Which Harley Premium Shocks For 2012 FLHTK

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Apr 19, 2015 | 10:46 AM

bteski

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Joined: Nov 2012

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From: apalachicola

Which Harley Premium Shocks For 2012 FLHTK

I am trying to figure out which of the Harley premium adjustable shocks to try on my ultra. Ohlins are probably in the future but with all I am doing to this bike right now I want to pick up a set of used harley shocks to try. I see some come up often that come off street glides that are 12" part #54000091 in the touring parts. I am going to make the tour pack removable so the riding weight will vary quite a bit. The 13" are part #54000008 but I don't see these come up as often.
what would be the plus or minus between the 2 different lengths.
Thx Bob

Apr 19, 2015 | 11:03 AM

qtrracer

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2008

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From: SoCal

You are seeing flhx owner getting rid of their stock 12" shocks. Almost 2 whole inches of BAD travel, LOL. The 13" shocks have almost an inch more stroke but they still suck. If you can get the 13"s super cheap they could be worth a try but be prepared to flip 'em.

Last edited by qtrracer; Apr 19, 2015 at 04:23 PM. Reason: changed "a bit" to "an inch" LOL

Apr 19, 2015 | 12:35 PM

bteski

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Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 376

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From: apalachicola

the reason I'm asking is that I see quite a few people seem to like them. I'm not sure what bikes their putting them on. I'm just curious what the experiences have been and what would work best on my bike to try if I found a good deal on some. It seems the 12" are the most common for sale.
Thx Bob

Apr 19, 2015 | 01:44 PM

RollaMo

Grand HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 4,585

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From: Rolla

If you care about comfort, you should go with the 13" version.

The 12" shocks just don't have enough suspension travel. They are more about getting the "lowered" look.

I had a set of the 13" premium shocks on my Street Glide, and was completely happy with them.

I am sure the 12" version of the premium shocks would still be better than the 12" air shocks.
But I would not give up the 13" air shocks for the 12" premium.

Apr 19, 2015 | 01:53 PM

MarcV125

Tourer

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 496

Likes: 4

From: CT

cant say anything about the premium harley shocks, but after purchasing my 2010 glide the stock shocks were the first thing to go and went with Ohlins 3-3 from motorcycle metal...never looked back and they work great..

much improved rear end BUT it will show how bad the front end is also...i went with Traxxion Dynamics in the front..Well worth the $$$
marc

Apr 19, 2015 | 02:32 PM

iglideUC

Road Captain

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 518

Likes: 8

From: Biloxi Ms

Hello again Bob! I switched out my stock 13 shocks for the 13 premium adjustable shocks on my ultra. I ride 2 up the majority of time and use the recommended setting plus 2 more turns. Solo i just go with the recommended under 220 weight (+2 clicks) without tour pak and 2up i go with 10 clicks. I only offer this because I played around a lot with different settings and that was what worked for us. My Point? Don't be shy to play around with the them and dial them in before you say yay or nay if you decide to go this route! just my 2 cents... also tire pressure is important as well!!!
Now lets see some pics of all this work your doing!!

Last edited by iglideUC; Apr 19, 2015 at 02:34 PM.

Apr 19, 2015 | 06:34 PM

2013_FLHTK

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2013

Posts: 1,399

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From: Seabrook, NH

My dealer allowed me to try a set of premium shocks on my 13 limited and I tested them for over 500 miles. They provided a much better ride than the stock air shocks that came with my bike. I weigh 180 and my wife weighs 130. What I found was the shocks rode well with both of us on the bike at 1 click. I found the shocks to stiff for one up riding but very good for two up. Ended up with Ohlins S36e for slightly more money.