Raising a lowered Softail

Hello all! Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm cross-
posting this from the rec.motorcycle.harley just in case the .tech
group is a better resource.

I just purchased a really sweet 2003 Softail Deuce. The prior owner
lowered the rear-end and I have no idea how. (Please don't hate me...
this is my first HD after years of failtful Honda ownership.)


How might I visually be able to tell what method was used to lower
the
rear end? Is there some way to lower the rear end using only the OEM
parts? If so, can it be raised back up?


I really appreciate the warm welcome to the world of all things
Harley
and any constructive assistance you might offer.


Thanks!
Caz

 

I certainly have no idea, nor have I ever owned an HD.

But, I would think that the easiest/most likely technique
for lowering this bike's rear would be replacement of the
rear shock/spring, with one slightly shorter.

But, to ensure accuracy, why not just contact the prior
owner for the details. Additionally, he may still have the
OEM part(s) to return the bike to its factory stance.

Gary

 

I have e-mailed the original owner. He has not responded to me. He has
my money. I have the bike. I suppose he's moved on to other pressing
matters in his life. I'm getting the feeling that I'm on my own at
this point.

Thanks anyway Gary.

Caz

 

Well, it sounds like you do know his whereabouts. I
didn't really know whether your purchase was from
the owner, or an intermediate dealer.

Since you have the email address, I'm sure it was given
to you, either by offer, or as the original sale contact.

If the latter, this may have been an address generated
only for the sale of the bike. IOW, it may not be watched
any longer now that the bike has sold.

Assuming the owner is in reasonable proximity to you(
your call), why not make a trip over there for the quest-
ions you've raised. Tell him you've got some simple
questions, and offer to take him for a beer to get the
simple answers.

Alternatively, if this was some kind of across the country
Ebay/Craigslist/other purchase, you could just send a
letter of your questions. You've got the owner's address,
it's on the title/transfer. You do have the title?

Gary

 

Longer actually, given my understanding of how the suspension (what little
there is) on a Softail works.

 

Does the rear suspension of the softtail have a linkage where the
shock mount to the swingarm?
If so, that would be the easiest place to lower it. (as on dirt bikes)
A longer link would decrease travel.

Wudsracer/Jim Cook
Smackover Racing
'06 Gas Gas DE300
'82 Husqvarna XC250
Team LAGNAF