I am trying to lower the rear of my 04 ultra,exactly how short can i make my shocks,without trouble? ,i used short shocks and a lowering kit on my 87 flh (the lowering kit has since wore through the bags),,but im trying to get the rear down just changing shocks,it has 13" now ,will 12" shocks only give me the inch ,or can i go 11'-11 1/2,and get a little more without rubbing problems i am not changing my seat,because it's perfect (had gel and padding added ) so just trying to do shock change....any help appreciated ,,,,,,,,also this bike is rode 90% 1 up

 

I have a 2004 Electra Glide that I have lowered the front 1 inch using the Progressive Monotubes and the rear with the Progressive 944 Ultra Low Shocks. They are nice shocks that sit at 11 1/2 inches when rider is on bike. I have had mine for almost a year now and just had a warranty issue with Progressive. With what I know now about the warranty on a pair of $600.00 shocks, I'm not sure I would spring for them again.
Before the 944 rear shocks, I had a set of modified street glide shocks from Bitchin Baggers that worked great, only cost about 250.00 with shipping, but they just were not as comfortable ride. Once you start dropping the rear, your ride quality is going to suffer for sure.


Good Luck!

 

yea,i know the ride is gonna suffer,just getting bad knees and don't want to go to tricycle yet,,do you thing 11 1/2" shock will cause clearance prob with bags,or tire to fender ??

 

We have an expert who can build you short shocks 11 5/8" long that will not compromise ride quality. You don't need to suffer! Give Howard Messner of HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal a call - he offers us discounts!

 

Pull your stock shocks off and send them here: http://bitchinbaggers.com/products/drop-shocks/

They can lower them any amount you like, do outstanding work and custom tune the shocks to you and your passenger's weight, or whatever load you carry. I would personally recommend not going below a 2" drop from the stock shocks, or 1 1/4" from the Street Glide/Profile Low shocks or you will be bottoming constantly and it hurts like a bitch. I have my shocks dropped 1 1/2" in the rear. Front is dropped 1 1/2" also but with the taller front wheel it is more or less stock height. Had 2" drop shocks on the rear for awhile but a few bottomings when hitting holes in the road convinced me that's no fun.