I am considering swapping out the Low 12"rear shocks on my 2016 FLHXS for the newer 13" standard height shocks from a 2018 Road King. Will I be getting a more improved ride as well as less bottoming? Harley claims the newer shocks, both the 12 and 13 offer a greatly improved ride. I figure this may also give me slightly more ground clearance should I decide to add the HD center stand.

 

I could not tell the difference in the 12" stock rear suspension between my 2015 RGS and the ones that came on my 2017 RGS, they both sucked equally. Going up that extra inch is a step in the right direction, but the stock Showa setup is pathetic. My advice, get some 13" premium shocks and be done with it. I went with 13" Ohlins 159 HDs.

 

Thanks for the reply. I am basically looking to get rid of the once in a while bottoming out, other than that I have been happy with the way the bike rides. $150 vs $750-$800 for the Ohlins makes me hopeful that the 2018 13" HD shocks would suffice. The newer ones are supposed to be a marked improvement over the 2016 shocks both 12 and 13 inch. If I'm not satisfied I guess I can sell them and go for something else.

 

 

Yes, that did not work for me. I believe the 13 inch gives more travel as well as a more improved ride.

 

Also, If I go to a 13 inch rear shock set up from a 12" on a 2016 FLHXS, am I ok in the front with out making any changes?

 

No need to worry about changing anything up front. Will be fine with the 13". You should notice a difference with the 13" HD shocks. Obviously it can be a lot better with aftermarket, but when on a budget make the improvement that is affordable. The newer rear shocks are supposed to be better than the HD air shocks that they came with years ago. I never ran air shocks but when I upgraded from 12" to legend 13" it was night and day difference. Only thing different will be when u tighten your belt you have to look at the specs for the ultra which was equipped with the 13" from factory. If you belt is in spec with 12" then when u put on the 13" they should be in spec automatically. Make sense? Good luck!

 

Wow! Thanks for the great info. I never even would have taken belt tension into consideration. I have the tension gauge to check and adjust it. Now I just need to get my hands on the 2019 shock adjustment charts for both with and without a tour pack since mine is on and off. The shocks are off a 2019 FLHTCU.

Thanks!

 

Do you have your year 2016 FSM?
If so, the Belt Deflection Spec is in there. There's only two different specs. They for "Low Profile" (12") and Std (13").

That's the info you need for your application.

 

I have the 13" premium shock on my 18 Road Glide. It rides about as good as Progressive 444's. But over the 12" at least you have on more inch of travel!