Hey all,
Trying to get the best possible rear shock set up for a 2019 Softail Slim.

I've chosen to increase the length to 13" to get a bit more travel (stroke) and a plusher ride.

I would choose RWD RS-1 shocks, but unfortunately they do not come in a 13" length, and the 13.5" would have the rear fender sitting at least 2" or more higher... leaving a lot of daylight between the fender and the tire. Not ideal for the slim, which comes stock with the 12.5" stock shock.

So I'm looking at other options (aside from progressives or Ohlins which don't have enough free travel / stroke) and I've come up with 3 options.

1. Nitron R1 - a simple gas monoshock with preload adjustment and some limited compression/rebound damping combined in the one adjustment **** at the top of the shock. Custom sprung to the rider's weight and requirements.

2. Hyper Pro - these shocks are a step up. They have an external hose and reservoir, manual preload adjustment, 50 clicks of rebound adjustment and both low speed and high speed compression adjustment. Custom set up for the rider.

3. Racetech GS-3 monoshock. It has IFP (internal floating piston) technology. Custom built to order. Two options - the standard baseline option of shock only with the rebound adjustment, or the more expensive remote reservoir option with preload, rebound and compression damping.

4. Bitubo - MONO Shock-ADJ: hydraulic spring preload - rebound - lenght - DARK EDITION. Also has remote reservoir.

Any advice or experience on these shocks? Thanks

 

Just wondering why you did not include Ohlins ?
It appears to be a 13" shock as well....

https://www.ohlinsusa.com/parts/2018...6-shock-hd-504


thanks,

T.

 

A 13.5" shock will work fine. On my Heritage I set the preload sag so the ride height is about the same as stock. The extra rebound travel improves ride comfort.

 

Thanks Hulkss, yes I have no doubt that the 13.5" shock would be a better ride... and if I had a heritage like you the rear fender mostly covers the raise in height while the bike is resting on the side stand.... But the rear fender of the slim already looks quite high, and if I add another 2.5 inches it might look ridiculous with a massive gap between the rear tire and the rear fender?? It's hard to say, because I've never seen one. So I thought the middle ground would be 13".
Let me know if you think otherwise.

This is 13.5" RWD

 

The bike does not need to go up like that. Just back off 1/2 inch on the spring preload and it will drop the bike an inch.

Here's Stock (Heritage), Ohlins, and Fox (Roland Sands) side-by-side.

 

I would also like to suggest taking a look at the FOX Monoshock.
FOX makes the monoshocks for the Gen1 Indian Chief, and those bikes have incredibly good rear shock performance.
I purchased a FOX IFP-R QS3 13inch for my Fat Boy. I haven't installed it yet, but I've heard nothing but good feedback about the FOX monoshocks from both Indian riders and M8 Softail riders who have FOX monoshocks.

 

Hulkss,
Been following your build since early on. Impressive. Appreciate your advice on this forum. Have you upgraded your front suspension?

 

I have the Ohlins, FKS 221, NIX 22 Cartridge Kit up front.

 

I put a 13” hyper pro on my LRS a few months ago and couldn’t be happier. All around great shock, built to order for under $1k. It even includes the first rebuild free.

 

Another vote for Hyperpro here, very happy with mine on 2 different bikes. I haven't tried any of the others listed so can't comment on them.