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Old 07-14-2009, 06:42 AM   #1 (permalink)
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Lowering a dresser

Hello everyone. I just finally purchased another Electra Glide, after being without a bike for over 15 years. I owned a '78 dresser back in the 80's, but it didn't seem to sit as high as this one does. The one I just purchased is a 1995 Electra Glide Ultra Classic. The problem is I'm short. 5' 7". I've looked in J & P cycles catalog, and they sell progressive shocks and also several different lowering kits, although most of the kits seem to be for softails. Can anyone tell me which progressive shocks would lower my bike at least one inch in the rear?? Or is the lowering kit the better way to go?? Also, this bike has air shocks on the rear. If I went with the shorter Progressive shocks, would I just cap off the airlines when I remove the stock shocks?
Thanks
Geez.
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Old 07-14-2009, 07:11 AM   #2 (permalink)
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Stop in the "New to the Community" Geez, and introduce yourself....

The airlines should be removed, IMHO, along with the air fitting if you eliminate the air shocks. You'll want to reinstall the lines on the shocks after you take them off, to keep the shock oil from draining out and getting all over things.

Your shocks *should be* 13" eye to eye. Measure yours yourself, then decide how much you want to drop them.

Progressive sells the 412 series and the 440 series for your bike. Sizes range from 10" on up to 13.5".

The 412s would be great, and the 440s are better, but cost more.

I'd suggest lowering the bike with shocks, then a lowering "kit" that changes the lower shock mount's location, due to changing the angle the shocks compres at, making them less effective or at least, less efficient.
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Old 07-15-2009, 06:45 AM   #3 (permalink)
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Thanks Dave. I went ahead and ordered the Progressive 412's, 11.5 inches. I'm hoping that dropping the bike 1.5 inches will put me where I need to be, without having to start whittling on the seat. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed these old dressers. When I said in my first post that I had been without a bike for 15 years, I actually meant without a Harley for 15 years. I've also got a 2004 Triumph Bonneville America, and it's actually a pretty nice bike, just not very comfortable after 100 miles or so. Riding it and then getting on this dresser is like night and day. Thanks again.
GG
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