I know it’s a topic that has been beaten far too much, but I still haven’t found a definite answer. If there’s a thread you can direct me to, I’m happy to go there and not waste anyone else’s time.

I want to upgrade my rear suspension, decided on 13” height because that’s the look I prefer.

Bike: 2014 FXDB
Budget: under $800
Riding Style: Phoenix, AZ, mainly around town riding, some montain roads, some 400 mile days.

I have been recommended Legends then was told they come in a pretty package but crappy internals not worth the hype/money. Same shop recommended racing bro’s as best bang for your buck, but I haven’t found much info/reviews on them. I don’t want to skimp and wish I spent more, but also not going to spend over $1k on the badass Ohlins stuff because I don’t ride hard enough to appreciate it.

Long story short: what’s the best set of shocks I can get for under $800?

you didn’t tell us how you ride. You just gave a bunch of scenarios on where you might ride. Any shock can handle that it’s the style you ride that will determine what you need.
Legends is a good all around shock for those who don’t like to get to technical on shock function I have a set as do I Ohlins. Both good products.

Should have been more descriptive...I’m not doing any stunt riding. Like to ride pretty aggressively on the mountain roads but not pushing any limits.

Looking for improved performance/ride quality and ride height. Load capacity is not a factor.

Current setup. Would consider going up to 13.5” but not any taller. Don’t want to see light between the tire and fender.

IMO you’d fit into a “sport touring” category well that’s what I like to call it. Great for long distances and good for curves long as you aren’t scraping pegs or your primary every turn. You have to be honest on how you ride if you lie to yourself about that you will be disappointed if you end up with overly stiff shocks. Talk to a shock builder (racetech, kraus moto, odc, howard messner) they’ll steer you into a good direction

this is my bike with ohlins 13.25in shocks. It’s the perfect height for me at 5’9

I think sport touring would be an accurate description. Thanks for the advice. I’m 6’3 so height isn’t an issue for me beyond appearance.

'That gap' is a highly desired look in some circles.: