$50 vs. $200....I would say that is a lot more expensive...

 

I run them on my Bob. Bought for 30 bucks shipped off Ebay with hardware and powdercoated.



As said, blocks are blocks. As long as they are machined out of billet, the design is pretty much universal unless you buy them from bubba out of his van down the street....



As for the shorter shock comments..I almost did it. I decided to try the cheap block route first to see if I like the lowered ride/look before going expensive. I have decided to keep my blocks! As pointed out, the ride remains pretty much the same, you might have to turn up the preload a notch but I didn't.


I wish I would have bought another set, my father wants some like mine.

 

I agree that the average block out there is perfectly safe. The $50 blocks that most of you are running appear to be the same design as what I had on the Honda. But, having seen the design of the Arlen Ness blocks (a friend of mine has them) compared to the other designs, I feel that there is a big difference in quality. I am going by memory on how then install, so thats why I was requesting pictures.

 

Seriously, I doubt it. You're paying for a brand name. It's not like Arlen runs out to the shop to fab up some blocks when he gets your email. Blocks are blocks, man. If you want the Ness blocks, get 'em.

 

Got some blocks off E-bay- AB Manufacturing- 1" drop(more like 1" back)- they seem to kind of bolt in on lower mount and rest on top of the swing arm. I'll try to remember to take before and afters of my 2001 FXD-and post.

 

THIS.


There is only a few ways to skin a cat.........


and...the 1" thickness of billet of the $50 dollar blocks compared to the high end "ness" blocks are most likely from the same company. Kind of like rebranding that is famous on many items throughout the world.



I can get you pictures tomorrow if it helps, but I'm no engineer so I can't argue why or what makes the $100+ dollars ones better than the cheaper versions.

 

I have a set on my bike. Rides good. Someday I plan to do a shock upgrade, but for now the blocks will do. I got mine here ---> http://www.tamarackmw.com/

 

Ok, so no one seems to comprehend what I am explaining here, I will do the best I can with pictures of the blocks. First, the over priced name brand kit (ness) is obviously not the same kit as the other brands (which are probably all the same).

Picture 1: Arlen Ness kit

The center hold bolts the swing arm at the original shock mount. The end hole becomes the new shock mount to the rear of the swing arm, changing the angle, lowering the bike. Simple.
If you take notice, there is a portion of the block that will be infront of the swing arm shock mount. This makes it so that the block can not in any way pivot or move, for example when the bike is jacked up.

Picture 2: Off brand kit

To me it looks like the writing goes to towards the tire. That means the hole at the end bolts to the swing arm at the OE shock mount and the hole in the middle being where the shock mounts to. (that was how the Honda kit was) With this design when you jack the bike up (no matter how tight you make those bolts...) the block will pivot and almost create an extension to the shock. In my mind this creates the (unlikely) possibility that this could become a moving part if something were to happen. It is not rigidly mounted to the bike.


I was just trying to get a couple pictures to confirm both my memory of how the ness kit mounts and how I think the other brands mount.

 

I've got a pair of these. Send me a PM if you want em for $40 plus shipping.

 

There ya go. Turn out the lights, party's over.