Want a more aggressive stance and improved handling for your Harley Touring bike? Lowering kits are the answer. Many riders seek to customize their Harley Touring models not only for enhanced aesthetics, creating a lower, sleeker profile, but also for practical benefits like improved handling, increased confidence for shorter riders, and a personalized custom look. This guide will navigate you through the best lowering kit options available to transform your Harley Touring into the ride of your dreams. Choosing the correct lowering kit involves evaluating ride quality, ease of installation, price range, and overall reliability to guarantee the best performance and safety.
Understanding Lowering Kits
A lowering kit is designed to reduce the ride height of your motorcycle. By altering the suspension, these kits bring the frame closer to the ground, creating a distinctive, custom appearance. There are several types of lowering kits available for Harley Touring models, each offering different advantages and disadvantages. It’s essential to choose the right kit that aligns with your riding style and preferences.
Types of Lowering Kits
Lowering kits generally address either the rear or front suspension, or both. Each type has its own specific function and characteristics.
Rear Lowering Kits
Rear lowering kits are the most common type, as they significantly impact the bike’s overall stance.
- Lowering Blocks/Brackets: These are simple, cost-effective options that reposition the rear shocks. They offer a fixed amount of lowering and are relatively easy to install. However, they can sometimes compromise ride quality.
- Adjustable Lowering Links: These replace the stock suspension links and allow for fine-tuning of the ride height. They offer greater flexibility in adjusting the bike’s stance.
- Air Suspension Kits: These are the most advanced and customizable options, allowing riders to adjust the ride height on the fly. They offer the best combination of comfort and performance but come at a higher price point.
Front Lowering Kits
Front lowering kits address the front suspension, complementing the rear adjustments for a balanced stance.
- Progressive Rate Springs: These replace the stock fork springs and offer improved ride quality and a lower front end. They provide a more comfortable and controlled ride compared to stock springs.
- Fork Caps: These are a simple solution for a minor drop in the front. They are easy to install but offer limited adjustability.
Important Considerations Before Lowering
Before installing any lowering kit, it’s important to consider several factors that could impact your bike’s performance and safety.
- Ground Clearance: Lowering your bike reduces ground clearance, which can be problematic when encountering speed bumps or navigating sharp corners. Consider your typical riding environment.
- Ride Quality: Lowering can affect ride comfort, potentially making it stiffer. Consider the balance between aesthetics and comfort. Air suspension kits typically offer the best ride quality while lowered.
- Suspension Travel: Lowering reduces suspension travel, which can lead to bottoming out on rough roads. Ensure the kit maintains sufficient travel for your riding conditions.
- Fender Clearance: Check for adequate fender clearance to prevent rubbing, especially after lowering. Insufficient clearance can damage the tires and fenders.
- Compatibility: Ensure the kit is specifically designed for your Harley Touring model and year. Incompatible kits can lead to performance issues and safety hazards.
The installation of a lowering kit typically requires basic tools such as wrenches, sockets, and a torque wrench. Depending on the complexity of the kit, professional installation may be recommended.
Top Lowering Kit Recommendations
The market offers numerous lowering kits for Harley Touring bikes. Here’s a selection of some of the best, categorized by their strengths.
Best Overall Lowering Kit
When looking for a balance between performance, comfort, and price, the Progressive Suspension 416 Series Air Tail Suspension stands out. It’s designed to offer adjustability, good ride quality, and is moderately easy to install.
Progressive Suspension Air Tail Suspension Review
Key Features: Adjustable air pressure, improved ride quality, and a range of lowering options. It offers on-the-fly adjustability to cater to varying load and road conditions.
Pros: Excellent ride quality, adjustable for varying loads, enhances handling, and offers a custom look.
Cons: Higher price point compared to fixed lowering kits, requires regular air pressure checks.
Installation Difficulty: Moderate – Professional installation recommended for optimal performance.
Price Range: $$$
Compatibility: Various Harley Touring models. Verify fitment for your specific year and model.
Why this kit is the best: This kit provides the best balance of adjustability, ride quality and lowering range, making it a top choice for riders looking for overall performance improvement.
Best Budget Lowering Kit
For riders seeking an affordable solution without sacrificing too much performance, the Burly Brand Slammer Kit offers a good value proposition. It’s a simple and effective way to lower your bike without breaking the bank.
