Just bought a 2003 1200 custom. Needs to be lowered. The shocks on it now measure 11 5/8 center to center. No part number on shock that i can see. are those already lowered shocks or are there shorter ones out there? sometimes you don't know what you have when you buy used. Are the lowing springs in the front forks (progressive) a good way to go?

Thanks

 

Hi Steve, I suggest you ride before you start lowering it. The ride quality is bad enough with stock Custom shocks and won't get any better if you lower it! With experience you should find you don't need to be lower, unless looks is more important than comfort.

 

Yeah those are stock length for the Custom model. If you lower it with rear brackets and keep those shocks it'll ride better than it does now. Progressives in the front are the best choice. You'll probably need a shorter kick stand.

 

It' my wife's first bike. She's rode it and it needs lowering. just looking for options.
She is in love with it as it is,I'd just like it to fit her better. 5 ft. even

 

If you are looking to go cheap I think the stock nightster/iron shocks are a bit lower. They are usually easy to find lightly used. I think they are about an inch lower.

 

They aren't much different than the Custom model shocks.

 

I bought my 2007 with lowering links already on it. I think they dropped the rear 1". You can pick these kits up off ebay for less than $40 and some will drop the rear up to 3". To lower the front all you have to do is push the forks up in the triples to compensate for the rear. Just be careful to ensure all your wiring on the rear is secure and out of the way of the tire. I have had to repair the rear signal wires twice so far because I didn't secure them well enough.