I got some 13.5" FXDP shocks installed on the Street Bob this past Saturday, I hear a clunk from therear when I hit a bump too hard or fast, kind of like if you hit an empty coffee can with a wooden spoon. I seem to remember a while ago when I was looking at raising the rear-end, someone told me not to go above 13" with a T-header because something will hit the exhaust or swingarm or something....I can't seem to remember what the warning was...

Anyway, I've inspected and stood on the bike and bounced up and down and can't seem to reproduce the sound I hear when riding. I've looked around the rear axle, exhaust and swingarm and don't see anything that would make contact. I really like the higher ride height and extra clearance (I can finally make right turns without scraping the exhaust) but I don't want to cause any other damage. Any ideas?

 

Interesting that you make this post. My buddy just put some 13" Ricors on his Fat Bob and before he took it out for a ride, he noticed how close the exhaust bracket was to the swingarm. As long as the suspension is "Loaded", it is fine. However, when you ride, the suspension "unloads" and the shock fully extends. When that happens, the bracket will hit the swingarm. I'm guessing that you are having a similar issue. Did you see any marks on your swingarm? I suggest looking at the clearances between your exhaust bracket and the swingarm. Especially at full extension.

 

How about lifting the rear of the bike on a jack and get the shocks to fully extend throught the full range of travel? Then look for witness marks.

I'm about to put 13's on my StreetBob, so I'll be watching this thread.

 

u can use spacers to push the exhaust out, if I went taller than my 12.6" works id be hitting the exhaust all day long...

 

Yeah I've got no marks, but I think it might be the under/inside of the swing arm just barely. Bobber...spacers....duh...why didn't I think of that