Problems with Harley Sportsters and Scraping Pipes on the Ground?
I am thinking about buying a new motorcycle. I've been looking at Harley bikes and a few caught my eye. Im not an extremely tall (or big) guy and i was thinking of maybe going with the Sportster Low which has a lowered suspension so it would be easier for me to touch the ground. i also think the custom has the same lowered suspension. the new Sportster 1200N (Nightster) is actually the bike i like the most, but its a bit more expensive and im not sure if i could pay that much, but it also has the lower suspension and ground clearance. i am wondering with this lower ground clearance how likely i am to scrape the bottom of my bike around turns (especially if im doing curvy country road riding) i think the clearance is 3.9 inches? but im not positive on that. has anybody had experience with this? i should say that i could ride and touch the ground on the 'non-lowered' version of the sportster, but the bike is bigger and heavier than what im used to and dont want to drop the bike.
The factory is only following a custom trend to increase sales. 3.9 IS the ground clearance for the Nightster and it’s too low for ‘curvy roads’. If it was that great why is the Dyna and Softail at 5.1. All our bikes are at 5 inches… remember it will be less when you sit on it and even less under acceleration (gonna ride 2 up???)… 3.5 won’t get over a speed bump.
Well, two outcomes……
1. If it’s lowered by the factory, they’ve probably taken that into consideration (the small clearance that is) and tucked the pipes in a bit more to avoid said scraping
or
2. You’ll just have to slow down in the corners
Almost every Harley I’ve seen has some leaning scratches because they ride pretty low anyways-regardless of stock height. In general, unless it’s a crotch rocket that’s designed for corners, you’re going to scrape the pegs/pipes etc… and the only solution I have for you is to slow it down a bit in the corners. Usually it’s only a bit of cosmetic damage anyways, so not too much to fuss over. Another thing to consider is not whether you drop it, but when (same as with wrecks). It’s just one of those inevitable accidents inherent with bikes anyways, so be prepared for it!
Gotta go with Big-Sur My choppers have scrapes on the foot pegs even the primary case a few times ,If a factory setup they should clear ok Just slow down esp if by country you mean dirt of broken pavement
Just get a feel for it then you will know what you can do
Motor cycle makers know what they are doing when they build these bikes. You might drag under severe conditions but it won’t be anything serious. You might skin the pipes but it will be underneath where you can’t see it. The first FXSTC I bought I had the bolts in the primary ground down so far some of them only had 3 sides. In other words, don’t worry about it.
I currently ride a 07 Sportster 883L and it’s the lowest bike they make at 3.5 inch’s of ground clearance , so yes you will scrape in some turns ,I replaced my exhaust to custom drag pipes and haven’t had a problem with scraping my pipes since doing it ,now my only problem is I am scraping boots and pegs going through some of the tight turns while riding in the canyons
i got a 2008 nightster and i havent had any problem. make sure the bike fits you. its a nice bike you wont be dissappointed
It’s not broken in ,until you scrape the pipes!
What’s the problem?