bad ass drifter...

[what_the?!]

I came across another issue when lowering my 1500 with shorter shocks....the kickstand is too long and the bike doesn't lean over enough....especially when parking backed in on even a slight slope....I almost had the thing tip over the opposite way when I got off....scared the crap out of me!!!  As it sits now with 1/2" shorter shocks and the 1/2" lowered front forks, on a lever surface, I cannot turn the front forks all the way right without it wanting to tip over in that direction......

hi - im really struggling with the instructions on how to do a front fork install of progressives.
hoping you could advise?
ive added  a thread in the forums with the details, just posted today December 23 2022. cheers, tim

[what_the?!]

hey thanks for the tips.

in the past ive often just cut and welded the stand back together..im noticing a lot of the same parts are shared by the classic.

very useful advice as my questions are very direct..i appreciate it.

ive found some 11.5" heavy duty shocks..progressive 412s.

the harleys have a progressive shock that can be adjusted in length..does anyone know if such a beast exists for the drifter?

finally, i understand that the stock drifter 1500 shock is 12.5 inches..can anyone confirm this please?

obviously it means that at the shortest compatible shock i can find, its only 1 inch shorter in free length.

...

[OR Seedman]

Definitely going to try one of the classic stands....I can't imagine how upset I would be if fresh paint got all effed of from the bike tipping over....especially my batwing...

[Pilgrim]

I read that too..classic stand is shorter.

[mittico68]

I came across another issue when lowering my 1500 with shorter shocks....the kickstand is too long and the bike doesn't lean over enough....especially when parking backed in on even a slight slope....I almost had the thing tip over the opposite way when I got off....scared the crap out of me!!!  As it sits now with 1/2" shorter shocks and the 1/2" lowered front forks, on a lever surface, I cannot turn the front forks all the way right without it wanting to tip over in that direction......

If I recall correctly, someone on this Forum stated that the Classic (or was it another model? sorry, I don't remember) has got a shorter kickstand.
So, try a google search for it.
Just my 2 cents...

[greenbarn]

i know this is one of my early posts, but ive searched and not found a definitive answer, so here goes... please before saying dont do it- im doing it. ive customsied bikes now for years..i like them as low as they can be, and im happy to sacrifice turning.

here are my questions if i may?...
1. is there a dog bone or link that governs the vertical range of the swingarm?..if so, has any lowering links been made- are they still around, and from where?
2. im having a frustrating time finding a heavy duty 11.5" progressive shock in black...they are the only ones i have found..open to suggestions.

the plan is to lower it at least 2 inches...

trying to get a light bar has also proved difficult..

light visors for the highway and main light would be good also. ..hoping the experienced folk here can help me build a unique bike...please dont get mad that im lowering it..

To be specific, Are you considering a 1500 or 800?  They are completely different, in terms of rear suspension.  Like others have said, the 1500 relies on the shock length to set the rear height.  No dog bone there.  The 800, however, has a mono-shock system - which has a more complicated linkage system, including a dog-bone in there.  They do have available, or at least used to - lowering kits for these (800s).  I'm aware of at least 2 people that have done their 800s.

I think it's common, too, to have to shorten the kick-stand when lowering.  I've seen people that just cut an inch or 2 out and re-weld. 

[OR Seedman]

I came across another issue when lowering my 1500 with shorter shocks....the kickstand is too long and the bike doesn't lean over enough....especially when parking backed in on even a slight slope....I almost had the thing tip over the opposite way when I got off....scared the crap out of me!!!  As it sits now with 1/2" shorter shocks and the 1/2" lowered front forks, on a lever surface, I cannot turn the front forks all the way right without it wanting to tip over in that direction......

[Bucko]

Lowering would look cool IMHO - but you'll be dragging shit in the corners a lot I think (you'll occasionally drag stuff even with the stock shocks).  Yo may also run into a problem with the fender knocking into the underside of the seat.

The rear of the 800 can be lowered by using different dog-bone lengths (I believe).  Only option for the 1500 is shorter shocks.  Several years ago I picked up some Honda VTX shocks (I think they're from a VTX) that were about an inch shorter than the OEM Drfiter shocks.  Still havn't got around to putting them on ... one of these days...

[what_the?!]

i know this is one of my early posts, but ive searched and not found a definitive answer, so here goes... please before saying dont do it- im doing it. ive customsied bikes now for years..i like them as low as they can be, and im happy to sacrifice turning.

here are my questions if i may?...
1. is there a dog bone or link that governs the vertical range of the swingarm?..if so, has any lowering links been made- are they still around, and from where?
2. im having a frustrating time finding a heavy duty 11.5" progressive shock in black...they are the only ones i have found..open to suggestions.

the plan is to lower it at least 2 inches...

trying to get a light bar has also proved difficult..

light visors for the highway and main light would be good also. ..hoping the experienced folk here can help me build a unique bike...please dont get mad that im lowering it..