Suspension Upgrade Problem

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Jan 28, 2009 | 12:34 PM

tenacean

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Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Jefferson, MD

Suspension Upgrade Problem

I sent the guys at Traxxion an e-mail inquiring about Bitubo shocks for my '05 RK Custom...Dan, from Traxxion, said they had Bitubos to fit...and I received them today...

Holding them up to my stock, "Rear Low Profile" air shocks they're an inch longer than my fittings...while I'm not an expert on shocks this isn't an adjustment issue correct? The shocks should fit on the holes?

The bill states "Bitubo HD Electra Glide 330mm"...ummm...mine is an RK Custom and I know they're trying to match...but an EG?

Also, looking elsewhere I saw a thread where a guy wanted an RK Classic but bought an RK Custom and then fit longer RK Classic shocks on the Custom to get the same clearance...

Why?! I've not had an issue with clearance...it's part of what makes the Custom one hell of a great looking...and riding...bike. I'm curious about this...wouldn't that alter the appearance and ride of the Custom too much?

Anybody out there have suggestions or thoughts?? I'm waiting for an e-mail back from Traxxion.

Last edited by tenacean; Jan 28, 2009 at 12:39 PM.

Jan 28, 2009 | 01:35 PM

Dewky

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 111

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From: NZ

the RKC shocks are only 305mm.I think I saw Ohlins USA was doing a special on those shocks at the moment.

Jan 28, 2009 | 01:50 PM

tenacean

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From: Jefferson, MD

305mm is pretty much the shock...the issue is that I'm sitting here with Bitubo shocks recommended by Traxxion for the Custom...they obviously aren't a fit.

Still haven't heard back from Traxxion.

Other thoughts?

Jan 28, 2009 | 02:07 PM

skratch

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Joined: Jan 2007

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From: anacoco, la

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenacean

sounds like they sent you the stock length shocks. the shocks for the custom/street glide are an inch shorter than everything else. yes, you can put those shocks on, and it will increase the rear height (but like you said, it does alter the appearance). it will actually give you a nicer ride, at the expense of looks. the rest of the suspension is the same between the different models, just the rear is different. if the looks are important to you (which it sounds like it is) return them for the correct length. if they don't have them, get them elsewhere.

i had to go further, i installed progressive 440s in 11-1/2 inch. my legs are short and i wanted to have better reach to the ground. does it ride as nice? not quite, but i can still run with the rest of the crew and be just as ready to party at the end of a long ride. it is just a tad bit harsher on bumps.