For those that may be looking for new shocks, I just did this to my bike, 2007 FLHX:

Ive read many places the the valving for the 2010-2011 shocks was far better than the 2008 & earlier models.

Removed 2007 SG air shocks, 22k miles, measured 11 3/4 eye to eye when removed w/ no air - HD calls them 12" shocks.
Normally ran with 20 psi air, always stiff, thumped hard over bumps, but gave the bike a nice lowered stance. The lower frame required a little effort to get my cheap Costco bike lift under the rear brace. With the rear lowered stance & stock seat I used a 8 inch windshield & could see over it about 2 inches.

Installed new take off 2011 Ultra air shocks, measured 12 3/4 eye to eye before install w/ no air - HD calls them 13" shocks.

Put in 20 psi, rode about 150 miles since then, considerable improvement in bump management, a controlled bump movement as opposed to the hard thump from the SG shocks, real nice on the interstate at 75 mph. Did some tight curves and the control was good. Now my bike lift clears the brace by 1/2 which is good. But, the higher stance has pushed my vision sight line over the windshield up to 3+ inches now. I did expect this somewhat. So I put on a 9 in Freedom Shields and its back to where it was with the same good air management as the 8.

Im sure some of it has to do with new vs old shocks, but I definately felt a difference.

So IMO ... If you need better feeling shocks & dont mind losing the lowered stance of a SG, I recommend the new 2011 shocks over the lowered SG 2007 shocks.

 

Thanks for the report, I'm thinking about doing the same thing to mine....

 

I have a 2011 FLHX103. It rode like the proverbial "logwagon" with the stock shocks. I put on a pair of ultra shocks from eBay (brand new $91) and the thing rides like a Cadillac. My wife is HAPPY (and so am I). I really couldn't believe what a difference it made. Better yet, I sold my take-off low shocks for $120 on eBay!

 

Can we see a pic from the side?

 

Did this to my 2008 SG a month after I got it. Big improvement with the ride and I didn't notice it looked any higher. And no one has ever commented that my SG looked high in the back.

 

has anyone put a 09 shock on a older ultra, I ride mostly 2 up and looking for aa better ride,, my ultra is a 2003

 

I love my RG but it's always been a very stiff ride unless I'm 2 up. I swear it's got something to do with the "improved" frame and suspension. Maybe they went too far with the handling part(IMO). So,,,, I wouldn't recommend the 09 shock for your 03 (.02)

 

Same air line hookup on the '11 as the '07?

 

What may I ask will you be doing with the old ones?

 

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