Does anyone know what the length of the shocks on a custom at its lowest level is? Im interested in doing a little more work on my bike and the next step is to lower it. I dont mind the ride the stock shocks give me so comfort really isnt an issue. I weigh only 120 if im lucky and i do not do all that much 2 up riding. Im guessing my bike wont really ever carry more than 260 pounds. money however is an issue, so i wont want to shell out the money for the progressive when other cheap shocks will work just as well. I was looking on ebay and has anyone had any experience with these shocks...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/11-HE...em350028855218

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FITS-...em180217618909

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LOWER...em140210131769
also what about those little lowering kits that relocate the location of the bottom of the shock to farther back. Thanks for the help, I know that if I want honest feedback the people in this forum are good for that.

 

1200C comes with 11.75 shocks from the factory the settings on the shock DO NOT change the ride hieght only the firmness of the shocks.
If you only wiegh 120 I would just use one of the lowering kits that are aroundthey work great when you are not over loading the bike and are not that expensive.
I would watch out for some of those shocks on EBAY only because ofyour weight you could end up with a bike that rides like a buck board!!!!!

 

MGG,
If you are refering to the eye to eye shock length in the most compressed state, I believe it is 9.1" on the 04+ custom sportsters

 

Shorter shocks have stiffer springs. Stiffer springs make the ride stiffer. Progressive shockswith standard springs 12" and shorter have 90/130 springs, 12.5" and over have 75/120 springs. I weigh 260 lbs and the 90/130 springis about right for me, butitis not a Progressive shock.

At your weight the only shock with a light enough spring that I know of if the 1200S shocks which have 52/78 spring, if I remember correctly. Lowering blocks are a good alternative to get your feet on the ground. But you still have to check tire/fender clearance. The easiest way to do that is to take off one shock and let the other one bottom out.