2018 RG RIde Height
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2018
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From: Cape Coral, FL
2018 RG RIde Height
I bought a used 2018 Road Glide. As far as I know the suspension is stock. Having a significant problem with scraping the 4.5" V&H pipes while turning. Current shocks are 11" and I'm wondering if going to 12" or even 13" will compromise handling. I'm 6'2" so seat height is not a concern. Will I need to do something with the front end at the same time? I know that the bike looks great at the current height, but I'm a function over form type of guy. If I swap out shocks, I will Probably upgrade to Ohlins or Axeo, I just don't want to commit that cash if I'm creating other issues. Also, does anyone know if the fork springs on that bike are shorter than a normal FL? Thanks.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: SoCal
I bought a used 2018 Road Glide. As far as I know the suspension is stock. Having a significant problem with scraping the 4.5" V&H pipes while turning. Current shocks are 11" and I'm wondering if going to 12" or even 13" will compromise handling. I'm 6'2" so seat height is not a concern. Will I need to do something with the front end at the same time? I know that the bike looks great at the current height, but I'm a function over form type of guy. If I swap out shocks, I will Probably upgrade to Ohlins or Axeo, I just don't want to commit that cash if I'm creating other issues. Also, does anyone know if the fork springs on that bike are shorter than a normal FL? Thanks.
RG Ultras come standard with 13 inch shocks so, you will be fine going to that length. Fact is, until the current trend of wanting a lowered look, most touring bikes had 13 shocks as standard.
13 inch socks will give you a better ride, better handling, and better performance particularly since you are not inseam challenged.
All that said, if someone put 11 inch shocks on it, they may have also put a 2 inch lowering kit on the forks. You might want to have that checked and go back to standard height.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Birdman has covered it. Fitting 13" shocks will improve things as far as ride comfort, cornering clearance and handling are concerned. it is common for owners to fit shorter shocks and leave the forks unchanged, however there are lowering kits available to do that. If you chose to fit Ohlins shocks I can also recommend their FKC fork cartridges, which should provide a major improvement all round, at a decent cost. Sponsor Howard at Motorcycle Metal is well worth contacting.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 148
Likes: 18
From: Cape Coral, FL
great input guys. Thanks. I compared distance from the cowbell to the front axle on my 2018 vs. the 2010 EG and they are both about 12"; so I don't think the front was altered. I've got some shopping to do.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Kansas City, Missouri
On my 2018 Road Glide I pulled the 12" hand adjustable shocks and put 13" air shocks on it. It handles just as good. Unfortunately the ride still suxs. If I was closer to FLA I'd go see Howard at Motorcycle Metal. There are no shock guys in the midwest. Big surprise.
Last edited by heavymetalthunder; Sep 8, 2019 at 11:52 AM.
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From: Bedford UK
You're in the same country as Howard! I'm in the UK and am a happy customer....
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