Ordering shocks. What length?

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Feb 6, 2026 | 12:29 PM

Bushop

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From: Cleveland Ohio

Ordering shocks. What length?

I am ready to order rear shocks for my 2009 FXDC.

Stock shock length looks to be 12.5".

Going to order Progressive Suspension 412 series with hd springs.

I am 6', 270 lbs., most likely never a passenger, maybe some traveling stuff in the bags, so I figured the hd springs are the best choice for me.

Do you suppose the 13.5" are a good length or should I go for the 14"?

Your 2 cents???

Thanks,

Chris

Feb 6, 2026 | 12:37 PM

fskitch

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From: Northern CA

Heavy duty 13.5.
Get a 1” longer kick stand to go with it otherwise you’ll have too aggressive lean angle when parked.

Feb 6, 2026 | 12:38 PM

eighteight

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From: OH

Jack it up and make sure 14`s don`t pose an exhaust / axle nut interference

Feb 6, 2026 | 04:15 PM

Addicted to Chaos

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From: South of Heaven

Yup, IIRC even a 13 inch shock has interference with the stock exhaust

Feb 7, 2026 | 06:08 AM

Bubba Zanetti

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Since you’re not taking a passenger then you might want to go with stock length.

Feb 7, 2026 | 09:35 AM

Tommy C

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From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubba Zanetti

Since you’re not taking a passenger then you might want to go with stock length.

A longer shock will give the OP more suspension travel and lean angle and make the bike more fun to ride.

Feb 7, 2026 | 09:58 AM

08xl1200r

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From: west coast

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommy C

A longer shock will give the OP more suspension travel and lean angle and make the bike more fun to ride.

Maybe...longer shocks don't always have more travel, depends on the manufacturer, something to definitely check before going that route...some like Ohlins provide that info.
I'd thought of doing that on my own Dyna but the stock length works OK, even 2 up...will maybe sometime experiment with the longer Ohlins shocks on my Sportster.
(the weight difference between the bikes is only about 40 lbs., Evo Super Glide vs. rubber mount Sportster)