Lowering an '05 1200R ???

[kballowe]

Is there a good way to lower a 2005 1200R?

This is for a friend of mine - the rider is 140 pounds and the bike is a just a bit tall.

Initially looking at rear shock lowering blocks, and they're supposed to lower the back by an inch. Then I guess a set of progressive springs in the front, minus an inch?

???

Thought maybe this would be cheaper than a ned set of (lower) rear shocks and the bike already has a harsh ride so don't want to reduce rear shock travel. I'm thinking that these OEM shocks are 13"

[motorend]

Have you tried to adjust the rear shocks. At 140 I would imagine they need to be set on position 1 of 5. That would certainly cushion the ride, and may even drop the ride height a hair.

[BWP 5p]

You can just raise the tubes in the trees on the front.

[Coyote USP]

Yeah, softest setting and lowering blocks is probably the least expensive way to go. Maybe find some takeoffs from one of the L models on your local Craig's?

[kballowe]

Yeah, the suspension is already set at the softest setting.

I thought maybe a set of shocks off of an "L" would solve the problem but then that reduces the shock travel and contributes to a harsher ride.

Never even thought about raising the front fork tubes. Hmmmmm......

Then there's the question of a shorter sidestand.....

[Deimus]

The jiffy stand in 2005 was the same part number for all the models. You probably won't need to change it if it is currently the stock stand. I raised my 2005 XL1200C to give me much needed cornering clearance. I had to put a longer stand on to reduce the lean afterwards. I imagine the XL1200R models in 2005 leaned a lot with that stock stand and the longer shocks.

[Loony]

My brothers 2006 roadster has 11 inch shocks and stock front end. The standard jiffy stand is too long and the bike sits almost upright. he's going for a shorter stand like my 2004. They exist on ebay for around £35

If your friend wants to keep the nice ride it's worth spending money on some decent 11 inch shocks. search round for the best options on the forums. I have been recommended hagons(UK) because they will build a shock to your spec.

Before the 48 shocks I tried the lowering blocks, didn't work for me, the angle on the shock looked bad and the brackets didn't fit right. There was a lot of wrong load on the shock bushes because the spacing was wrong.

With lowering springs (2 inch drop)on the front and I got 48 rear shocks on mine (2004) the ride is harsh on max preload, but I weigh 220lbs. I am happy with the stock 48 shocks and switch back to my 13's when taking the wife out or doing longer distances with luggage. bike handles much better on the 13's.

The other option is too look at reach seats. My dad has a 2006 roadster with stock shocks. he is 5 ft 8 and as good foot position using a XL1200/883 Low standard single seat. he also got a reach version sundowner recently and that works for him and still gives good padding for the passenger.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HARLEY-SEA...#ht_1397wt_906

[Loony]

Just measured my 2004 stand. From the center of the the bolt/pin to the first bend is 8 inches. Bike sits nice on both length shocks.

seems like the change the stand in 2006.

50116-05

50185-04

[kballowe]

Forgot to mention - rider is 5'6" and the bike has the factory seat, which appears to be fairly low.

I've lowered a couple baggers, but they're a little different because that rear shock is hidden. Basically lower the rear and the front by an inch and tell the owner to get some heavy-soled footwear. Lowering the bike an inch and adding another quarter to half inch for boots will sometimes make all the difference in the world.

At first, thought about getting lower shocks and then wondered about the overall geometry of the bike. Just lowering the rear shouldn't make that much difference, right?

I measured the shocks, sitting on the sidestand -and they're 13" eye-to-eye.

Trying not to spend a lot of money here, but realize that sometimes ya gotta do just that.

???

[Bob F]

Forgot to mention - rider is 5'6"

I'm 5'6" with a 28" inseam. Standard tall front setup , 13.5 shocks and a Mustang seat (raises me at least an inch or two) and I can flat foot my Sporty.