Advice on lowering Road King - Harley Forum

lowrider79 · #1 07-13-2009, 01:05 AM

I am thinking about trading in my Low Rider on a new 09 Road King. The only problem is I am a short munchkin, only 5' 6" tall with a 28 inch inseam. I really like everything on the Road King such as cruise control, ABS brakes, etc., but I can not touch the ground flat footed with the bike upright. The salesman said they could probably lower the bike, but I'm concerned it will scrape the floorboards whenever I corner. Have any of you ever had to lower your bike, and if so did it drastically change the geometry of the bike? I really hate to take a new bike and start off making modifications if it's not going to solve the problem. The Road King if I remember correctly is listed as being 31" from the seat to the ground unladen and 29" laden with a 180 pound rider. I weigh 150.
Any advice?
Thanks for any help.

milindh · #2 07-13-2009, 03:24 AM

I believe the Street Glide is 1" lower than the other baggers. So the local dealer told me last time I was in their showroom. If you're not into that bike you might at least take one for a test ride and see how you like a lower bike. You're gonna drag something at some time with a bagger. Just depends on how hard you push it. It's not really a big deal if your floorboards drag some if they fold up out of the way. It's the non-folding stuff that can spook you.

botzman · #3 07-13-2009, 06:52 AM

Lowrider79,

I had an 05 RK that I put the streetglide shocks on which dropped it an inch. It helped. I did not lower the front end though. I dont think it adversely effected the handling. After all, the streetglide has the lower shocks in the rear and its the same suspension set up in the front as the RK.
Direct from the HD site:

Rake Steering Head/Trail for both bikes is
26° / 6.69 in.

Wheelbase is 63.5 inch for both bikes and tire size the same for both bikes too.

I would suggest buying an aftermarket set of rear shocks if you go this route. For the price you'll pay for HD shocks you can get a better pair of aftermarket shocks. You may find the handlebars uncomfortable and out of reach since your a "munchkin". Also had a Sundowner seat on the RK which dropped seat height a bit and narrowed the nose a little instead of kicking your legs out a bit. After the RK I opted for the Streetglide. Felt far more comfortable on it. I have a 30" inseam. Hope this helps. Botz

Mr. Big · #4 07-13-2009, 07:26 AM

I dropped my Electra-Slide 2" and left the front alone. I like the look and I've had no handling issues. Ordered the shocks from Phoenix Customs Bitchin Baggers

I also bought their bagger brace and it works like a champ. Very nice folks to deal with.

shovelmike · #5 07-13-2009, 10:11 AM

Welcome to the forum, lowrider79. I too am short legged 29" inseam so I understand your concern. Be careful of ground clearance if you lower the bike. I chose to leave my Ultra alone but I make sure I wear boots with good cleated soles and watch for sand and gravel underfoot.

lowrider79 · #6 07-13-2009, 01:33 PM

Thank you all for the great advice.

Rozy Hog · #7 07-14-2009, 12:22 AM

I set up my wifes 2000 Road King with Harley's short air shocks and raised the drivers floor boards to the top holes. She is 5'3'' and is able to plant her feet flat on the ground. you have to lean hard to make it drag the boards. This may or may not be possible on a '09, but is worth looking into. One note, I had to grind some off of the left side board mount to clear the primary (motor moved enough to touch before grinding), then touched up the paint with Testors gloss black model paint, 6 years and no pealing.