What would have to be done to a street glide to change it to a electra glide as far as the rear suspension. ( higher ride height ,and more travel ). ? Just swap out the shocks , or is there more to it ? Thanks !

 

Only difference is the Street Glide uses rear shocks that are 1" shorter.
Just a note, both are Electraglides

 

I do this swap regularly on my 2009 FLHTC 12" in town, 13" when I tour.

saddlebags off

relieve air pressure, remove air lines at shock

lift rear of bike slightly

remove shocks ( 1 at a time is easier)

install upper bolt on both shocks

I use a piece of 4X4, cut at a 45º, so it is a wedge.
I use that to bring the rear wheel ( and swingarm) UP to meet the new shocks
- I usually use my hands to position the shocks and my foot to push the wedge forward ( and the wheel up)

line up and slide the bolt through, tighten top and bottom

air lines on, add air


mike

 

Just curious, is it that noticible to go thru that much effort. I can see removing the tour pack and changing the seat; easy stuff. But changing shocks for an in town ride seems a little much, IMHO. Help me out here if I am missing something.

 

I think the bikes look good with 12" shocks, but they bottom frequently. The 13" are more resistant to bottoming, but do not ride quite as well (yes, I know, doesn't seem right). They're cheap enough and easy enough to swap out, try them and see if you like them.

 

The extra inch of travel makes a huge difference. It gives you approximately 1/3 more travel and is much more resistant to bottoming. The other benefit is it's also more resistant to dragging during cornering. The ride is better as well. The look really isn't much different.

 

You go from 1.9" of suspension travel to 2.9". Not a lot, but a significant difference.

 

it is not only the length of the travel, but the time allowed is longer.

i don't mind a stiff ride in town and day rides, but when i tour i want a floaty cadillac ride so that 10 or 12 hour days are not a chore and i can go day after day

the shock swap takes about 20 minutes.
mike

 

I'm not sure the OP is talking about swapping back and forth! Any brand of 13" shock will fit straight on with no requirement for any other changes. Good quality aftermarket shocks can also give greatly improved ride quality over stock air shocks.

 

just go with the prog.944 3inch of travel with a 1 inch lower ride height