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A lot of 12" shocks for sale lately

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  #1  
Old 11-20-2018, 10:51 PM
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Default A lot of 12" shocks for sale lately

So I've noticed that there have been a lot of 12" hand adjustable shocks for sale lately. Prices look fair and it has me thinking about maybe pulling the trigger. My stock air shocks on my 2013 RKC seem to struggle holding air and it feels like I bottom out every time. I ride 1-up and weigh 210 lbs. I've read many posts about going from 13" to 12" shocks so I know the bike will sit a little lower and will have a firmer ride so I won't be asking about that. I'm thinking this may be a decent alternative with the riding I do, in town trips and random weekend day rides, no multi-day trips, at least not yet anyway.

My question is if I switch to a 12" shock, do I need to make any changes or adjustments to my bike, like the drive belt? I came across a post that mentioned this but followed up with responses of "some say yes, some say no".

Thanks for the advice.


 
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Old 11-20-2018, 11:23 PM
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Do you have Factory Service Manual?

If so, you'll see they list different Belt Deflection Spec Ranges for the 2013 FLHX / FLTRX (12") vs "Other Models" (13") ... Although the Spec Ranges do mostly overlap.

Let me know if you need that Page(s)

.
 

Last edited by multihdrdr; 11-20-2018 at 11:26 PM.
  #3  
Old 11-20-2018, 11:46 PM
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Perhaps you will need to adjust headlight.
 
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Old 11-20-2018, 11:49 PM
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Adjust headlight and belt if needed.
 
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Old 11-21-2018, 07:07 AM
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Have you tried the soapy water on the air lines and looked for the leak? Maybe just a fitting or even the valve core...
 
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Old 11-21-2018, 07:27 AM
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I switched from the air shocks to 12" Premium and did the front Premium -1 and am very pleased with the ride.
 
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Old 11-21-2018, 07:40 AM
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I just did this too. Found a set locally for only $100 from a '17 street glide special so figured I'd try it out. I was mainly looking for a cheap way to get closer to the ground and was surprised at the difference in ride comfort.

Another welcomed benefit was since the seating angle changed slightly, it did so enough that even my seat got more comfortable.


 
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Old 11-21-2018, 07:55 AM
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I've been the 12" route. Stay with the 13" shocks and use a lowering block like D&K sells so that you won't loose that very important inch of travel.
 
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Old 11-21-2018, 08:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Nitro 54
I've been the 12" route. Stay with the 13" shocks and use a lowering block like D&K sells so that you won't loose that very important inch of travel.
According to the D&K site:
Fitment Notes:

Fits All 2002-UP Touring Models- Street Glide, Road Glide, Road King Standard, Ultra Classic, Electra Glide & CVO Ultra's.

Will NOT fit with the leather bags on the Road King Customs & Classics, will Not fit CVO Street Glide.

No go for His RKC...
 
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  #10  
Old 11-21-2018, 10:38 AM
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Do not change from 13" to 12". At your weight when you hit a big bump at speed your tire will bottom on the fender resulting in tearing up the wiring harness that feeds the rear lights.

I disliked the air shocks so what I did was disconnect the air and changed out the existing oil to 10-weight (shock oil). This has worked quite well for several years now for me. Your size might even dictate a little heavier oil than I used.
 


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