What's the correct shock length on an '08 FXDL when replacing the stock shocks with aftermarket ones (like a Progressive 412 or 440) ? With the bike parked on the sidestand the eye-to-eye length seems to be 12". Is that the correct length, or does the fact that the shocks are still installed on the bike artificially shorten the length, and I actualy need something longer ?

 

11.6 inches

 

Progressive's web site shows 12" as the direct replacement length for the stock shocks.

 

With a half inch change in shock would that take away from the handling of the LowRider?

 

I lowered mine an inch with Progressive shocks and fork kitand it handles better.Watch for speed bumps though. Beware of the jiffy stand. It needs to be shorter too. Twice my bike was on it's way to dumping at idle on the stand and fortunately both timesI caught it. Learned my lesson. It just started to stand up and roll of the stand by torque I guess.