Just picked up some RK air shocks and was curious as to some feedback from those who have done this mod. My main concern is durability of the lowering block. I picked up the shocks for a good price and can get rid of them if needed. I want both the comfort and profile together. Any info is appreciated and pictures are a plus.

 

I have rk shocks and 1.75" tamarack lowering blocks. They work well. They seem sturdy to me. The guy told me they were good to 300-320lbs rider/pass weight. Maybe more depending on the air in your shocks.

 

I have been running the RK airshocks for a few years. A couple of weeks ago I installed 1" ABM lowering blocks and not only does it look better, it rides even better than it did before!

Only got about 800 miles on them, so cannot attest to long term durability, but the design seems solid, they are T-6061 and I used grade 8 bolts.

I have seen some other designs of lowering blocks that have broken/stretched where the metal fatigued. This design is completely different and the reason I chose them is that I have some friends that have been running this design of lowering blocks for years with no problems.

Just because I am curious and if they were to fail it could have serious consequences, I will probably pull them off after a few thousand miles and have the blocks tested for fatigue...which will probably involve destroying them. But if it comes back bad, then good riddance, if it comes back good, then I will get another pair. The ride with them is VERY MUCH Better.

Here's a pic of the ones I got-



Here's a pic of a design that I have seen broken several times-

 

I saw those same pictures over on XL, that's what had me worried. There's part of me that wants to sell the 13" and keep scouring for 12" and not worry about the lowering kit. It seems like the type of part that I'd want to change out at the start of every riding season. There are plenty of people that have had success with their lowering kits on much heavier bikes than mine. Plus, the 13" shocks are made to carry more weight (at least that's what I was told), so the combination of the 13" and the lowering kit might be a good fit. Talk about being on the fence.

 

Send them to Phoenix Customs / BitchinBaggers and have them chopped down and rebuilt to your specs for $185.

 

New 12" Ultima's off ebay for $135 shipped...

 

I saw those an liked them. . .was trying to find a steal on some black ones instead of the chrome. The chrome ones always seem to be new where the black RK or SG's are usually used. In the end, my butt will make the decision.

 

These look like a good deal and come with all the fittings needed... http://www.ebay.com/itm/GENUINE-HARL...60e75d&vxp=mtr

 

I got black 12" air shocks from ebay. Put em on just a couple of days ago and took WB lowering blocks off in the process. The stock shocks were mounted in the stock holes anyway. The blocks I took off look similar in design to the broken block pictured above.

 

Same here...plus the slightly changed angle of the shocks now more closely match the cut on my Licks bags! :-)