low profile shock question
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 717
Likes: 68
From: Waxhaw NC
low profile shock question
2010 Ultra and time to replace the rear shocks. With my wife and I we are around 350 lbs. Bike has been scaping over some speed bumps etc as the shocks no longer hold air. I am looking at the HD hand adjustable. How much difference will the 1" lower shock make? I don't want to solve the problem of new shocks only to introduce a new one with the lowered shocks. Bottom line - are these ok for two up riders or should I stick with the stock 13"?
Thanks
Thanks
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 484
Likes: 38
From: DE
I put Ohlin blackline 12 shocks on my 2011 limited. I picked them because they have the exact same travel (31/8) as the 13 inch shocks. The ride very nice. I got them from Howard at micro metals, a forum sponser and he set them up perfectly
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
if you're sticking with hd shocks, you'll definitely want to stay with 13s. you will not be happy with the ride of the 12s. if you're going aftermarket, most of the 13'' shocks will sit you at about the same level as the stock 12'' due to the sag. and as said above, there are a couple of low shocks that do have more travel to them than the low profile hd shocks.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 574
Likes: 156
From: Big Sky Country
Over the years I've spoken with several motorcycle suspension people and they all strongly discouraged me from going to shorter shock unless I really needed the lower stance. As previously mentioned some manufacturers have mitigated the shortcomings (so to speak 
) of 12" shocks but all else being equal 13" should give a better ride, especially with a passenger.
) of 12" shocks but all else being equal 13" should give a better ride, especially with a passenger.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 17,684
Likes: 6,061
From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
Don't, tried the 12" , bottomed out. Went to 13" Pro Action, and was as close to a carpet ride as you can get. Lot's of shock threads to read here in the forums.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 217
From: Puyallup Wa.
If I was shopping rear shocks I would take a serious look at Super Shox.
I'm using Legend Revo A's no complaints per se!
I'm seriously interested in super Shox 13 in at the ride height of a 12 in. I got caught up and looking around on YouTube too much and found their YouTube channel.
I'm using Legend Revo A's no complaints per se!
I'm seriously interested in super Shox 13 in at the ride height of a 12 in. I got caught up and looking around on YouTube too much and found their YouTube channel.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 484
Likes: 38
From: DE
Howard fixed me up with 12 with same travel as 13. It has the same stroke and rides the same- except that Howard takes all your weight and other requirements and custom builds it for your requirements. The travel is what counts. HD 12 have 2 travel Howard has 12 with 3 1/8 travel. Same as HD 13
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 484
Likes: 38
From: DE
Over the years I've spoken with several motorcycle suspension people and they all strongly discouraged me from going to shorter shock unless I really needed the lower stance. As previously mentioned some manufacturers have mitigated the shortcomings (so to speak ) of 12" shocks but all else being equal 13" should give a better ride, especially with a passenger.
) of 12" shocks but all else being equal 13" should give a better ride, especially with a passenger.