12" shock vs 13" shock moded
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 259
From: Seattle
12" shock vs 13" shock moded
If you only had the option, what would you prefer: 13" stock air shocks at an angle due to lowering blocks or 12" stock air shocks. Thinking about lowering rear but not ready to invest in aftermarket shocks yet. Thanks.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I've done both...2009 FLHTC- tourpak off most of the time.
the angle change of the 13" with lowering blocks is not much of an issue...what was an issue is the lowering blocks appeared be "loose"..on extension or compression the block may move or swivel- the rear felt "loose".
these were a cheap set I bought from a forum member- similar to the ebay $30 sets....an experiment. I sold them for what I paid.
( I had White Brothers blocks on my 1995 FLHTC these were dead solid).
The 13" shocks have 2.75" of travel from top to bottom-the amount of travel also affect how much time the shock has from stop to stop...
previous to that I ran the 12" for about 2 years and they were "ok" for most road riding. but my neighborhood has some speed bumps and worse than that, dips about every 1/4 of a mile ( for flood control)..the 12" didn;t do well on these jounces.
the 12" have 1.75" of travel- the shorter shocks loose travel, the difference to the 13's is not in the body. and less time from stop to stop
I tried a variety of air settings- at about 235# and say 20 pounds of junk in the saddlebags 10 to 15 psi was best.
I sold these for what I paid for them
i'm back to the stock 13's at stock height...I can hit the ground wiff my feets no problem.
I get a reasonable ride for the neighborhood, interstate and twisties.
running about 20 PSI at present.
Mike
the angle change of the 13" with lowering blocks is not much of an issue...what was an issue is the lowering blocks appeared be "loose"..on extension or compression the block may move or swivel- the rear felt "loose".
these were a cheap set I bought from a forum member- similar to the ebay $30 sets....an experiment. I sold them for what I paid.
( I had White Brothers blocks on my 1995 FLHTC these were dead solid).
The 13" shocks have 2.75" of travel from top to bottom-the amount of travel also affect how much time the shock has from stop to stop...
previous to that I ran the 12" for about 2 years and they were "ok" for most road riding. but my neighborhood has some speed bumps and worse than that, dips about every 1/4 of a mile ( for flood control)..the 12" didn;t do well on these jounces.
the 12" have 1.75" of travel- the shorter shocks loose travel, the difference to the 13's is not in the body. and less time from stop to stop
I tried a variety of air settings- at about 235# and say 20 pounds of junk in the saddlebags 10 to 15 psi was best.
I sold these for what I paid for them
i'm back to the stock 13's at stock height...I can hit the ground wiff my feets no problem.
I get a reasonable ride for the neighborhood, interstate and twisties.
running about 20 PSI at present.
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Nov 19, 2015 at 11:26 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
If you go with blocks, I've got a used set for cheap.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Barberton, Ohio
I had the stock 13" air shocks on my 2007 Electra Glide Classic lowered 2" with lowering blocks and it road way better than my stock 12" air shocks that came on my 2012 Street Glide...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 36
From: Lafayette La
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: indiana
Exactly the info I needed. thanks guys! Mine is lowered 1 inch and the left shock is leaking so now looking for replacements
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA