just wondering if anyone can help me out,need to know what is the shortest rear shock i can put on my 97 fwdwg and still be able to do 2up riding on occasion i weigh 190 and my ol lady weighs 130..really want to lower it but not sure which shocks to go with...progressives? or what about lowering block?

 

If you go shorter, you will most likely have to run on the stiffest setting to prevent bottoming out. I have stock length Heavy Duty 412's, I am 200. my OL is 135 and i keep mine set on the mid point adjustment, makes for a comfortable ride and no bottoming. Even when we carry stuff for a weekend ride, we have not had any issues. I do not adjust mine any more when solo, as it is not too rough, so have found a happy medium. it is a pain to adjust all the time, which i was doing at first.

 

I am biased, but for me, the stock length is too short for two up. Shorter is just worse. Of course, it depends on what you mean by two up......20 miles, 200, or 2,000 miles.

I got 13" Ohlins for mine, incredible improvement, but doesn't have the slammed look. I think perhaps it depends on what is more important, looks or ride quality.

Everyone is different....... thank god

 

Looking at the pictures of Howard's bike with the 13 1/4" shocks, it looks to be perfect. Not tail dragging and not doing a brakie, just right, and with 4" of travel.

 

Just FYI, the stock length is 12 5/8ths.

 

lowering blocks are cheaper but not real good for two up riding in personel exp
i have the burly slammer 2in kit im 195 the ol is 125 we do not bottom out but i dont run over potholes or big bumps either rides nice will post pick of it to show ya

 

thanks for info guys,with the 412 progressives 11" do you have to modify fender at all?

 

No, just make sure you set the preload accordingly when 2up or you will bottom out easily. Make sure the wires under the fender are secure and out of the way of the tire.

 

probably... your belt guard will hit the fender when the travel is used up... an 11" shock has 1.5" of travel...preload at 33% and you have a measly 1" of travel to absorb upwards bumps. The ride sucks!... plan on having your wife make noises and grunts of pain while riding with 11" shocks. Should you go to 12" shocks, the ride is 1000% better, yet the progressives will still not be that good of a ride.

 

i went ahead and ordered the 11" progressive heavy duty,gonna set at half way and see what happens..if not i can exchange them for 11.5" or 12"...thanks guys