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Contemplating mods...help please.

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jdubsweb

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I been following this "F"orum since I picked up my 09 Muscle last year.

Someone mentioned a 260 rear tire. Is that doable w/ the stock rim?

I recently purchased the rear rack and backrest through chicago harley (20% off..thanks for the tip Sharkey). What would you guys recommend? Should I attempt to install it myself? Or would you entrust your local stealer? I was a little leary when someone posted the 3 hrs labor they were gonna charge? Really? Three hours?

Next question. Lowering the muscle. How low can we go? What does the muscle come w/ stock? Progressive 440 12"??? I see ghostrider is supporting smooth ride shocks. It looks like they go down to 11". Has anyone done this?

Forward controls please. I've followed this post in hopes that someone is going to post pictures on how they resolve the brake side after swapping pegs from side to side. I'm thinking I may have to simply go w/ my original plan and have an upholstery shop cut into the seat. Seems like I should be able to gain at least two inches there.

Keep this forum rockin. It has proven to be very helpful.

~soles~
 

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#2 ·
I'll give you insight where I can,

jdubsweb said:
I been following this "F"orum since I picked up my 09 Muscle last year.

Someone mentioned a 260 rear tire. Is that doable w/ the stock rim?
Click to expand...
Yes, it fits without any modification.

Next question. Lowering the muscle. How low can we go? What does the muscle come w/ stock? Progressive 440 12"??? I see ghostrider is supporting smooth ride shocks. It looks like they go down to 11". Has anyone done this?
Click to expand...
I lowered 1" from stock (which is 13" IIRC), to test a full compression, I installed the left shock by it's self durring the install and let it down off the jack. Even at this length, the frame contacts the upper belt guard before the shock bottomed out (I have 412's). Of course I have yet to replicate this with normal riding even on big bumps, but it is possible to damage the guard. If you ride two up, look into this closely as it may be an issue.

Enjoy. :)
 
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#4 ·
I will give my input regarding the shocks. I have run Smooth Rides, Progressive 440's and now Arnotts.
Don't waste your money on the Smooth Rides. They are probably the best looking shock on the market but I found the ride horrible. I could never get the air pressure right. If I had enough air in them to keep them from bottoming out it felt like I was riding a rigid. If I set them to where they were a little softer they would bottom out on major bumps which would shoot right up your spine. My wife rode with them for one day and ended up crying. Also, you have to have the hand pump with you in order to adjust the pressure. Keep in mind that only the pressure is adjustable. They're not like other air rides where you can raise and lower the bike. These stay the same length all the time.
You would be much better off buying the 440's. They are great shocks for both handling and comfort. I don't thing you would find many people with complaints about them.
If you have the extra coin, the Arnotts are a nice alternative. They have a nice ride, a wide range of adjustment and allow you to "slam" the bike when you want.
Good luck with your mods and be sure to post pics. :D
 
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#5 ·
Backrest and Rack

Hello,
I too bought the rack and backrest as part of the original sale. Also bought V&H slip-ons, high flow air, super tuner, the new new footrest with pivot down heel support and some chrome accents. Any rate, I wanted the dealer to install the rack and am glad I did because the holes which were drilled in the fender deformed the fender and I rejected it demanding a new fender. Luckily they had another bike to steel the fender off of. I am still waiting for a new rack and backrest ordered to replace the first set. The dealer had admitted there was something messed up with the install and are going to wait until someone from Harley comes in and determines what went wrong. I will bring the bike in that day and we will all make sure it is done right!
They claimed they did everything according to the directions. Personally, I think the should have drilled small pilot holes from underneath and increased the holes from the top. They may have even over-tightened as well.
The point is, even the dealer can mess it up, but if you have them do it, at least you can require them to make it right! I will let you know how the second attempt goes!.
In the meantime, what an awesome bike! No regrets!
 
#6 ·
How about first getting your daughter a real DOT approved helmet, that piece of tupperware on her head isn't going to do shit if you get in an accident.
 
#10 ·
I lowered the rear one inch with progressives. They need to be at the stiffest setting for me with my daughter. I am 185 lbs and she is about 45 lbs.

I lowered the front 1" via RacTech who did it themselves. They do a great job. I have the stiffest springs in them. A must with my weight.

I also have the 260 rear metz on the bike.

In my opinion the bike can not go any lower. Any lower would be a huge mistake. It rides fine but has a few more limitations which I can live with due to the lower height. I am happy with the ride quality and suspension.

I also got the backrest for my daughter. A must.
 
#11 ·
jdubsweb said:
I will accomplish this today. Any recommendations?

Thanks for the advice.

~soles~
Click to expand...
HJC seems to have the best bang for the buck, quite a few of the helmets Harley sells are made by HJC.
 
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