Many motorcycle lovers want their bikes to look cool and ride smoothly. A popular way to do this is by using a lowering kit.
A lowering kit makes the bike sit closer to the ground. It gives the bike a sleek look. It can also help riders touch the ground better when they stop.
Road Kings are big motorbikes made by Harley-Davidson. They are famous for their style and power. Some people use a lowering kit on their Road Kings.
But, these kits can sometimes cause problems. Here is what you might face.
Trouble with the Ride Quality
Rough rides happen when a bike is lowered too much. The bike’s suspension can’t do its job well. The ride feels bouncy and hard.
What is suspension? It is like a cushion in your bike. It helps you ride smoothly. It keeps your bike from jumping too much.
When you lower your bike, that cushion gets smaller. You feel every bump on the road more. This can make riding less fun.
Credit: www.hdforums.com
Changes to Handling
Lowering can change how the bike turns and moves. The bike might not lean into turns the same way.
It is important for a bike to turn safely. When the bike is too low, turning can be tricky. You have to be more careful.
Impact on Suspension Components
Credit: m.youtube.com
Lowering can hurt the parts of your bike’s suspension. This can lead to more repairs. And repairs cost money.
Shocks and springs are parts of the suspension. If they don’t work right, your bike may not be safe.
Decreased Ground Clearance
“Ground clearance” means how high your bike is from the ground. Lowering your bike makes this smaller.
When you have less ground clearance, you have to be careful. You can’t go over big bumps or rocks easily. You might hit them with your bike.
Tire and Fender Issues
When a bike is lowered, the tire might touch the fender. The fender is like a shield over the tire.
If they touch, it can hurt the tire or the fender. That’s not good for your bike. It can also be dangerous.
Stress on the Frame
The frame is like the skeleton of your bike. Lowering puts more stress on it. It can cause cracks or bends in the frame.
The frame holds your bike together. We want it to be strong, not weak.
Warranty and Resale Value
A warranty is a promise from the maker of your bike. It says they will fix certain problems for free.
If you use a lowering kit, the warranty might not work anymore. Why? Because the bike’s maker didn’t want it changed that way.
Also, when you try to sell your bike, it might be worth less. Not everyone wants a bike that is changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does A Road King Lowering Kit Affect Handling?
Lowering a Road King can impact handling, potentially reducing cornering clearance and altering suspension dynamics.
Can A Lowering Kit Cause Tire Rub On A Road King?
Yes, improperly installed or excessively low kits may cause tire rub, especially during suspension compression.
What Are Common Installation Issues With Road King Lowering Kits?
Issues often include alignment problems, incorrect fitment, and inadequate clearance for various components.
How Does Lowering A Road King Impact Ride Comfort?
Reducing suspension travel with a lowering kit can lead to a harsher ride, feeling more road imperfections.
Conclusion
Lowering your Road King can make it look cool. But it can bring many problems.
It’s important to think about what might happen. Talk to a mechanic you trust. It’s okay to make your bike your own. Just make sure it’s done the right way.
