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Installing longer rear shocks

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Old May 12, 2024 | 12:55 PM
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Default Installing longer rear shocks
PO had put in 1 or 2 inch shocks. I am trying to re-install the originals. I searched a bunch of ways but could never find anything as to how to do this.

Help is appreciated!
 
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Old May 12, 2024 | 01:14 PM
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What year and model? What length shocks do you have, and what do you want?

John
 
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Old May 12, 2024 | 03:09 PM
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Duh! 2003 1200 standard. I have the OEM shocks which are 13.5, installed ones are 11.5
 
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Old May 12, 2024 | 03:21 PM
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There should be no problem, all the Sportster frames are the same 1991-2003. I have 13.5" Burley Stillettos on my 1991 Standard model. I believe OEM shocks were 13.25".

John
 
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Old May 12, 2024 | 04:12 PM
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Originally Posted by TwoBlue02
Duh! 2003 1200 standard. I have the OEM shocks which are 13.5, installed ones are 11.5
Just take off the short set and put on the stock ones, simple as that.
 
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Old May 12, 2024 | 05:03 PM
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Holes don't line up.
 
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Old May 12, 2024 | 05:27 PM
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You will probably have to lift the bike on it's frame, pull both old shocks, and lift the bike up to get the longer shocks to fit, leaving swingarm and wheel on the floor. It's pretty easy with a lift, especially since you need to get the back of the bike up at least 2". Without a lift, could be tough. A long wedge shaped piece of wood is also good for lifting the rear wheel/swingarm for fine adjustment of the hole spacing.

John
 
Last edited by John Harper; May 12, 2024 at 05:32 PM.
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Old May 12, 2024 | 10:31 PM
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Originally Posted by TwoBlue02
Holes don't line up.
I'm guessing about 2" off.......................Do as John said.
 
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Old May 13, 2024 | 09:59 AM
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Originally Posted by TwoBlue02
Holes don't line up.

because you have to take the short shocks off then install the long ones. Is there something I’m missing here or wat?
 
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Old May 14, 2024 | 09:31 AM
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Do you know if the front forks were lowered as well? If so, and you install the taller rear shocks, they might not play well with the lowered forks on the front.
 
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