Shock length vs. Rake angle
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 217
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From: NE Illinois
Shock length vs. Rake angle
I have a 2008 FXDF with Progressive 444 nominal 12" shocks. I'm considering 12.5" or 13" shocks to increase the suspension travel. A longer shock will raise the rear .5" to .75" and will also reduce the rake angle. If you did this what were the results?
Thanks for your responses.
Thanks for your responses.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 763
Likes: 354
From: Missouri
09 FXDL. Installed 13.5 rear shocks and I love it. Rides so much better, it seems to turn in quicker. No issues in straight
line speed. The lean is better, not as good as my FXR, but way better than stock.
I'd say try it, if you don't like it you can always sell the shocks.
line speed. The lean is better, not as good as my FXR, but way better than stock.
I'd say try it, if you don't like it you can always sell the shocks.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,540
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From: Albuquerque, NM
OP: I haven't done it myself but the people I've talked to about it have been happy with the results. Of course they were looking for better handling anyway and the quickened up steering was a benefit as far as they were concerned.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
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Of course longer shocks will change the rake. As per the photo, rake angle is the determined by the line formed by the fork tubes (usually parallel with the neck of the frame) and a true vertical line, assuming the bike is on level ground. Longer rear shocks raise the rear of the frame, decreasing the angle, hence the rake. Shorter rear shocks lower the rear of the frame, increasing the rake.
OP: I haven't done it myself but the people I've talked to about it have been happy with the results. Of course they were looking for better handling anyway and the quickened up steering was a benefit as far as they were concerned.
OP: I haven't done it myself but the people I've talked to about it have been happy with the results. Of course they were looking for better handling anyway and the quickened up steering was a benefit as far as they were concerned.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 815
Likes: 292
From: Uptown Bay Area, Cali
A different way to put it: The rake is going to be determined by the frame and triple trees. Raising or lowering at the rear of the bike will affect the trail. At the end of the matter, what youre mostly concerned about is the trail. Keep in mind the offset of the triple trees also affects the trail.
To the OP, not unless youre taking the bike to the track, youre not gonna be noticing a huge difference with a change in trail. The biggest thing youre going to notice is you will be able to lean the bike over further without things scraping . That is the main benefit.
Dave
To the OP, not unless youre taking the bike to the track, youre not gonna be noticing a huge difference with a change in trail. The biggest thing youre going to notice is you will be able to lean the bike over further without things scraping . That is the main benefit.
Dave
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Plover, WI
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 369
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From: Marlton, NJ
I have been running 13.5" rear shocks on my 14' fxdf for quite a few years now. Turn in is slightly quicker, in a good way. It corners "better". The increase in travel is also a benefit for clearance and rougher roads, ride, etc.
btw- increase in rear height does change rake "angle" and trail "angle" (however in this case is subtle). Rake "angle" is the combination of rake, offset and trail and measured off vertical. Any change in any of the angles affects all since they all combine for 90.
btw- increase in rear height does change rake "angle" and trail "angle" (however in this case is subtle). Rake "angle" is the combination of rake, offset and trail and measured off vertical. Any change in any of the angles affects all since they all combine for 90.
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