Shock Height Question
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 295
Likes: 23
From: Northeast
Shock Height Question
Hey all,
So I'm about to pull the trigger on a pair of Drag Specialties shocks (cuz they're the cheapest / best looking) to replace my stock ones. I'm looking at a 12" pair. I know that the stock shocks on these Dynas are 12.6" from the factory. So what I'm wondering is, will I have to adjust anything on the bike other than simply swapping them out and getting used to the .6" lowered ride height? I've read that sometimes when you lower the ride height like that you also have to adjust the front suspension as well, that's why i'm asking.
Thanks all, ride safe!
So I'm about to pull the trigger on a pair of Drag Specialties shocks (cuz they're the cheapest / best looking) to replace my stock ones. I'm looking at a 12" pair. I know that the stock shocks on these Dynas are 12.6" from the factory. So what I'm wondering is, will I have to adjust anything on the bike other than simply swapping them out and getting used to the .6" lowered ride height? I've read that sometimes when you lower the ride height like that you also have to adjust the front suspension as well, that's why i'm asking.
Thanks all, ride safe!
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 356
Likes: 47
From: freedom
You will definitely have a different rake angle but you will probably be fine. Just better make sure all if your wires are tucked up nice and tight in the fender or be ready to rip them out. You will have a stiffer ride and less overall travel. I'll never understand wanting to go lower.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 295
Likes: 23
From: Northeast
You will definitely have a different rake angle but you will probably be fine. Just better make sure all if your wires are tucked up nice and tight in the fender or be ready to rip them out. You will have a stiffer ride and less overall travel. I'll never understand wanting to go lower.
But that half an inch is really going to make that big of a difference? I find that hard to believe! But I've never done this before which is why I'm asking.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 356
Likes: 47
From: freedom
a 12.5 in shock rides around 11.5 inches a 12" shock will right right under 11" if its not adjustable. im not about cheap when it comes to suspension especially when the rear when that is where 95% of ride comfort comes from. any time you go with something shorter it will need to be stiffer to accommodate less travel without bottoming out. its like burly slammers. idk anyone who rides with them and doesnt complain about ride quality. but. to each their own. id just paint the stock shocks before i went with something shorter.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 295
Likes: 23
From: Northeast
a 12.5 in shock rides around 11.5 inches a 12" shock will right right under 11" if its not adjustable. im not about cheap when it comes to suspension especially when the rear when that is where 95% of ride comfort comes from. any time you go with something shorter it will need to be stiffer to accommodate less travel without bottoming out. its like burly slammers. idk anyone who rides with them and doesnt complain about ride quality. but. to each their own. id just paint the stock shocks before i went with something shorter.
Everyone seems to agree that the Progressive 412's aren't much of an improvement on the stock suspension. I was looking at the Burly Stiletto's or Drag Specialties as they're on the lower side of the price range. The Burly's actually come in 12.5 so should swap out pretty easily in terms of ride height. But they have that damn annoying red spring on it. I hate anything red. haha
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 98
From: north of the south pole
412s are way better than stock. Especially if you go 13 or more. They are available in 12.6 length I believe.
Just put some 13.5 412s on my fxr. I like the ride and its way more predictable in corners than the stock fox shocks that I replaced.
Just put some 13.5 412s on my fxr. I like the ride and its way more predictable in corners than the stock fox shocks that I replaced.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 295
Likes: 23
From: Northeast
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 276
Likes: 63
From: Jasper, AL
Check out Hagon shocks. Their lower priced offering is around $210 for the pair. When you order, they will ask questions about your size and weight, bike, riding style, passenger, etc. and build a pair just for you. They are available with a black body and spring, and in all different lengths. I put 13.5" on my Street Bob, and am still happy with them 50k miles later.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 295
Likes: 23
From: Northeast
Check out Hagon shocks. Their lower priced offering is around $210 for the pair. When you order, they will ask questions about your size and weight, bike, riding style, passenger, etc. and build a pair just for you. They are available with a black body and spring, and in all different lengths. I put 13.5" on my Street Bob, and am still happy with them 50k miles later.