Need Shock Education
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: San Diego, CA
If you are talking about the OEM HD shocks, not exactly a full 1"...
A lot will depend on the weight of the rider(s) when you set the sag...
The 12" shocks have less stroke (travel) and when properly set up, won't sag as much as the 13" shocks due to both the smaller overall length and the stiffer springs to compensate for the shorter length.
The 13" shocks will have more stroke, the springs aren't as stiff, so the bike will sag a little more when properly set up on 13" shock v 12" shocks.
Only a portion of that extra 1" in travel will translate to a higher seat height... probably 1/2" to a max of 3/4" I would suspect...
When talking about an aftermarket shock, all bets are off...
Their are too many variables in any aftermarket shock, to predict exactly how it will sit when the sag is properly adjusted... compared to an OEM shock
For example, Ohlin has a 12 1/8" overall length shock that has 3 1/4" of stroke... which is a 1/4" more stroke than the OEM 13" shock.. That shock will sit much lower than OEM, plus have more stroke, and much more comfort than the OEM shock...
Last edited by hattitude; Mar 23, 2021 at 08:56 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: anacoco, la
not to mention that the shocks are at an angle, not vertical, so that will have an effect on how much it will raise the rear.
my experience is that the stock hd shocks leave a lot to be desired. the 12'' shocks are too stiff, i can barely get them to move. and the 13'' are not much better. my only recommendation is to stay away from progressive shocks, especially their lower end offerings. there are a lot of options for you, do your research as to which ones will be best for you. and as you've heard, 'buy once, cry once'. you don't have to go top of the line, but don't short yourself by buying bottom of the barrel either. get the best that you can afford.
my experience is that the stock hd shocks leave a lot to be desired. the 12'' shocks are too stiff, i can barely get them to move. and the 13'' are not much better. my only recommendation is to stay away from progressive shocks, especially their lower end offerings. there are a lot of options for you, do your research as to which ones will be best for you. and as you've heard, 'buy once, cry once'. you don't have to go top of the line, but don't short yourself by buying bottom of the barrel either. get the best that you can afford.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,425
Likes: 1,418
From: pensacola fl
If you are talking about the OEM HD shocks, not exactly a full 1"...
A lot will depend on the weight of the rider(s) when you set the sag...
The 12" shocks have less stroke (travel) and when properly set up, won't sag as much as the 13" shocks due to both the smaller overall length and the stiffer springs to compensate for the shorter length.
The 13" shocks will have more stroke, the springs aren't as stiff, so the bike will sag a little more when properly set up on 13" shock v 12" shocks.
Only a portion of that extra 1" in travel will translate to a higher seat height... probably 1/2" to a max of 3/4" I would suspect...
When talking about an aftermarket shock, all bets are off...
Their are too many variables in any aftermarket shock, to predict exactly how it will sit when the sag is properly adjusted... compared to an OEM shock
For example, Ohlin has a 12 1/8" overall length shock that has 3 1/4" of stroke... which is a 1/4" more stroke than the OEM 13" shock.. That shock will sit much lower than OEM, plus have more stroke, and much more comfort than the OEM shock...
A lot will depend on the weight of the rider(s) when you set the sag...
The 12" shocks have less stroke (travel) and when properly set up, won't sag as much as the 13" shocks due to both the smaller overall length and the stiffer springs to compensate for the shorter length.
The 13" shocks will have more stroke, the springs aren't as stiff, so the bike will sag a little more when properly set up on 13" shock v 12" shocks.
Only a portion of that extra 1" in travel will translate to a higher seat height... probably 1/2" to a max of 3/4" I would suspect...
When talking about an aftermarket shock, all bets are off...
Their are too many variables in any aftermarket shock, to predict exactly how it will sit when the sag is properly adjusted... compared to an OEM shock
For example, Ohlin has a 12 1/8" overall length shock that has 3 1/4" of stroke... which is a 1/4" more stroke than the OEM 13" shock.. That shock will sit much lower than OEM, plus have more stroke, and much more comfort than the OEM shock...
Ive been looking at Bitibos 12in shock lately. 2up 95% of the time with no baggage. 336lbs driver/passenger. We take 1 trip a year and don't race. Anything has to be better then what I have on it now
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: OH
Not to hijack, but it is a shock question. -1 mono tubes in the front and Harley's 12in adjustable in the rear. Im locked in on a 12in shock correct? What model Ohlins is the one with 12 1/8 overall length?
Ive been looking at Bitibos 12in shock lately. 2up 95% of the time with no baggage. 336lbs driver/passenger. We take 1 trip a year and don't race. Anything has to be better then what I have on it now
Ive been looking at Bitibos 12in shock lately. 2up 95% of the time with no baggage. 336lbs driver/passenger. We take 1 trip a year and don't race. Anything has to be better then what I have on it now
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,062
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From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Originally Posted by hattitude
For example, Ohlin has a 12 1/8" overall length shock that has 3 1/4" of stroke... which is a 1/4" more stroke than the OEM 13" shock.. That shock will sit much lower than OEM, plus have more stroke, and much more comfort than the OEM shock...
Last edited by RKZen; Mar 23, 2021 at 12:15 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,425
Likes: 1,418
From: pensacola fl
You would be changing the rake at that point with the -1 tubes up front. Not a huge deal. The forks on the tourers are all the same height stock and harley just changes the rears out for the slammed look. I have mono tubes in my king with 13" bitubo's. I went with 13" pro actions on the glide and left the front alone. For comfort I would go back the the standard legth mono's and 13" rears.
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: OH
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