71 HKO bike height VS. 74K3

[XSIVE]

I have had a question that I can not figure out. My 74 and my 71 when sitting side by side, the 74 is at least an inch or more taller. I have measured everything and it seems they should be the same height. I know the handlebars on the 74 are higher because of the tripple tree mount and the shocks themselves are 1 inch longer.

Also the seat on the 74 is nice and firm and the 71 is very soft. Were they made softer in the earlier years or is mine just wore out. The seat is in good shape.

[dennis d]

Make sure the kickstand is not bent on one of them.They should be straight,but are known to bend over time.
Also swap positions with bikes and look at them again,the other may seem taller now.
I was noticing the same thing with my bikes,all measured correctly the same,but some appeared taller.(by a lot)
But when you changed positions,the other would be taller. (Illusions)

Also,you could have weaker springs/shocks on one.

[XSIVE]

I suppose it is an Illusion of sorts. Kind of like when you eyball the Handlebars for straightness. I did take my forks apart last night. Wow were they nasty looking? Springs look shot. Could have contributed a bit to the shorter height.

[dennis d]

My K1 i used to have always seemed to be taller,but i never measured it.May be with the beefier front ends they have and heavier seat padding.
On my KO models,if you line them up you would swear one headlight is 6 inches lower than the other next to it. But if you measure them ,they are the same heights.

OK,it could of been the beer !

[Ragtop]

I think you answered your own question. Most of it is the shocks, you say they are 1 inch longer..
Also the bars will make up the rest of it. Also the sagging more comfortable seat, might make it look lower.
Put those all together and there you have it.

I have a Harley Electraglide, and also a Road King, the King has 1 inch lower shocks on it, and they look like totally different bikes, even though the frames are identical.
One looks like it is at least 2 inches lower, but when you measure the rear fender to the ground, they are both the same. Also the tall seat on the Eglide makes it look a lot taller.

Also, I think the later years had the harder seats. My 70, has a nice soft seat, and my 76 has a hard one.


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