Ohlins With Lowering Blocks
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 28
Likes: 9
From: California
Ohlins With Lowering Blocks
I'm looking to do a rear suspension upgrade on my 2016 Road Glide Special. Mainly looking at Ohlins HD 357 or 044, the 13'' shocks. What I'm wondering is if anyone has used 1'' lowering blocks with these 13'' shocks? Im on the shorter side, so the stock adjustable 12'' shocks is the highest height I'm comfortable with. So on paper using the 1'' lowering blocks with the 13'' shocks should practically make them 12''. What I'm concerned about is clearance issues, the shocks rubbing the bags. I know Ohlins have their 12'' shocks but I feel like the 1'' extra travel would make a considerable difference in comfort. I would love to have the Brock's swingarm with the three position lowering mount holes but that is definitely out of my price range, so the lowering blocks from either Covington, Arlen Ness, Hogworkz or any other reputable company is my best bet. So yeah, I'm just looking for some feed back, has anyone done this kind of install or has any input on this?
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 700
Likes: 312
From: southwest Va.
I'm looking to do a rear suspension upgrade on my 2016 Road Glide Special. Mainly looking at Ohlins HD 357 or 044, the 13'' shocks. What I'm wondering is if anyone has used 1'' lowering blocks with these 13'' shocks? Im on the shorter side, so the stock adjustable 12'' shocks is the highest height I'm comfortable with. So on paper using the 1'' lowering blocks with the 13'' shocks should practically make them 12''. What I'm concerned about is clearance issues, the shocks rubbing the bags. I know Ohlins have their 12'' shocks but I feel like the 1'' extra travel would make a considerable difference in comfort. I would love to have the Brock's swingarm with the three position lowering mount holes but that is definitely out of my price range, so the lowering blocks from either Covington, Arlen Ness, Hogworkz or any other reputable company is my best bet. So yeah, I'm just looking for some feed back, has anyone done this kind of install or has any input on this?
I tried the blocks with the stock shocks on my King. Took them off and installed a set of the 12" Ohlins.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,109
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From: The Great Midwest
I’m running a 14” Pro Action with a 1” lowering block (all from DK Customs) in place of a the stock 13” shock. You’re correct in that you’ll have additional 1” of stroke to help soak up the big bumps. There are no issues with clearance, etc. so you’ll be fine runnng a 13” shock with a 1” lowering block on your bike.
If you’re going the Ohlins route, get the 772’s over the others, it’s a couple hundred more but it’s a separated shock over the emulsified versions. I have a set waiting for testing myself.
If you’re going the Ohlins route, get the 772’s over the others, it’s a couple hundred more but it’s a separated shock over the emulsified versions. I have a set waiting for testing myself.
Last edited by lyork; Mar 17, 2019 at 07:32 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
Wonder if they tell you that with the instructions on them, doubt it.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,920
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From: USA
Take a look at the Progressive 944's. IDK how, but they engineered the travel of a 13" shock in a 12"body. I had these on my 09 street glide and the difference in ride was night and day.
I do not have any experience with lowering blocks.
Good luck
I do not have any experience with lowering blocks.
Good luck
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 28
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From: California
If the change in geometry of the suspension is the big issue with the blocks, I'm wondering whats the difference between companies like Brock's Performance with their multiple position shock holes (-2,-1,stock) or (+2,+1stock). I know it's a completely reengineered swingarm, but the three different positions you can lay the shock with the brock's, isn't that the same concept of using blocks?
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All the nay sayers about lowering blocks changing the angle of the shock have NO proof of that being a bad thing, Like others have said there are swing arms out there that have multiple holes that also change the angle of the shock. I highly doubt that as long as your shock isn't interfering with any other part of your bike or its suspension travel, it is NOT going to care if it sits at little different angle.