Shock Questions
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 403
Likes: 14
From: Tennessee
Shock Questions
I have a couple of questions about potential future shocks for my 2002 FXDL. As you can see from my sig. pic, I'm not tiny nor a light weight. I also ride 2-up about 60% of the time. The stock shocks are adjusted to max preload and still bottom out somewhat regularly when riding 2-up. While riding 2-up, and with some stuff in the saddle bags, I'd guess we're a bit over 500 lbs. I'm 6' 3" so a bit more ground clearance would be no problem.
My questions are: 1. What length shock came standard on my '02 FXDL? 2. What is the max lenght shock can I use on this bike? 3. Any shock recommendations?
My questions are: 1. What length shock came standard on my '02 FXDL? 2. What is the max lenght shock can I use on this bike? 3. Any shock recommendations?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
rwt, Without wanting to be rude, you and your passenger probably fall outside the normal operating range of most rear shocks! There is an HDF sponsor who can answer your questions and supply custom-built shocks to match your weights and riding style. Give Howard at Motorcycle Metal a call and talk through things with him (a satisfied customer in the UK!).
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Greece
Yeah , Guys like us take Harley's shocks to its' limits, lol !
I did about 1500 km with girlfriend , saddlebags and a huge bergen fastened behind the sissybar and at 100km/h the shocks bottomed out all the time.
OHLINS are great and FOURNALES too.
If you are not interested in having the option to lower your bike for stiff - twisty road for more ...racing riding then you do not really need air suspensions.
Imo for cruise driving (and not performance driving) you do not need shocks that have adjustable rebound and compression.
I have an FXDC '08 and the length is 13" ,i think (NOT SURE) same as yours.
Don't lower it.
If you want you CAN install a bit longer ones. It won't change the looks or stability!
The bad thing about Harley suspension is that they work...in a very bizzare way...if you hit a small bump then the suspension won't have the time to compress and you have the feeling that you ride a hardtail.If you hit a smoother,bigger bump or hole then it has time ... and it works.
Also they are not progressive which means e.g. if the 1st in. of compressions takes 20 pounds the 2nd don't take ...let's say 40 pounds! It takes 20 pounds too! So at max load the suspension is not... ... stronger... to work (o.k. maybe you lost me here but Enlish is not my language!!
)
Cheers
I did about 1500 km with girlfriend , saddlebags and a huge bergen fastened behind the sissybar and at 100km/h the shocks bottomed out all the time.
OHLINS are great and FOURNALES too.
If you are not interested in having the option to lower your bike for stiff - twisty road for more ...racing riding then you do not really need air suspensions.
Imo for cruise driving (and not performance driving) you do not need shocks that have adjustable rebound and compression.
I have an FXDC '08 and the length is 13" ,i think (NOT SURE) same as yours.
Don't lower it.
If you want you CAN install a bit longer ones. It won't change the looks or stability!
The bad thing about Harley suspension is that they work...in a very bizzare way...if you hit a small bump then the suspension won't have the time to compress and you have the feeling that you ride a hardtail.If you hit a smoother,bigger bump or hole then it has time ... and it works.
Also they are not progressive which means e.g. if the 1st in. of compressions takes 20 pounds the 2nd don't take ...let's say 40 pounds! It takes 20 pounds too! So at max load the suspension is not... ... stronger... to work (o.k. maybe you lost me here but Enlish is not my language!!
)Cheers
Last edited by sergeantmajor; Aug 27, 2010 at 05:46 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 0
From: Lake Jackson, TX
I put Progressive 440 heavy duty 12" on mine and love them. They are very smooth. Probably the best mod I have made. 12" is a little shorter than stock but you can get them longer as well. The 440's are supposed to be their top of the line technology. I love them.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
rwt obviously doesn't need short shocks to get his feet on the ground! Longer ones are more likely to give him and his passenger an easy time.
Last edited by grbrown; Aug 27, 2010 at 09:53 AM. Reason: Added para.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
1) Being able to adjust both compression and rebound makes your shocks perform to your liking/requirements. This could mean to you that it is smoother, we would say it gains more traction & follows the pavement. The swing arm moves and the frame does not.
Look at what is on the track because this principle follows you equally, either it be on the track or street. If you do not care or if you do not know the difference, if you do not know how to ride, or if you sit in front of the bar talking about riding, than none of this does not matter. If you do wish a top of the line ride than read much more them the majority of members above.
This is what a shock should do either it is on the street on the highway or by-way or running between 150~200 mph or a closed circuit track. The wheel follows the couture of the road and the frame moves little seperating the rider from the roadway eliminating the shock feeling and you feel like you have been sitting on a couch rather than a motorcycle after your trip. That is the difference/benefit you would feel touring but what you receive on the track is a trip to the winners circle if you are a good enough, lucky enough, have the best set up bike, and skilled rider. On the track there is the best riders in the world who know what it takes to win. The question is do you know what it takes to quit pissing away money on useless junk that does not do the job.
Look at what is on the track because this principle follows you equally, either it be on the track or street. If you do not care or if you do not know the difference, if you do not know how to ride, or if you sit in front of the bar talking about riding, than none of this does not matter. If you do wish a top of the line ride than read much more them the majority of members above.
This is what a shock should do either it is on the street on the highway or by-way or running between 150~200 mph or a closed circuit track. The wheel follows the couture of the road and the frame moves little seperating the rider from the roadway eliminating the shock feeling and you feel like you have been sitting on a couch rather than a motorcycle after your trip. That is the difference/benefit you would feel touring but what you receive on the track is a trip to the winners circle if you are a good enough, lucky enough, have the best set up bike, and skilled rider. On the track there is the best riders in the world who know what it takes to win. The question is do you know what it takes to quit pissing away money on useless junk that does not do the job.
Last edited by FastHarley; Aug 27, 2010 at 10:32 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Conroe Texas
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Richmond, VA
All things being equal, a longer shocks going to perform better. Obviously, more shock means more travel. I too carry way more load than my Low Rider is rated for. I mean, we are at 450 lbs "before" we even add luggage, and I ride 2-up almost all the time. I went with the longer 13 inch shock and it really resolved the issues I was having.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Lake Jackson, TX
I'm about 235 and my wife is about 185. Please don't tell her what I said.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
