Shock length selection and sag
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
We have done 2,500+ mile trips from the UK to Poland and another to Hungary and Slovenia, and we have never bottomed out, despite hitting some appalling roads in Eastern Europe. Did I say we have NEVER bottomed out?! If Howard suggests, I recommend taking his advice.
Slovenia is home to the oldest wheel in the World, about 5,000 years old and found near the capital of Ljubljana!
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
I have the 13.25" #2's(#2-#3) I don't ride super long distances consistently, I don't ride with alot of a load and I ride mainly solo. I do however spend some of my journeys going from one floorboard to another but I still have to ride on the freeways as well. At this point in time I have zero want for a different shock. But I have not tried another shock on this bike other than the stockers. Maybe if I took Howard up on his offer to come on out to Fla and test the different type Ohlins I would have a better frame of reference. I have used many different brands and I have used the piggyback Ohlins and the remote reservoirs Ohlins but not on this bike and not the current offerings. As I said these shocks, when set up correctly, are nothing short of excellent.
grbrown, I believe that the Slovenia wheel "the oldest wheel in the World," was actually made in Poland as it is square.
Last edited by FastHarley; May 17, 2012 at 07:18 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
grbrown, I believe that the Slovenia wheel "the oldest wheel in the World," was actually made in Poland as it is square.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 963
Likes: 1
From: Bellefonte PA
For the sake of an accurate comparison can anyone tell me what the actual sag/ride height of a stock 12 inch shock is? (Street Glide or Road King Custom) I will measure mine when I get a chance, but I won't be home from work for a while. I know the stock shocks don't sag much, but I don't want to just assume they are 12 inches, because I'm sure they probably aren't.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
I think I asked you to come on down so we could go to Southbeach (Miami), eat stone crabs & lobster & drinking beer while looking at the historic architecture from the comfort of the outdoor bar, talking about shocks and motorcycling while avoiding this which we both already have at home.
grbrown, I believe that the Slovenia wheel "the oldest wheel in the World," was actually made in Poland as it is square.
grbrown, I believe that the Slovenia wheel "the oldest wheel in the World," was actually made in Poland as it is square.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
I have the 13.25" #2's(#2-#3) I don't ride super long distances consistently, I don't ride with alot of a load and I ride mainly solo. I do however spend some of my journeys going from one floorboard to another but I still have to ride on the freeways as well. At this point in time I have zero want for a different shock. But I have not tried another shock on this bike other than the stockers. Maybe if I took Howard up on his offer to come on out to Fla and test the different type Ohlins I would have a better frame of reference. I have used many different brands and I have used the piggyback Ohlins and the remote reservoirs Ohlins but not on this bike and not the current offerings. As I said these shocks, when set up correctly, are nothing short of excellent.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 963
Likes: 1
From: Bellefonte PA
To expand on the question in my original post; I guess I was assuming that more stroke is automatically better with all else being equal, thus thinking that the 2-3 would be better than the 2-2B. Perhaps there is more to it than that. Maybe the 2-2B with its shorter stroke is better suited to different situations such as solo vs 2 up or different riding styles. Maybe just a matter of preference in feel, firmer vs softer. I'm sure each version has it's niche, but I don't know what the specialty might be. Anyone care to weigh in on this?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
Well I'm not a shock expert but I think it depends on how much travel you need. I only found one guy searching the forums that has bottomed out the 2-2s, I forget which ones. Howard sets up the base firmness according to your needs and you dial it in on your bike. Honestly I think Howard will tell you what he believes is best for your riding style. He did me. I'm just trying to convince myself to fork over the extra 250.00.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
To expand on the question in my original post; I guess I was assuming that more stroke is automatically better with all else being equal, thus thinking that the 2-3 would be better than the 2-2B. Perhaps there is more to it than that. Maybe the 2-2B with its shorter stroke is better suited to different situations such as solo vs 2 up or different riding styles. Maybe just a matter of preference in feel, firmer vs softer. I'm sure each version has it's niche, but I don't know what the specialty might be. Anyone care to weigh in on this?
A feature of modern Harley owners (I've been riding them for almost 40 years) is the 'need' to flat foot. It isn't necessary and seriously limits the total travel available for the shocks. The 13" stock height of shocks is a good compromise and will actually suit most riders, except the very short or very tall.