Burly Brand Slammer Kit Review
Key Features: Simple design, easy installation, and a fixed lowering amount. This kit is perfect for those looking for a quick and easy aesthetic upgrade.
Pros: Affordable, easy to install, provides a noticeable drop in ride height.
Cons: Fixed lowering amount, may compromise ride quality, limited adjustability.
Installation Difficulty: Easy – Can be installed with basic tools.
Price Range: $
Compatibility: Various Harley Touring models. Double-check fitment for your specific bike.
Why this kit is the best: As a budget-friendly option, the Burly Brand Slammer Kit offers great value with a straightforward design and simple installation, suitable for riders prioritizing cost-effectiveness.
Best Air Suspension Lowering Kit
If maximum adjustability and comfort are your priorities, Legend Suspensions Air Suspension Systems are the gold standard. These systems allow you to adjust the ride height and damping on the fly, providing the ultimate in customization and control.
Legend Suspensions Air Suspension Review
Key Features: Adjustable ride height and damping, remote control, and superior ride quality. These kits offer unparalleled control and comfort.
Pros: Ultimate adjustability, superior ride quality, enhances handling, and allows for on-the-fly adjustments.
Cons: Highest price point, complex installation, requires regular maintenance.
Installation Difficulty: Difficult – Professional installation is highly recommended.
Price Range: $$$$
Compatibility: Specific Harley Touring models. Verify compatibility with your year and model.
Why this kit is the best: Legend Suspensions are the best for riders demanding the highest level of adjustability and ride quality, offering a premium experience with on-the-fly adjustments.
Best Adjustable Lowering Links
For riders who want fine-tuning capabilities without the complexity of air suspension, adjustable lowering links offer a great compromise. These links allow you to adjust the ride height with precision.
LA Choppers Adjustable Lowering Kit Review
Key Features: Adjustable ride height, durable construction, and easy to install. These links provide flexibility in setting the perfect ride height.
Pros: Precise adjustability, durable construction, enhances handling, and provides a custom look.
Cons: Requires manual adjustment, may require some mechanical knowledge.
Installation Difficulty: Moderate – Requires some mechanical knowledge.
Price Range: $$
Compatibility: Specific Harley Touring models. Confirm fitment for your specific year and model.
Why this kit is the best: The adjustable lowering links offer excellent customization for riders who want to dial in their ride height, balancing adjustability with ease of installation.
Best Kit for Short Riders
For shorter riders who struggle to flat-foot their bikes, a kit that offers maximum lowering is essential. The focus is on bringing the seat as close to the ground as possible to improve confidence and control.
DK Customs Lowering Kit Review
Key Features: Maximum lowering range, simple installation, and improved stability. This kit is designed to bring the seat height down significantly.
Pros: Provides maximum lowering, improves stability, easy to install, enhances confidence for shorter riders.
Cons: May significantly reduce ground clearance, can affect ride quality.
Installation Difficulty: Easy – Can be installed with basic tools.
Price Range: $$
Compatibility: Various Harley Touring models. Verify fitment for your specific bike.
Why this kit is the best: This kit offers the greatest lowering potential, making it ideal for riders who need the most significant reduction in seat height for better control and confidence.
Installation Tips & Considerations
Installing a lowering kit can be a rewarding experience if done correctly. However, safety should always be the top priority.
Always disconnect the battery before starting any work on your bike. Use the proper tools for each step. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific torque specifications. If you’re not comfortable with any aspect of the installation, seek professional help. General instructions include removal of the stock components, installation of the new lowering kit parts, and then reassembling your suspension, making sure to adjust as needed.
Maintaining Your Lowered Harley Touring
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your lowered Harley Touring in top condition. Inspect the suspension components regularly for any signs of wear or damage. Clean the lowering kit to prevent corrosion, especially after riding in wet conditions. If you have an air suspension system, check the air pressure regularly and adjust as needed.
Conclusion
Lowering your Harley Touring bike can transform its appearance and improve its handling. Choosing the best lowering kit for harley touring depends on your individual needs and riding style. Whether you prioritize aesthetics, performance, or comfort, there’s a lowering kit that’s perfect for you. Ready to transform your Harley Touring? Explore the options above and find the perfect lowering kit for your ride!
