I just bolted on my 12" Progressive Chrome Covered Shocks and now paranoia is setting in... I used loctite on the bottom bolts and torqued top to spec (my T50 stripped so I did bottom snug).

It went well, but I noticed that the upper belt guard sits real close to shocks chrome housing. I bounced up and down, but did not hear any clanks (or scrapes). I don't have a second hand to hold up my bike straight, so when I look at the shocks, there appears to be a very minor pitch (really can't tell for sure).

Are there any caveats I should be aware of? Please share any helpful insights.

Jason

 

Perhaps you've got it spaced wrong and just need to check your spacers. If ya got the top tight and buttom snug and its off angle and cant float much when the shock shaft travels it could wear on the seal and leak fluid. With shocks that are about stock length you can leave it on the stand and unbolt one side to fix it and just lift up on the fender or push down when you re-mount it to get the bolt lined up.

 

you stripped you t50 or the shock bolt? 12" shocks will bring it closer to the gaurd as stated above make sure you have spacers correct

 

I don't think you should have a problem Jason. I don't notice the pitch problem you mentioned on mine, either when the 12s were on and now the 11s. The space between the upper belt guard and the upper part of the shock cover is narrow. Can't put my little finger between them, especially where the upper shock cover flares out. But, they do clear okay. I used stock factory spacers on the upper mount of both sets of shocks.

 

My buddy just stopped by to rub it in how it's 70 outside and he's out riding and I'm in the office... I had him sit on the bike and they look fine. As said, it's my paranoia (I am just below weekend warrior wrench).

I will take a run to buy a new T50 socket though... I am almost certainly sure that I need to give the bottom bolts a few more twists.

Keith, they look awesome. Very retro. Also, why bother with the stickers when you can just give the cover a twist and hide them.

Tomorrow I am throwing on adjustable floorboards and when done I will post some pics.

 

Also, thanks to all who are responding... this really is a damn good site and nice to know you're all out there.

 

I think he stripped the bit, not the bolt. Hell, I broke my bit the other day when I went to change the shocks...

 

Seems like the destructions on my 812s mentioned that it might get close to the upper guard and that the guard itself might need to be trimmed a bit.

 

I installed 11.5" Works Perf. on my 08 FXDC with no belt guard clearence issues at all. The ride is great. The only issue I had was the chrome upper bolt cover would not fit over the Works shocks. I clearenced them with a small die grinder and they fit great now. Looked like sh*t without the covers on.