Otis Singleton
There are several ways to lower a Harley Electra Glide. One way is to use a lowering kit, which can lower the bike by 1-3 inches. These kits can be purchased online or from specialist shops and can be installed by the user. Another option is to lower the front end of the bike, which can be labour-intensive. A third option is to reshape the stock seat or purchase a lower seat from Harley, known as a reach seat, which can provide an additional half an inch or more in height reduction. Additionally, wearing riding boots with thick heels can help shorter riders reach the ground more easily.
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Lowering kits
There are several lowering kits available for Harley-Davidson Electra Glide motorcycles, which can be used to lower the bike by 1 to 3 inches.
One option is to use a kit that includes a new seat, a new subframe with a repositioned battery box, extended battery cables, side covers, a turn signal module (TSM) mount, and a fuse box mount. This type of kit, such as the FBI Drop Seat Kit, can lower the riding position by approximately 3 inches without sacrificing suspension. It is designed for the 2009 Harley-Davidson Touring models with the new chassis.
Another option is to use a fork-lowering kit, which can lower the front of the bike by 1 to 2 inches. These kits include progressively wound springs that deliver a compliant ride yet resist bottoming. They require the disassembly of forks for installation.
There are also rear-lowering kits available, which can be used with OEM shocks. These kits are designed to lower the rear of the bike and are typically installed with a bike lift and a few bolts. They are an inexpensive and quick option for lowering the bike.
Some popular brands offering lowering kits for Harley-Davidson Electra Glide motorcycles include Burly Brand, Covingtons Customs, Bikers Choice, and Road6 Customs. These kits can be purchased from various retailers, including eBay, motorcycleid.com, and denniskirk.com, with prices ranging from $39 to $425.
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Seat reshaping
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide motorcycles can be lowered using a variety of methods, including adjusting the suspension, using lowering kits, or modifying the seat. While suspension adjustments and lowering kits can significantly lower the bike, they may also affect its handling, performance, and ride quality.
As such, a more effective and rider-friendly option is to modify the seat by reshaping the foam in the sitting area. This method can lower the rider's seating position without compromising suspension, frame clearance, or comfort. Additionally, reshaping the foam can provide better weight distribution, reduce tailbone pressure, and improve footing by giving the rider's legs a straighter angle to the ground.
Several companies offer seat reshaping services, and some riders choose to reshape the foam themselves. The process typically involves removing the original seat cover, reshaping the foam, and reinstalling the cover. For Harley-Davidson touring bikes from 2011 onwards, the sitting area of the stock factory foam can be reshaped to disperse the rider's weight more effectively, reducing pressure on the tailbone and improving comfort. The thigh area can also be narrowed to provide a straighter shot to the ground for improved footing, especially for riders with shorter inseams.
Another option is to rebuild the sitting area with two layers of memory foam designed for the rider's weight. The back of the sitting area is reshaped to move the riding position back, and the backrest slot is filled in for better support. The original stock cover is then modified to fit the new shape of the seat. This modification can lower the rider's seating position, making it similar to the stock riding position of a 2011-2019 Street Glide or Road Glide custom seat.
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Flip over the swingarm
To lower a Harley Electra Glide, one of the options is to flip over the swingarm. This method does not require any cost, but it will take some time. You will also have to re-adjust your bag location after flipping the swingarm.
Firstly, remove the wheel and tie up the caliper. Then, you can start the swingarm removal by locating the swingarm pivot bolt behind the rear foot peg mount. Remove the footrest and mounts, and then remove the swingarm pivot bolt. Be careful not to damage your bike while removing the bolt, as the tranny case being aluminium and the pivot bolt on older models being steel can cause corrosion.
After removing the bolt, take out the rubber bushing on the outside of the swingarm and then pull out the swingarm. Now, you need to remove the bushings that are inside the swingarm. This can be tricky, and it is important to note that the bushings have to be pressed from the inside out. For this, you can use an arbor or hydraulic press, or alternatively, a BFH, the old pivot arm, and a 1.25 socket.
Once the bushings are removed, clean the swingarm thoroughly to ensure that the bearings can be installed cleanly. Apply a coating of Loctite to the outside of the bearings before installing them. The bearing should be installed with the big shoulder going against the transmission, and you can use the tool supplied in the kit to tap the bearing into place lightly. Repeat this process for the other side, and remember that you may need to press these bearings in.
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Lowering shocks
To lower a Harley Electra Glide, one method is to replace the shocks with shorter ones. This can be done with a lowering kit, which typically includes shorter shocks and other components to adjust the rear suspension.
There are a few options for lowering shocks and kits:
- Black Hills Series Shocks: These shocks are designed specifically for lowering Harley motorcycles and are available in 11" and 12" lengths. They provide improved control and performance, and a two-inch drop is significant for better control.
- Street Glide Shocks: These are 1" shorter than the stock shocks on the Electra Glide and can be found on eBay for reasonable prices. They are a popular option for those on a budget, as they provide a decent reduction in height without sacrificing too much ride quality.
- Progressive Shocks: These shocks allow you to lower the rear of the bike and provide a better ride than the stock air shocks. They are also relatively inexpensive.
- Aftermarket Options: Companies like Bitchen Baggers and Motorcycle Metal offer custom-made or modified shocks to lower your bike. Bitchen Baggers, for example, charges $175 to shorten factory shocks to your desired length while maintaining air adjustability.
When installing new shocks, it is important to follow the correct procedure. Both OE shocks must be removed before installing the new ones. The motorcycle should be placed on a centre stand with the rear wheel raised off the ground. If you have air shocks, keep the shock absorber upright to prevent oil from draining out. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe installation.
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Lowering blocks
There are several lowering block kits available for the Harley Electra Glide, which can smoothly reduce the height of the bike without affecting ride quality. The FVMOTO Black 1-inch lowering blocks kit, for example, is a sturdy and easy-to-install kit that fits a range of Harley models from 2009 to 2024. It is important to note that this kit is not compatible with air ride suspension.
The TDZ 1.5-inch lowering link blocks kit is another option, suitable for the Harley Davidson Touring Street Glide, Road King, Electra Glide, Road Glide, Ultra Limited, Special, and CVO models from 2009 to 2025.
You can also find 2-inch adjustable lowering link block kits that fit Harley Davidson Touring Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Ultra Classic, and CVO Limited models from 2002 to 2023. These kits are made of aluminium alloy, which is sturdy and durable, and can be adjusted to your desired height.
When using lowering blocks, it is important to be cautious as any lowering will reduce your lean angle and cornering clearance. Additionally, ensure that the kit you choose is compatible with your bike's suspension system.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to lower a Harley Electra Glide. You can use lowering kits for the front and rear, get a thinner seat, wear thicker-soled shoes, or flip over the swingarm.
Harley Electra Glides can be lowered by 1 to 3 inches.
Some lowering kits for a Harley Electra Glide include the Road6 Customs kit, the Arnott kit, and the Progressive kit.
Harley Electra Glide lowering kits can range in price from $50 to $2,050.
Yes, lowering a Harley Electra Glide will reduce its lean angle and cornering ability.
