My wife's 2006 883L is rarely ridden these days. Because she is only 5'00", it was lowered more with the addition of shorter rear shocks. I'd like to convert this bike for my own use, as it's too "cramped" right now for me.

What was the original shock length (they were sold long ago) on a 2006 883 Low? I'm thinking of going back to the original height, adding forward controls, and changing out the handlebars (I have TBW notched Road King stock and Heritage "Style").

It only has 19,000 miles on it, so it's a shame to just let it sit around the barn.

 

Shock length will have no impact on whether you're cramped or not while riding.

 

True, but it will restore the original amount of shock travel, increase the ride height, and restore the original "lines". The forward controls and updated bars will cure the cramped feeling, thanks.

Original length of OEM 883L shocks?

 

11 1/2 in shock height

 

Thanks

 

Original amount of shock travel? Do you really want that little? As long as you are replacing the shocks, I would get some with more travel.

I ride an 883L and I am short. I own/owned taller scooters but I got this one because I like blue.

 

I have a later 883L and offer my suggestions. I found that front fork sag was excessive when new, leaving me with only about 1/3rd of total fork travel to ride on. I restored that to 2/3rds by changing the springs to single rate, matched to my weight, which lifted the front end over an inch. At the rear I used 13" shocks, which levels the bike nicely, so I now have better travel at both ends. You're no lightweight by your sig pic , so changing fork springs will improve life for you up front anyway. I used Race Tech, who have a guide to spring rates on their website.

 

Well, that brings up another issue. I'd love to raise the bike to a "standard" height, but wasn't sure how, or by how much, to raise the front end. In any case, I can get a set of 11.5" shocks on EBay cheap, but the forward controls will cost a bit more. One step at time. Thanks for the input. BTW, it has 10" shocks on now so it's slammed.

 

I have 12" shocks on my 883L, and along with the longer, non "L" standard length fork dampers the bike rides much better and sits higher.

 

If you want to raise to a "standard" height the easiest way is with 13" shocks (I bet you can find some cheap take offs) and the progressive "standard" height monotube fork kit. Depending on what shocks you get you could do it all for less than 200 bucks.