grounding on corners and long pipes

[hellon2]

Hi
'99 Softtail Heritage Classic has been leaving bits of Milwaukee metal all over the roads, mostly the side stand extension thingy (worn through) and the studs which hold the exhaust pipe in place on the rear struts, oh plus the driver foot boards. While this endearing trait is rather fun and spectacular to watch (I'm told) I am now thinking of putting some new V&H pipes on. I fancy the Long Shots, as opposed to the Big Shots, same thing but longer I guess. However yer man at Full Bore in Watford suggested they (Long shots) would ground out more on corners than Big Shots.

Now i have had a new back tyre fitted, the old one had slow leak so low pressure would cause more tyre compression on corners, and also had the rear suspension pre-load set to max. I haven't had opportunity to throw it round corners yet as still bedding in the new tyre, but it certainly feels firmer. Roger (Fullbore) also suggested replacing front shock springs with progressives, old ones are a bit tired now anyway.

So I am thinking maybe I get away with the Long Shots with hard suspension and correct tyre pressure. D'Oh .

Anyone got experience of similar or advice before I lay out something north of £350.

I think I may try to get some Titanium on the bottom of the foot boards too!

cheers
rob

[Wrecker]

The long shots will ground out just as bad. Big shots are staggered so you do get more clearance. I have the BS on My dyna and the tyre is scrubbed right to the edge and very rarely catch the pipe but have done it on ocasions. Of course you could always go for side shots. But first sort the shocks and tyre out and take the fridge out of the sadlde bags

[grbrown]

Rob,

If you have been grounding things with low rear tyre pressure you must have big balls!

I don't have a soft-tail, but have just replaced my rear shocks with Fournales, which on first impressions are most impressive. They do shocks for your bike too.

My Hyperpro progressive fork springs and Race Tech emulators for the front forks are waiting to go in, but I may just leave that a while, if the weather holds.

[hellon2]

I suppose the big shots being staggered could make a difference.

But taking the fridge out of the saddle bags, heck how I am supposed to keep the beer cool?


As my fellow HD rider said, if your worried about grounding pipes, buy a Yamaha, HDs are for showing, and a bit more metal on the road ain't gonna hurt no one.