Just wondering if anyone has had any problems using the longer 13" shocks on their bikes.

I have a 2013 Street Glide, and have been thinking about new rear shocks.

I cut and drilled some angle iron pieces with a 13" eye to eye length, so I could bolt them on my bike in place of the rear shocks to see if my legs would be long enough.
With the pieces bolted on I can still sit with my feet flat on the ground.

So with the shock sag I should be just fine.
Now my question is... when I had the pieces bolted in place the rear axle nut on the right side had only about 1/16" of clearance from the muffler
I have Bassani 4" megaphone mufflers

With the shock sag will it have plenty of clearance?
sorry for the drawn out long *** post for a simple question, I just wanted to try to explain the best I could.

Thanks in advance, I have to go to work now, I will check back tomorrow morning.

 

I went with 13.25" eye to eye. You may have to dimple your muffler(s) for axle clearance. Tape em' up and mark 'em where you need room and WHACK!

 

Many members have installed 13" shocks on SGs with no problems, including aftermarket, which is one reason so many 12" shocks off them are available for sale secondhand! You should have no problems whatever. I haven't heard of many having to hammer their mufflers!

 

I've got a 13 SG with 13" JRI shocks, running Jackpot muffs. No Clearance issues and my ride height with sag set correctly is shorter than the 12" airshocks.

 

Thats why I used the term "may". No way to know till he installs the longer shocks with his Megaphone mufflers installed. The point is he can address the issue if it arises. Also the axle has to be clear when the shocks are fully extended, not just at ride height. Otherwise the axle will contact on rebound.

 

All the touring models share the same chassis.

Most of them come with 13" shocks (ultra, Limited etc.)- the FLHX is one of the models with 12" shocks.


Owners can generally swap 12 and 13's with no problem, so get a set of take off cheap from one of the "taller" touring models.


( NOT advised if the front end is lowered- rake and trail not optimal)

Mike

 

Thanks everyone for the answers
I think I will try some 13" shocks

 

Most of them come with 12 3/4 shocks. That's "Stock Length". Not 13". Thirteen inch shocks are LONGER than the standard length air shocks. The lowered Street Glide shocks are 12". 13 inch shocks should not pose issues but will raise the rear of the bike slightly.