Mine are 09 street glide shocks.....I wanted to drop the rear an inch

 

None of my baggers stock HD shocks hold air for long periods of time. usually 2-3 weeks they would require topping off. I bought the over priced HD shock pump and carried in my tool bag. Still do for others in need. Should be standard equipment on baggers. A set of Ohlins solved the problem for me but I digress.

 

I think some of you guys have missed my point, I know how to fix the air leak, I already have a Harley hand pump on board.......my question is: are the premium shocks better? And will they hold more weight without bottoming out?

 

premiums are a bit better, for 2 up large 12 inch shocks thats asking a lot. a premium aftermarket shock 13 inch with the sag set correctly should have about the same ride height u got now.

 

My shocks on my 07 FLHTC with 35 lbs support my wife n I good. We are also big folks...I recently changed the shock oil in my rear shocks with Belray 10wt oil...new fittings, trim the ends of the line and make sure your shrader valve is tight. Voilà.

 

Sorry, didn't see this before I posted but the heavier weight oil jade a ton of difference on my 8 year old shocks.

 

Not sure when they changed , but my '06 Road King 13" shocks are capable of 50.

Head

 

I don't think the hand adjustable shocks will work with your swingarm if you have an'05.
They are designed for '09 and up.

 

Yes, and yes.
'Have the HD Premium (f&r) on the '09 for about 45k mi. now, when they do bottom out it is a gentle thud, not bone jarring like the air shocks...
We're not lightweights either...

 

You ask for input based on providing only partial info? Takes 4 posts from you to get the bigger picture?

I think you're missing the point; you installed 12" shocks & lost a full inch of suspension travel. Now you're having bottoming issues because you & passenger are heavy load w/o enough suspension travel. The 12" hand adjustables won't fix your problem; don't waste your money.

Sorry to be blunt, but it's the way suspensions work. As others have said; fix your air leaks. Then save your money & buy some better aftermarket 13" shocks.

BTW - I have the H-D premium hand adjustable 13" shocks on my 14 Limited & they work much better than the stock air shocks, but aren't nearly as good as Ohlins, JRI, or Pro-Action products.