Longer shocks and lowering blocks?
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 259
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From: NJ
Longer shocks and lowering blocks?
I like the ride height of my 72, but was thinking about getting better shocks. My thought process is to go with a longer shock for more suspension travel, to stop the bottoming out, but them getting lowering blocks to offset the added length. I realize that the lower blocks change the angle of the shocks, which will affect the suspension travel some. Am I out of my mind (I suspect I am)?
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 417
Likes: 2
From: El Mirage, AZ
Funny you post this. I was just thinking about the same thing when I read another thread about lowering blocks. They said the ride was more comfy after the blocks were put on. Well, I need a better ride for my nightster but if it gets any lower I wont be able to use the lift I have. So I too was thinking about using longer shocks and a lowering block to give it a more comfy ride but still keep the height the same.
exactly what i did. got some RK shocks, and MACS lowering blocks. so you're not crazy!
you're only changing the angle of the shock by a couple degrees, so its nothing dramatic as they are already close to 45* stock.
you're only changing the angle of the shock by a couple degrees, so its nothing dramatic as they are already close to 45* stock.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 20
From: Kafar Hanusi
I did this also, much better ride, raised the bike ever so slightly, definitely worth it. With the blocks too.
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Last edited by DavidStiebel; Jan 26, 2014 at 10:36 AM. Reason: clarification
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: Ithaca, NY/Bristol, UK
I've got 12" Street Glide Shocks on my 48, whilst they improved the ride massively, I felt that the bike was too high so fitted Tamarack 1" lowering blocks, the shocks were even better afterwards.
I think that the slightly less acute operating angle lets the shocks work better on the lighter bike.
I think that the slightly less acute operating angle lets the shocks work better on the lighter bike.
Running longer shocks and the DK Lowering Blocks will give you a much smoother ride, while not putting the tail end up too high.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,208
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From: Chicago Area
I've got 12" Street Glide Shocks on my 48, whilst they improved the ride massively, I felt that the bike was too high so fitted Tamarack 1" lowering blocks, the shocks were even better afterwards.
I think that the slightly less acute operating angle lets the shocks work better on the lighter bike.
I think that the slightly less acute operating angle lets the shocks work better on the lighter bike.
Those shocks and the mount angle should raise your bike less than 1/2". This is exactly how mine is. After a week, it felt normal. Visually, you won't notice it.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Rowlett, Texas
Longer shocks equal longer travel. So, that should mean less chance of bottoming out.
I just put 13 inch progressive 412's on my sporty. However, I did not want lowering blocks, as I wanted to raise the back end and accommodate my long legs.
One thing to think about, I have read/heard from others that you need to be careful with some shocks and lowering blocks to make sure that you clear your pipes and belt guard, this is usually done with spacers.
Better to think it out before you ride and bang the cr@p out of something shiny.
I just put 13 inch progressive 412's on my sporty. However, I did not want lowering blocks, as I wanted to raise the back end and accommodate my long legs.
One thing to think about, I have read/heard from others that you need to be careful with some shocks and lowering blocks to make sure that you clear your pipes and belt guard, this is usually done with spacers.
Better to think it out before you ride and bang the cr@p out of something shiny.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 7
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From: CAN
Running longer shocks and the DK Lowering Blocks will give you a much smoother ride, while not putting the tail end up too high.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,073
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From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
An old thread, but why run longer shocks and then lowering the ride? Much better to get the 12" progressives that have the 3" of stroke made for your bike. With proper sag it sits at 11" when sitting on the bike here, or similar shocks. You don't have to mess with anything that can cause issues later.
