Best Low Riding Rear Shocks
Banned
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 5
Did you ask about using a longer shock and lowering blocks? How much travel do the 11 1/4" have, can/t be much. So you dump a bunch of $$$ on shocks that are going to bottom out, I don't get it. I hope it works out ok.
CB
CB
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 670
Likes: 5
From: NJ
I just went to the 412 on my FatBob and they are fine no issues not a ruff ride at all I think and I ride two up most the time I am 240lb and my wife is 280lb...... Nah J/K she is 130lb and she hasnt complained it lowered the bike nice too.. Here is a pic..
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Templeton California
I think you would need to go to at least 12" shocks to get a decent ride. The original Street Bob shocks were 12" and they didn't ride all that great but it was better than the 11" Progressives I have now. Before I spent a bunch of money on another short shock I would try the 12" air shocks they put on the Street glide. I used to have the 12 3/4" air shocks from an Electraglide on my Bob and that was the best it ever rode.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver, BC
stock length on a SB is 12"
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Palm Harbor fl.
Lowering blocks change the way the shock performs due to the angle change relative to the path the axle takes. A shock would need to be designed for such an application to work correctly. Doubt any companies are valving their shocks to work with the angle that the blocks create. I think his ride will be better with 11 1/4" shocks than with 12" shocks set at an incorrect angle relative to the axle. Many have posted of the bad ride characteristics that changing the angle of the shocks have. Not to mention possible issues with the tire or other parts coming into contact with the fender because the distance was shortened, but, not the travel.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 5
Lowering blocks change the way the shock performs due to the angle change relative to the path the axle takes. A shock would need to be designed for such an application to work correctly. Doubt any companies are valving their shocks to work with the angle that the blocks create. I think his ride will be better with 11 1/4" shocks than with 12" shocks set at an incorrect angle relative to the axle. Many have posted of the bad ride characteristics that changing the angle of the shocks have. Not to mention possible issues with the tire or other parts coming into contact with the fender because the distance was shortened, but, not the travel.
I guess riding off the bump stop will be better? I would error toward the lowering block rather than spend big $$$ and ride on the bump stop and a little common sense would dictate checking for clearance issues on any mod. My message was that if you want a good ride then you need travel in the shock and if you want to lower a bike then you are compromising ride and handling. You can't have your cake and eat it too.
CB