FXR Replacement Shocks
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 1
From: S.W. Florida
FXR Replacement Shocks
Hello All,
As many of you know, I recently completed a ground up rebuild of my 1993 FXLR with all new parts and a new paint job. When I purchased the bike a few years ago, Progressive 11 1/2" 412's had already been installed. The bike sat pitched up slightly in the front and the ride was very harsh although the rear never bottomed out.
During the rebuild, the new front end was lowered 1" using the Progressive kit. The rear swingarm cleveblock system was also discarded in favor of the CCE spherical bearing kit with new HD outer rubbers. We also installed a set of those eBay el cheapo $65.00 11 3/4" Midwest built Sporster Hugger shocks to check the ride height.
The bike now sits level like it should and handles like it's on rails even at high speeds. The el cheapo shocks also allowed more clearance between the rear pulley and the shock than with the Progressive 412's. It is now time to install an 11 3/4" quality made shock to complete the build.
Suggestions and the reasons for your recommendations would be appreciated. I'm currently looking at the Progressive and Works Performance line.
As many of you know, I recently completed a ground up rebuild of my 1993 FXLR with all new parts and a new paint job. When I purchased the bike a few years ago, Progressive 11 1/2" 412's had already been installed. The bike sat pitched up slightly in the front and the ride was very harsh although the rear never bottomed out.
During the rebuild, the new front end was lowered 1" using the Progressive kit. The rear swingarm cleveblock system was also discarded in favor of the CCE spherical bearing kit with new HD outer rubbers. We also installed a set of those eBay el cheapo $65.00 11 3/4" Midwest built Sporster Hugger shocks to check the ride height.
The bike now sits level like it should and handles like it's on rails even at high speeds. The el cheapo shocks also allowed more clearance between the rear pulley and the shock than with the Progressive 412's. It is now time to install an 11 3/4" quality made shock to complete the build.
Suggestions and the reasons for your recommendations would be appreciated. I'm currently looking at the Progressive and Works Performance line.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 803
Likes: 3
From: Collegeville, PA
The Ohlins is a great shock. Ijust put a set on my Road Glide. However, they aren't very good looking for use in an exposed shock set-up like an FXR. But if looks don't matter, check them out via Howard at Motorcyclemetal.com. He's a forum sponsor.
On my FXR2 I have a set of the HD lowering shocks that were made by Fox. I think they give an outstanding ride, but they are 12 1/2". I've seen them on Ebay every now and then for between $125-200.
I have a set of Works 12 1/2" shock that I'm going to be putting up for sale soon, but they just wouldn't look right on an FXR unless you had saddlebags.
On my FXR2 I have a set of the HD lowering shocks that were made by Fox. I think they give an outstanding ride, but they are 12 1/2". I've seen them on Ebay every now and then for between $125-200.
I have a set of Works 12 1/2" shock that I'm going to be putting up for sale soon, but they just wouldn't look right on an FXR unless you had saddlebags.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 1
From: S.W. Florida
Thanks for the resposes guys. I should have been a bit more specific. I'm looking at the Progressive 418's with a black spring, or the Works street trackers set up with black springs and black anodized appearance cups. Since my sig photo was taken, the bike has been repainted black with red candy flames on the tank only. The engine and transmission are powdercoated black and are highlighted to match the SE heads. The wheels are refinished HD black highlighted 9 spoke tubeless cast. Due to the high humidity and salt air, all of the botls, washers nuts and other fasteners are 12 point Diamond polished stainless unless a cap screw had to be used. I'm trying to use chome only where it's needed and for highlighting the engine and transmission. I looked into the Ohlin line as was suggested and they do not offer a shock for my year and model. The Fox shocks with that external reservoir would not have a clean look.
I'd appreciate any other comments, options, or suggestions.
I'd appreciate any other comments, options, or suggestions.
Last edited by Buddy WMC; Sep 13, 2009 at 08:28 AM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 803
Likes: 3
From: Collegeville, PA
Buddy, the Fox made shocks I'm referring to don't have an external reservoir. They are chrome springs and chrome end caps. However, as I said, they are 12 1/2". I didn't see any on Ebay right now to show you though.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Howard at Motorcycle Metal can make up Ohlin shocks to suit pretty well any Harley, from what I can judge. He is more than just a shop, so give him a call and get it from the horse's mouth!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 1
From: S.W. Florida
Again guys, thanks for the advice. I looked into the Ohlins and Penske's through Motorcycle Metal as recommended. Unfortunately the prices are a little high for my wallet to handle. Decided to go with a set of Progressive 418's ordered through a local Indy that offers me a discount. We'll try those out for the time being and report later on how they perform.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 1
From: S.W. Florida
FlamedFXR,
Sorry, no. When purchased the bike from the original owner she had leather saddlebags and a windshield that I removed. Bike looks totally different now and has been totally rebuilt and repainted. It's too damn hard for this old fart to update or post stuff here. If you send me an e-mail addy via PM, I'll send you a couple of after photos.
Sorry, no. When purchased the bike from the original owner she had leather saddlebags and a windshield that I removed. Bike looks totally different now and has been totally rebuilt and repainted. It's too damn hard for this old fart to update or post stuff here. If you send me an e-mail addy via PM, I'll send you a couple of after photos.
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