Lowering a Road King (Shock exchange)
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola, FL
Lowering a Road King (Shock exchange)
I have read a handful of methods to lower by an inch.
From what I understand, the RK has 12" rear shocks.
I don't feel like putting a ton of money into something that is just a hair off. I read they blocks sometimes make it to where you have to alter the hard saddle bags.
Best method is to find someone to trade SG 11" for the RK 12" shocks. Again, without spending a ton of money.
Thoughts?
Thanks.
From what I understand, the RK has 12" rear shocks.
- Lowering blocks.
- Exchanging with 11" SG shocks.
- Getting a new suspension front/rear all together
- Getting bitchinbaggers to cut down your shocks (exchange program)
I don't feel like putting a ton of money into something that is just a hair off. I read they blocks sometimes make it to where you have to alter the hard saddle bags.
Best method is to find someone to trade SG 11" for the RK 12" shocks. Again, without spending a ton of money.
Thoughts?
Thanks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
Road King should be 13" shocks stock. Shorter shocks should be a plan of last resort in lowering a bike, The ride quality is terrible on shorter shocks and your old lady will be pissed. Keep in mind she sits right on top of the shock mounts and will feel every jarring little bump in the road. First I'd look at thicker soled boots. 2nd, look at a custom seat builder. Tell them what you want and they can give you a seat that's a little lower and narrower and even better, it will be way more comfortable for both you and the old lay. Stock seats suck in my opinion. If that doesn't work, then maybe, maybe lowering blocks.
My ultimate suggestion is to get used to it. I'm 5'8" with a 30" inseam and my RKC is perfect and I'm also comfortable on my Limited. Both full stock height. If you can back the bike without struggling, sitting at a stop light you should be fine. Even if your not flat footed. I rarely stand flat footed and have no issues. Keep in mind that you spend 99% of the time with your feet on the floorboards. Don't sacrifice ride quality for the 1% of the time you are stopped at a light.
Good luck!
My ultimate suggestion is to get used to it. I'm 5'8" with a 30" inseam and my RKC is perfect and I'm also comfortable on my Limited. Both full stock height. If you can back the bike without struggling, sitting at a stop light you should be fine. Even if your not flat footed. I rarely stand flat footed and have no issues. Keep in mind that you spend 99% of the time with your feet on the floorboards. Don't sacrifice ride quality for the 1% of the time you are stopped at a light.
Good luck!
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 230
Likes: 156
From: Florence Oregon
My 2010 RK had 13inch stock shocks. I purchased one of the 1-3inch lowering blocks to see what suited me. I ended up getting the 12 inch aftermarket, progressive 412 shocks with the standard spring. Harley does sell a 12-inch version of the stock air shock that will fit your RK. I did find the 2-inch lower position fine except it let my new headers hit in some turns. You also need to remember the lower you go the stiffer the ride in most cases.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
I've got a pair of SG shocks hanging in the shed. Every once in a while I'll put them on. I do like the better footing, but dislike the ride quality reduction more.
I'll also suggest going with a different seat instead. There are many out there to chose from.
I'll also suggest going with a different seat instead. There are many out there to chose from.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola, FL
Thanks. I suppose I will get used to it. Maybe gain 10 to 20 lbs to drop it. It's not terribly high, but I was hoping for a fine tune adjustment to lower it. That not being an option, when I have money to spend, I will look into the alteration of the ride or the upgrade of the seat. I will also look up mean city cycles and see what they have to offer. Appreciate your advice !
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
My sg shocks were about $10 at s swap meet. Ive bought several seats for similar prices. If you can handle used, you can be very cheap.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I strongly agree to try the seat option first. Part of the issue is the stock seats and some aftermarket is that they are too wide in the front forcing your legs out and then down. A narrower seat in that region will gain you quite a bit of leg room. I aquired a mustang 15" solo a while ago and had it on my king until I got a 17" for it. The bike felt about 2" lower with it. My *** is a little too wide for it which is why I switched it out. Going with less travel on the rear really hurts the ride quality.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 609
Likes: 159
From: Allover
Just buy a set of Tamarak 1" bolt on lowering brackets for $60 or less...30 minutes work to lower seat inseam height by 1". No change to shock travel or comfort.
Wife will love you and you will still have plenty beer money in your pocket!
Wife will love you and you will still have plenty beer money in your pocket!
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 82
Likes: 17
From: Annapolis, MD
Agree 100% to keep the 13". I too am 30" inseam on my '09 RK. Changed the seat to a Mustang that's narrower in the front (don't buy one that says "super" or "wide" in the title) and bought a pair of great boots with a bit thicker heel and all is great for me now.