Hi everyone. I'm interested in getting new more comfortable shocks for my 2009 1200C Can you guys tell me which ones are best? And will they lower my bike? Not interested in it being lower though, just curious
Thank you---Norma

 

If your looking for comfort, go with air shocks. If your going to lower the bike, it won't matter much what you put on it as you'll be compromising the ride with reduced shock travel. Do a thread search on air shocks.

 

The air shocks worked wonders for me, one of the better "bang for the buck" upgrades I've gotten. You want the 12" shocks to keep your ride height, you can get 13" and use those with lowering blocks as well.

The air shocks we are talking about are touring bike take-offs. I think mine came from a Road Glide. They bolt right up with just a couple extra washers needed to install. You can use a pump to add/adjust the amount of air pressure to "stiffen" the ride, useful if you carry a passenger or load up with extra gear from time to time.

I found mine on this forum in the classified section, but there are usually some on Ebay, expect anywhere from $100-$150. A company called Ultima makes new replacements also. The Ultimas are available in chrome, I don't think the HD take offs are (they are gloss black).

I'll warn you tough, once you upgrade the rear shocks, you'll really feel how rough the front rides. A lot of people upgrade their front sprints with the kit from Progressive, I did, and it really helped.

There are other options if you want to spend more $$$.

 

Depends on your budget as well...air shocks are $pendy vs. std. Any dollar figure in mind?

 

Well...I have to take into account labor costs because I don't know the first thing about working on bikes...though I sure would like to learn someday
I will save up for really good ones

 

If that's the case, look into what your local dealer/indy can offer/recommend. If you don't want to break the bank then consider progressive (http://www.progressivesuspension.com/), ohlins (http://www.ohlinsusa.com/) or, if you want lower, burly (http://www.burlybrand.com/slammerchrome/index.aspx). Good luck & enjoy!

 

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...d.php?t=597126

 

You should be able to get some 13" touring air shocks on ebay for around $100, and then lowering blocks for around $60.

This will keep you at stock height and the 13" with lowering blocks is a significantly smoother ride than the 12".

Install is about a 30-45 minute process with basic tools.

 

I just put 13" rk's on my 03 hugger with no lowering blocks, and the ride is soooooooo much better, I am just playing with the right air pressure to get the most comfortable ride possible.

 

What are lowering blocks? (Forgive my ignorance please)
A pic would help