I'm looking to purchase the following shocks for my 2014 FXDF: Progressive Suspension 444-4044B Black 12". The question I have is the stock height is 12" correct? Would it change the handling of the bike if I went 12.5"? Anyone have these shocks installed? Thoughts?

 

FWIW,
I went the opposite way, I had 12.5" and went to 12",,
I did not really notice a difference in "handling" because of the shock height change.
However;
An individuals choice in the preload spring setting will affect the way the bike handles,, so there is still the option to "tune" the ride to what you want/like.

 

The 12" 444 has only 1.9" of travel. Some 12'/12.5" aftermarket shocks have 2.75 or even 3" of travel. Travel isn't the only thing that determines ride characteristic, but it certainly is a big one. I, and plenty of others have put on 13" shocks without having to change the jiffy stand. Steering is noticeably faster with 13" shocks, but not unmanageable, at all. My advice is to get all the travel you can.

 

I'm happy to be proved wrong but I suspect that OEM fatty shocks are 11.5 as mine sat the same way with both. If anything they are a bees dick lower (note the gap on the rear number plate bracket) than standard.

My fatty with standard shocks


With 11.5" Progressive 444s


As for ride characteristics my Legend Air shocks on my old street bob shat all over both the OEM FXDF and progressive 444s.

 

TallTimber, Get rid of those POS tires, nothing would handle with those things.