Bars and Shocks

[harleyshrew]

Having moaned and groaned about the handling on my Street Bob for some time now, maybe improved a little by new Avon tyres, (and partly due to the fact that I ride like a tw*t) I had a chat with another S bob owner who has fitted progressive rear shocks, progressive front springs, and Sporster bars lowering the riding position. (always have found the mini apes a pain on long journeys). he told me it was a completely different and much improved ride. What I did not ask is, if i fitted lower bars would I need to shorten or replace any cables. I guess it sounds like a silly question to those with wrenching skills but what do ya think?

[Phil]

Fitting lower, or shorter bars is always easier & cheaper.

You can always fold or tuck aways spare wiring etc. It usually looks like cr*p however.

The good news is that you can do that & give it a good try out before a permanent fix.

Raising or enlarging takes a large up front investment, & hoping that it is comfortable.

[grbrown]

Make sure you use the correct pressures with your Avons - they tend to use higher pressures than in the handbook. You can find out their recommended figures for your bike here.

An alternative brand to Progressive (US import) is Hagon (British old chap) who also supply replacement rear shocks and progressive-rate fork springs.

[gilesgraphics]

I have softail deluxe bars.. really comfortable.. you will need different cables or you may find that your cables don't route properly and can cause the action to be stiff..

[Monkeybrain]

If you go shorter, measure what length you need the cables, I have some braided throttle and clutch, new and unused that I want to sell.
They are for a Sportster Low but 4" over stock, they may just fit what you end up needing.

[Bonham_lives]

I changed the mini apes on my wide glide for 8" riser Tbars with progressive front springs and Avons, as you say, like riding a different bike. i can now corner and things. Just make sure the bars are high enough to allow the indicators to pass over the tank. Going for hagon nitros on the back when I can afford them.
Ps I didn't have to change the cables and they look OK

[harleyshrew]

Originally Posted by Bonham_lives

I changed the mini apes on my wide glide for 8" riser Tbars with progressive front springs and Avons, as you say, like riding a different bike. i can now corner and things. Just make sure the bars are high enough to allow the indicators to pass over the tank. Going for hagon nitros on the back when I can afford them.
Ps I didn't have to change the cables and they look OK

Cool sounds good. Thanks

[eezyrider123]

I'm convinced many handling problems are "percieved" because of uncomfortable riding positions.
I've pulled the mini apes back quite a bit on my 09 Street Bob which lowers them a tad and gives an easier reach.
My suspension and tyres are all standard. On a recent trip abroad I had a bit of a heart-stopper when on a fast mountain dual carriageway. I was overtaking a lorry at about 70 when I went into a bend and the road surface was badly rutted right on the apex. The bike snaked and bounced it's way around but held it's line perfectly. We were loaded about 70lbs over top weight as well.
So with the bars adjusted, I'm happy with the standard setup.Worth a try if it saves a mint!

[English Steve]

Originally Posted by eezyrider123

I'm convinced many handling problems are "percieved" because of uncomfortable riding positions.
I've pulled the mini apes back quite a bit on my 09 Street Bob which lowers them a tad and gives an easier reach.
My suspension and tyres are all standard. On a recent trip abroad I had a bit of a heart-stopper when on a fast mountain dual carriageway. I was overtaking a lorry at about 70 when I went into a bend and the road surface was badly rutted right on the apex. The bike snaked and bounced it's way around but held it's line perfectly. We were loaded about 70lbs over top weight as well.
So with the bars adjusted, I'm happy with the standard setup.Worth a try if it saves a mint!

Taking that one step further, adjusting the bars will move your bodyweight (centre of gravity) which will affect the handling.

[Oilslick]

I fitted Wild 1 Chubby 504's to mine. Used all standard cables. Internally wired bars - all wiring slack taken care of in the frame compartment with the plastic cover.

They are wide with pull back though and I ended scooping out some foam from the seat so I could sit further back. Very comfy for me now though.