How to lower my SS Long

[Netzman]

Hey guys,
I've been wanting a Lightning my entire adult life, this past week I picked up a tastefully modded 09 XB12SS Long in Cherry Bomb Red, beautiful bike - my dream bike.

I've run into a problem though; I'm 5'9" - average height, and the bike is super comfortable; however, it's too tall for me, I can't get my feet flat on the ground.

I'm wondering what your suggestions would be for lowering the bike roughly 2"? My wife rides on the back occasionally, so I don't want to compromise the suspension or comfort too much.

Thanks guys

 

[dmp0001]

scg forks and shock, not a direct bolt on but easily done

 

[303xb]

Custom seat would be much easier. Or a pair of timberlands.

 

[RichP99]

Here is a different option.

http://www.whaccessories.com/Lowering-Kits-Buell.htm

 

[user_deleted]

so i'm guessing your inseam is approx. 29" or thereabouts? locate a lightning long touring seat...factory part # 51916-06Y. it will be a challenge to fine one but will solve your problem. i'm on my 3rd lightning long and think the stock seat sux.

 

[oh9bolt]

You need a 03-04 any model or 05+SCG lower triple tree, scg forks, scg kickstand, scg rear shock.

 

[Netzman]

Will a standard SCG seat fit it, or would I have to do some modifications?

 

[oh9bolt]

No

 

[go cytocis]

Welcome!

You didn't mention if you are a new rider or not, but if you are, or perhaps you previously rode a cruiser, I'd encourage you to spend a couple of months to see if you can't get used to the seat height.

It's reassuring to get both feet flat on the ground but certainly not necessary.

If you still decide you want to lower it, just be prepared for the possibility of compromising the handling...

 

[jriffe108]

sell it and get an SCG. Or trade bike for bike

 

[sky56]

I have a ss as well and the stock seat too. I'm 5'9 as well and it can be tricky not having your feet down. You can start by adjusting the shock all the way down in the rear. That'll help with about 1/2" with your body weight. If you can't find a touring seat Corbin makes a seat for the ss that'll lower you a bit. It's $390 but I've heard they're nice seats.

 

[100thwindow]

I shaved 2 inches off my stock seat and had it re upholstered. I just took off in the rider area so it shouldn't affect your passenger. My rear suspension was high a turn or two so I dialed it down and I can flat foot it now.

 

[Netzman]

go_cytosis: I've had a couple of sportsters and an R1, I am used to being able to put my feet flat on the ground. Really, the height is fine for normal riding and stop lights, my only concern would be an emergency stop or other evasive maneuver; but it's not like I'm on my tippy toes.

sky56: I have 2 adjustments left on the rear shock, I will try that. Have you heard any reviews on comfort that Corbin seat? I had a Corbin on a sportster and it was SUPER uncomfortable.

I also found a ripped SS seat on eBay, I'm going to see if I can get it for cheap and cut it down/reupholster it for a lower height.