Shorter shock length
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 348
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From: Italy
I guess you could measure 1" inch from the top eye of your shock and mark it, then put a stick from the eye of the shock perpendicular to the ground, draw a parallel from the mark to the stick, and measure the distance in the stick 
You can solve this using trigonometry, but most people prefer the low-tech method. Suspend a plumb bob from the center of the upper shock mount and then draw a chalk line where it interesects the swingarm. Now move the plumb bob 1" down the shock body and draw a second chalk line where it intersects the swingarm. The distance detween the 2 chalk marks equals the amount lowered. This assumes that both shocks have the same spring rate.
shock length
my 08 fat bob going from a 12" shock to an 11" shock made just at 1.5" at seat height
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 96
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Just install 11' progressive sunday difference is about 1.5" looked much better i tell the right away, took a short ride much rougher will adjust them this sat. to see if i can get a little smoother ride over the bumps, BTW there 412s got for a good price.I'm going to lower the front in a few weeks.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 188
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From:
I installed a Progressive Suspension "Drop in" front fork lowering kit this past weekend, using the 1" spacer. It really changed the look of my FatBob and I did not have to change the kick stand. My bike had so much lean in it prior to lowering the front that it works fine. It still has enough lean to feel very secure on the stand. I took it for a shake out run yesterday and the handling was fantastic!
I got a great deal on a new pair of new 11" chrome Progressive Suspension 440 IAS shocks today. I plan to install them next weekend. The FatBob came with 12" shocks, so this should drop the rear about 1.5" and restore the front to rear relationship that I had prior to lowering the front. It should look really bitching, but I suspect that it will not handle as well as it does with only the front lowered.
I suspect that I will have to change the kickstand at the same time. I haven't shopped yet, but I believe the factory offers one.
I attached a photo I took yesterday and I will post an updated one after I drop the rear.
Thanks,
Mike
I got a great deal on a new pair of new 11" chrome Progressive Suspension 440 IAS shocks today. I plan to install them next weekend. The FatBob came with 12" shocks, so this should drop the rear about 1.5" and restore the front to rear relationship that I had prior to lowering the front. It should look really bitching, but I suspect that it will not handle as well as it does with only the front lowered.
I suspect that I will have to change the kickstand at the same time. I haven't shopped yet, but I believe the factory offers one.
I attached a photo I took yesterday and I will post an updated one after I drop the rear.
Thanks,
Mike
