Bitchin baggers shocks?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
If I actually wanted to go THAT low, I think bitchen baggers is the best way to do it. Because unlike brackets, you will never smack a tire into a fender with BB short shocks. I also like the fact that you can still adjust them with air. Aftermarket short shocks may ride better, but if you change loads, you have to adjust them to maintain ride quality. And getting spanners or twisting shock tops is a bigger pain than adding or dumping a little air. Just remember, you wil end up with less than two inches of total travel. That ain't much!
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,953
Likes: 28
From: Houston, TX
I went from BB to the Progressive 944 12" ride height shocks..... I forget what my BB's were, but I think they were 11.25 or 11.5
I will say I have been through 4 or 5 different shocks on the rear..... From really cheap, to kinda cheap, to middle of the road, to almost kinda expensive with the progressive 944s. I actually think the 944s are very pricey, but I guess not when compared to some.
Anyway, out of all the cheaper end shocks I tried, the BB's were the best. Going from stock, to those, you will notice a difference - for the worse. But, coming from cheaper, crappier shocks I had, they were an improvement :-)
When I put on the 944s, I was in love. I still had a 1" lower ride that helped me with my SLC (short leg challenge), and the ride was awesome.
If you only ride 50 miles at a time, and do not do multi-day trips, then the BBs are probably the way to go. I will ride 300-500 miles in a day, for almost a week trip, so I like the 944's.....
Just my
Hope it helps!
I will say I have been through 4 or 5 different shocks on the rear..... From really cheap, to kinda cheap, to middle of the road, to almost kinda expensive with the progressive 944s. I actually think the 944s are very pricey, but I guess not when compared to some.
Anyway, out of all the cheaper end shocks I tried, the BB's were the best. Going from stock, to those, you will notice a difference - for the worse. But, coming from cheaper, crappier shocks I had, they were an improvement :-)
When I put on the 944s, I was in love. I still had a 1" lower ride that helped me with my SLC (short leg challenge), and the ride was awesome.
If you only ride 50 miles at a time, and do not do multi-day trips, then the BBs are probably the way to go. I will ride 300-500 miles in a day, for almost a week trip, so I like the 944's.....
Just my
Hope it helps!
I didn't have them shorten my 13" shocks, but I did have them rebuild them. They did a good job, it wasn't terribly expensive, and it did ride better. I took them off when I got a set of JRI's.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 659
Likes: 4
From: Michigan
I had them shorten my stock ultra shocks an inch last summer. Turn around time was fast and the shocks looked like new when i got them back. The ride is so so. Most of tne time it floats down tne road nice but sharp small bumps and it bottoms hard. I carry a shock pump and try working different air pressures to find the best psi. I lowered the back so i could flat foot the bike at stops. If i had the extra money i wished i would have went with a adjustable air ride.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 1
From: SC
I'm looking for the reach. It has 12" on now with brackets. Looking to get rid if the brackets. I weigh 160-165 and spouse is 125-130. No more than 300-400 in a day. That's alone. She won't go that long.
Just wanting to know how harsh a ride to expect if I do it. Thanks
Just wanting to know how harsh a ride to expect if I do it. Thanks
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
I have mine shortened to 11.25". I actually had put on the 12" H-D Profile Low rear shocks, but they were not low enough for my tastes. I sent them to Bitchin Bagger and had them lowered another 3/4". I really like them and they work great. When Bitchin rebuilds them, they get another 1/2" travel built into them so even if you drop 1 1/2", you won't lose that much travel but will 1". However your tire won't rub the fender, unless you use a larger diameter non-stock tire/wheel. Bitchin Bagger also sets the shocks up for you and your passengers weight and expected load, if you plan to do mostly touring. They build these H-D shocks to about the best they can be, all for a very decent price, great workmanship and quick service.
As far as ride, if you run lower air pressure you won't notice a real difference. I run a little more pressure than what I normally would if the shocks were stock so its a little stiffer, but I don't mind. I also dropped the front with Harley's lowering spring and dampner kit and run Screamin Eagle fork oil so its stiffer all around, but its what I like. I don't want the front fender whacking the crossbar or the back end bottoming. Only once has the back end bottomed since I had them lowered 2 years ago, even with the old lady on the back I have no problems.
As far as ride, if you run lower air pressure you won't notice a real difference. I run a little more pressure than what I normally would if the shocks were stock so its a little stiffer, but I don't mind. I also dropped the front with Harley's lowering spring and dampner kit and run Screamin Eagle fork oil so its stiffer all around, but its what I like. I don't want the front fender whacking the crossbar or the back end bottoming. Only once has the back end bottomed since I had them lowered 2 years ago, even with the old lady on the back I have no problems.
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