Short shocks and a miserable ride
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 2
From: Florida
Short shocks and a miserable ride
I put on some 12" aftermarket shocks. I like the way it looks and the way it handles, but my back is taking a beating. Are all short shocks hard? Will they soften up over time? When I took my old ones off, I lost a spoonfull of oil out of one, can I just put a spoonfull back so I can put them back on?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Only some shocks are rebuildable and therefore refillable....H-D sticks ones are not.
Short shocks can bottom out if set up too soft and then you might as well have a rigid frame.
Short shocks can bottom out if set up too soft and then you might as well have a rigid frame.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Short shocks are a compromise on several counts: they tend to be cheap, hence have poor quality damping; they also tend to have short travel, so moving parts don't hit fixed parts of the bike; they are only available with one choice of spring.
That is a sweeping generalisation, but for short shocks to work well they need to be a good match to you the rider and to have good damping, for them to function well with reduced travel.
Either refit your stock shocks to improve ride, or visit HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal, where you will find some of the finest shocks available for Harleys, including short ones.
That is a sweeping generalisation, but for short shocks to work well they need to be a good match to you the rider and to have good damping, for them to function well with reduced travel.
Either refit your stock shocks to improve ride, or visit HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal, where you will find some of the finest shocks available for Harleys, including short ones.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,077
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From: Ohio
GR, going to throw something at you that will add to this as a theory. I'm going to keep a lowered ride and will most likely follow the Ohlin path. Shock travel is the downfall of lowered rides, I caught a glimse on here of a lower shock bracket that doesnt alter the angle of the shock to lower the bike, just lowers the bottom mounting bolt. If this is a quality product and enables the use of a 4" travel Ohlin, couldn't this be a direction of a loaded heavy bike or will the Ohlins handle the lesser shock travel in a shorter shock without pumping up the spring rate for a partial hardtail ride.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
GR, going to throw something at you that will add to this as a theory. I'm going to keep a lowered ride and will most likely follow the Ohlin path. Shock travel is the downfall of lowered rides, I caught a glimse on here of a lower shock bracket that doesnt alter the angle of the shock to lower the bike, just lowers the bottom mounting bolt. If this is a quality product and enables the use of a 4" travel Ohlin, couldn't this be a direction of a loaded heavy bike or will the Ohlins handle the lesser shock travel in a shorter shock without pumping up the spring rate for a partial hardtail ride.
So while long shock travel has merit, high quality damping wins all round. I suspect that 4" travel shock is a Howard special, but I doubt if it could be safely used with any sort of lowering bracket, as the tyre is likely to hit the fender.
Finally, I won't use any sort of lowering bracket. As an engineer I can see the failings of such things, also the vastly greater merit of doing the job right in the first place. In other words using good quality shocks of an appropriate installed length. I suspect Howard would have a fit if any customer suggested using his custom-built shocks with lowering blocks!
If you are considering buying from Howard, do give him a call. He will discuss what you want and guide you through the many options available, so you can make a well educated decision.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,077
Likes: 2,148
From: Ohio
That is why I mentioned quality brackets, Howard is against lowering brackets because it changes the angle of the shock to lower the bike, some of newer brackets are straight drop but if a 3" travel shock can work then it is a no-brainer to stay away from lowering brackets although I would alter and mount brackets to be consider safe for the application. If you think about it Harley isn't using a superior strength bolt for the shock mounts and all of the weight is hanging on the end of a bolt so not the most sophisticated designed but has worked for years, I would feel more comfortable with a grade 8 bolt.
Bluharley, I have ran lowered Progressives for several years and not bad solo but 2 up is harsh because I have to run the spring tension up and no they don't get softer, it is what it is. Unfortunatley I believe the answer to a lowered bike that rides decent is spending some coin on top notch shocks
Bluharley, I have ran lowered Progressives for several years and not bad solo but 2 up is harsh because I have to run the spring tension up and no they don't get softer, it is what it is. Unfortunatley I believe the answer to a lowered bike that rides decent is spending some coin on top notch shocks
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 625
Likes: 102
From: New Albany, Ms.
Short
I have shortened, Progressive's on the Lowrider, & to keep the fender off the tire, have to keep em fairly stiff. Look's cool as hell, & takes the twisties great, but unless the road is realitive smooth, it can get pretty rough. I deal with it.
Ride safe,
Harold
Ride safe,
Harold
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,959
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From: Florida
Bagger, I'm getting the idea. I should have done some research before I bought them. The shorter travel crossed my mind, but I thought the engineers had figured it all out by now. Guess you just can't get around the physics. I went for a little ride today, and if I avoid the bumps and dips, it's not bad! One stretch of 40mph road has a dip you can't see, I thought I snapped my spine. I really do like the look and the way it handles. I'll ride them for a while.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,077
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From: Ohio
The handling is a big plus, the Progressive 412"s I have will bottom out before the tire hits the fender, the 412"s are considered entry level for Progressives and not bad but I think a better shock will help. I can ride all day with no problems but wifey is starting to complain as we get older so going to look into a custom type of shock as the ride should get better and also might change my wifes mindset since I made effort in a change on her suggestions but who knows.