Hello all,
If one shock fits a bike but isn't specifically meant for the bike, does it matter? My bike takes a 13.5" shock. If I can find one that is that long wouldn't that be fine?

 

its a weight thing - and spring tightness

 

So, is there a comparable bike that I can use as a match to find shock options? Very few if any other are out there. V-Twin and JC Cycle don't offer any choices either. I was looking at a Progressive 412-4073B as a choice.

 

what are you trying to do - a sport type ride - its a bobber i want some thing trick - give me a hint

 

The shovelhead has a regular fender, probably. I was told that it had a 12.5" shock, but found that it was really 13.5". The old shocks were just old and sank to the shorter length, which bottoms out on the tire when sat upon even with full pre-load. This is more of a rat bike, so it doesn't have to be OEM stuff.
I prefer the open coil look than the chrome can style.
As for the comfort of the ride, I have nothing to compare it with as it hasn't made it more than a few blocks and back.

 

early shovel chassis were 13.5 long in shock length - the later shovels were 12 inches - the longer shock has 3 and a little more in travel the 12 inch shorter shock has around 2 1/2 travel TODAY china has taken the shock market and the travel is different on each shock in a box for that matter

flea bay will have new and used - sometimes you can find a set -- i biught the shocks but i want something different and they are 1/2 price -- good luck = jz

 

JZ, when did they go to 12" shocks?

 

1958 to 1972 the FL shocks were 13.5 long

1973 to 1985 are 12 inches and that was to include the 85 FXWG