advice. I've never had much use for diets anyhow. I'm 5'-10" and 240lb. Between that and my 42+ years, I guess it's no mystery why my back gets tight.....
I saw in your signature that you're a HOG member. Mount Airy is hosting a HOG rally this year. I am trying to decide if it is something worth spending some coin on. Would you recommend it? The wife and I are somewhat new to biking, even though her family has a long history with Harley Davidson's products. We pretty much stick close to home, but I got sick of watching so many beautiful summer days escape us without enjoying them. Motorcycling is in my blood. This year I decided would be different. This year, we ride!
So I say if you have the time off and want to... go for it! life's short, have fun.
But after riding with both, I have found distinct positives and negatives with both setups.
Linear Mode
