88 FXSTS Springer
Rear shocks


After a 600 mile weekend would like to soften it up a bit.


Front of shock:





Rear of shock:





Thanks in advance,
John

 

Those are ultima narrow body shocks...the ride height is adjustable but not the spring rate. I have them on my bike because I needed the narrow body for clearance because I am running a non-stock swingarm...IMO they ride like crap, and I plan to modify the swingarm so I can put my progressive shocks back on.

http://www.ultimaproducts.com/NarrowBodyShocks.pdf

 

Thanks Tom, can't say I disagree with your evaluation of those shocks. I bought the bike about a month ago. Previous owner took these off:





Don't know why he took them off or if there is anything wrong with them. Do you know what they are?

 

Those are the original gas shocks...never came across a set that still had the gas in them...that's what the hose and canister is for...I think you will be shopping for shocks soon.

 

I got a set of used progressive non adjustable shocks for $123 shipped off ebay but haven't installed them yet. Still have the stock 99 shocks on .

 

Lot of shocks out there for 00 and up, but they all say they won't fit an 88 Springer. Fun, Fun, Fun. Thanks Tom.


John

 

Well after a call to Progressive and talking to an owner of an 84 Springer I am SOL. 89 is their cutoff and will not fit an 88 and below. It will cause damage to the swing arm.


So the options are;


Ultima 120 ish
Harley low profile 54588-94 which look remarkably like the Ultima's 349
Works......780 ish and they aren't adjustable


What to do, what to do.

 

The Harley shocks you listed say they will fit 88 up, but it is a misprint...84-88 are different...89 up shocks will bolt on, but they will hit the trans mount plate. The small diameter shocks fit 84-99..but works is the only company that makes quality ones, and the price is crazy. Shotgun makes a shock that says it fits 84-88...but I know for a fact it will not fit an 84 without modifying the frame. Ultima is the only company I know of that still lists a full size shock for 84-88....but everybody that sells them is out of stock...so they may have quit making them too.

*edit* Race tech lists an 84-88 shock...no adjustments at all, and $700

 

I have a 87 and have been looking at these shocks.
http://tedtine.com/performance-produ...AIL-99-LC.html

The Ted Tine shocks have adjustable valveing , but the spring pre load is not.

 

Who sells Ted Tine and what is the cost?